Behavior

It has been very cold lately, and the grounds at the farm are covered with ice. We have not even been hand walking, let alone riding.

So I am surprised that Molly has been letting me pick up her feet. I've been doing this even though they are quite clean, to keep her mind ready for her next farrier visit.

One of my colleagues at work had looked up the term "muleskinner" and discovered it involves the ability to cope with mules' intelligence. She asked with some surprise if mules are really smart. I said that that was the general impression, but that opinions vary.

Molly in her former pasture at Duane's. He supplied the "Attack Mule" sign.

I should have added that equines vary, too. There's such a great range of personalities from horse to horse, but also a range of moods within one creature. I sometimes find Molly's behavior just awful, but I usually end up wondering if I've somehow contributed to it (see my earlier post called "Grass").

Her farrier and I have tried several methods of getting her to let her feet be held for longer periods. Our worst idea was to use treats, because she immediately focused on those and lurched around looking for more. So far our best idea is to wait until the farrier arrives to give her her morning hay.

Her farrier is always confident, patient, and consistent. I learn a lot just by watching her.