Xena is scheduled to be introduced to her permanent herd on Sunday afternoon — four days from now. Susan (our barn owner) and I have chosen Sunday for a couple of reasons: #1 Susan will be available to supervise the herd as they’ll be in a large paddock near the house. #2 I’ve asked that Xena’s initial time with the herd be scheduled so that I can be there, because I want to learn about herd behaviour and to look out for my ‘baby’. Not that Xena or Susan are likely to need me!
For the next few days, I’ll time my visits so that Xena and I will be watching from the fence as her herd is turned-in for their afternoon grain, and as they’re turned-out again 20 minutes later. They take turns greeting Xena, and jockeying for position at the fence.
During the introductory phase, Xena will be turned-out with the herd for about two hours each evening, and spend the remaining 22 hours each day with the anti-social, but non-threatening pony. Susan thinks the herd will accept Xena after 7 or 8 days of repeating these 2 hour visits. This way, Susan can control the intensity of the experience for Xena — and probably for me too!
I’m becoming a bit nervous in anticipation of Sunday. I know Xena will understand what’s happening, but this is all new for me — I’ve only owned her for 5 weeks!
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