Fenrir

I didn't realise Kai was that big! Lovely photos of her and Minski Great update Clare, Loki is looking fabulous! I think he looks fitter and happier too, I can't wait to see summer photos of him, very different from the horse you first posted photos of. Very glad that the move has gone well and that you are out of the other yard, it didn't sound very pleasant for either of you.

I couldn't agree more, so many parents seem to think this sort of behaviour is acceptable. I suspect a fair number don't think it is OK but can't be bothered to do anything about it as long as the kids are not hassling them, very sad for both the dogs and the children. I would never trust someone elses opinion of an animal without making my own assessment either.

I've seen this sort of behaviour too. As Owl suggests I think there is a lot more to pack politics than the usual alpha dog stuff that gets bandied around, dogs are far more complex than that in my experience. I have read that Newfoundlands are known for this sort of behaviour, that if one of their pack (I think it was talking about humans) is threatened they will not act aggressively but will put themselves between whoever they are protecting and the aggressor.

Domino's beautiful! Does he have a solid black tail? It looks like it from the photo's which strikes me a unusual in a piebald.

Rolo is looking great! His mane and tail look like they have had quite a bit of work on them.

Yes they are and rather short legged in proportion which Bear doesn't look to be either.

Mist: So glad things are moving forwards for you and Cueva. We need photos! Bradders: Good work with Rolo, thats great progress in three weeks, you must have put some work into it. Looking forward to the photos. Clare: Even I'm excited about the new yard! Hope there will be some photos Phoenix21: Bear does look rather lovely Jackysian: You promised us Kane photos!

Lizzy and Sunny are especially 14 Shetlands though I thought they would be twice the work of the horses, naughty little devils all the ones I've met Great photos, I hope we get to see lots more.

Great news

Can I second that one? Loki and Rolo need some guidelines for what they are aiming for. Cueva seems to be strangely missing from this thread too and Nott of course.

I agree with Border Collie all the way. Especially these days when we get to see amazing footage of animals in the wild on TV. Zoos are a legacy of a past era which I feel will die out in time. People should not be encouraged to see animals as entertainment. Is childrens education really furthered by gawping at trapped animals in a cage, however big and posh that cage is? Conservation is best served by respecting the animal kingdoms right to have some space on this planet, even if it is highly valuable development land, and letting them get on with it. The most useful breeding program in terms of the environment would be one that controlled our own species population.

Will reminds me of a very handsome horse I used to ride called Brigadeer he's very striking looking. Apple has a beautiful face Well done on making the move Clare How is Loki's stomach problem doing?

Loki Such a gorgeous bottom too. I think he is looking more muscular and a better shape. I can really see Loki doing x-country in the future. Your current YO sounds more and more dislikeable, driving any vehicle fast past a horse is not nice in my book, regardless of whether they are stabled or not I don't think you are over reacting at all, I'd be livid in your position. I do think you would enjoy owning Loki more if he was somewhere else but I guess only you know whether you can afford the extra time and money, you could always move him and keep an eye out for somewhere closer to home. He is a beautiful horse, you made a good choice

Drugs can be anything from mild hassle (which you are already experiencing) to big, big trouble for lots of reasons - the narcotic effects, the medical effects, the wider psychological effects, the people that hang around them, the people that supply them, the law, the lifestyle. Given that you don't do them yourself, is this girl worth taking all that onboard?

Surgery on your brain is pretty serious! Facial surgery isn't in the same league. It is still a very scary idea but you have to appreciate that a lot of that fear comes from the biological urge to protect your face at all costs because of the major sensory bits that reside there - eyes, nose, mouth and ears. That instinct is from one of the most primitive parts of the brain. That part of the brain cannot not understand about surgical procedures, it is just the drive of self preservation (if that makes sense). So when you think about a knife near your face that part of your brain instantly cuts in and starts shieking 'NO! NO! NO!' this reaction is not always realistic to the actual risk. It is more developed in some people than others, some people can control it or set the feeling aside more than others, I find it helps me to realise what is going on. The same thing makes people hate being on their own, frightened of heights etc Someone suggested going for the consultations as it is a last chance and that seems a good idea to me. You can back out any point.