Bullies & Buddies

Ransom loves people. However, his peer relationships are more complicated. He has yet to find a turnout buddy. At first, he shared the field with Zone, a mature paint. They got along fine, but the closest they got to being buddies was grazing nearby. When Zone went on stall rest due to an injury, Ransom met Noble and sparks flew from the start. Even after meeting over the fence in adjacent paddocks, the bay gelding wasted no time in establishing himself as the alpha horse. Ransom put in a good show, but his macho charges and squeals soon turned into retreating trots. He pranced around trying to maintain his dignity, but after nursing a few battle wounds, Ransom steered clear of Noble. They settled into co-existence, with Ransom always keeping a watchful eye on the enemy.

Yet this week, nearly a month following their introduction, Ransom’s fears were justified. After grazing amicably in opposite corners of the pasture for an hour, Noble sought Ransom out and proceeded to chase him, unrelenting, around the field, intent on taking a piece out that spotted hide. Poor Ransom nearly climbed the gate in his attempt to escape this gratuitous bullying.

Finally Ransom met Decor, an amiable paint gelding who wasn’t interested being boss. But as with Zone, the two geldings showed apathy towards the other; they were simply not interested in mutual grooming, playing, or swishing flies. So the search continues for a compatible best buddy for Ransom.