May 12, 2010 – Another flymask

Keeping his distance from the older mare who didn't
recognize that it was just Rory

I went to Greenhawk's sale last week and picked up a few items (I made a list, stuck to it, and even didn't buy something that was on the list after deciding I really didn't need it). One of the items was a Greenhawk cheapie long nose flymask for Rory. The weather promptly got cold and miserable so I didn't see any point in putting the mask on him (especially since I don't think TOY is going to let Rory wear it for very long.

I put it on today. I brought Rory out of the field after letting the brat go. Rory jumped a bit when I ripped the velcro open, but settled right away and didn't mind me putting the mask on over his ears and stuffing the sides and nose under the halter. It fit quite well (arab size). The long nose doesn't come down as far as I expected, but it should help provide some sun protection. Once the mask was on and I'd taken a couple of pics we went back to the field and I turned him loose.

The other horses decided that they didn't recognize this new horse in the field and Rory was very shortly mobbed, and shortly after that involved in a tear about the field. A couple of the mares were obnoxious, one going so far as to push between Rory and Toy and then turn and kick at Rory when she realized he was just the same little poop yearling. Rory had enough sense to dodge, but got stuck between her bum and the three year old's bum, bouncing back and forth a couple of times before squeaking between the three year old and the fence to get free. The three year old didn't threaten him at all, he was just feeling a little picked on by then. Toy was at first scared of the masked Rory, and then fascinated, becoming obnoxious as he tried to get a close look (and taste?) of the flymask. I kept checking through the day, but Rory was still wearing the mask when I left early this evening.

I took a bunch of pictures, but of course they are not great because he's wearing a flymask.

Toy was fascinated by the new mask