Donkey Algebra

Ben is sound and healthy and seems very happy and content these days.  He was a bit aloof when he first came here and somewhat wary in a quiet, stoic way.  Dave tells me that he was always that way at his place too.  Ben is coming out of that shell though as he adjusts to living here.  I think he is thriving in a small, non-threatening, close-knit herd.

Ben strikes me as more of a lover rather than a fighter and he dislikes conflict or drama of any sort.  I think he has spent most of his life at the bottom the pecking order and, rather than fight his way up, he stays on the edges and works to avoid confrontation.

The only exception to this is where food is involved as he was rather guarded and defensive about his food when he arrived.  However, that faded once he realized that there is always something edible available to him here.  He might have to go looking for it or work to get it out of the nets, but it is always there and that relieves a huge source of stress for him.  He was terribly annoyed by the hay nets at first, but he has come to appreciate them.

I have also found all of Ben's favorite scratchy spots and make a point of spending time with him every morning, after his vitamin breakfast, rubbing his ears and scratching his withers.  Now, instead of being aloof, he follows me around like a puppy and comes when I call.

Ben is incredibly sweet and lovable and even Ramsey is starting to accept him more - as long as he gets hugs and scratches at the same time Ben does.  Ramsey requires two scratches for every one that Ben gets, which Ramsey thinks is fair since he is half Ben's size.  That is donkey algebra for you.

Ben is gradually becoming a true part of the herd and the more integrated he becomes, the more relaxed and content he is.   Ramsey would still like him to disappear on occasion, but much to Ramsey's dismay, Ben does not feel intimidated by him in the least.  It drives Ramsey a little crazy sometimes, but he is working it out.

Ben is still very intimidated by Tessa, but she is the least threatening horse on the planet and she loves donkeys.  He is gradually figuring that out, although he doesn't entirely trust it just yet.

All in all, I think that Ben is happy here and learning to be very content.  He has also figured out that I have fallen pretty hard for him and he is learning how to keep me wrapped around his not-so-little ears.  I think Ramsey may be giving him lessons in secret.