I have managed to get the horses out on grass a couple of times this past week. They haven't been allowed out on it for very long -- we need no colic or founder here -- but they were very excited about getting out at all.
Merry knew what was going on as soon as I started shifting the temp-fence panels around and got himself quite worked up. It was particularly hilarious that first time, because Rocky had no idea what was going on. Poor guy just stood up in the door to Zahr's stall and watch in confusion as the other boys went bolting out into the green as soon as I opened the gate. I actually had to call him down and talk him through the gate. He's an odd one, is Mr Rockmeteller. (This is where I have to admit that, in my mind, he's not Rocky after the fictional boxer, but after Rockmeteller "Rocky" Todd of P.G. Wodehouse's Jeeves & Wooster stories. He's just that sort of hapless goof that populates those stories.)
Getting them back up off the grass is always a challenge -- I can usually get Merry & Zahr running & wound enough that they'll barrel up into the paddock & I can shut the gate behind them. Rocky & Gimli I have to go fetch with a lead rope.
The girls all had to be fetched with the lead, too. Although, I didn't nearly have the battle with Morgana that I sometimes have in the past. Once I had the rope on her, she came along well enough. No tricking her by backing her towards the gate this time.
Unfortunately, with all the rain we've had in the last day, & look to be getting over the next few, it'll probably be a while before I can get them back on the grass again. I don't want them tearing it all up because the ground's too wet.
While I didn't have the camera when the boys went on their big tear their first day out, I did get some photos of them out grazing (and one of Rocky pacing the fenceline, looking forlorn after I locked them back in the paddock -- I won't post that one 'cause he'd just rolled in the mud and looks entirely too gross in it). I'll post a few of the best here.
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