Friday, February 6, 2015

My Sweet Enigma

When it comes to complex personalities, Emma is a good rival for Connor.

She is sweet, kind, gentle and has immense patience.

She is also still quite shy and can be easily spooked, but is very brave.  Given time, she always overcomes her fears and moves on.

A while ago, Shelley asked if she is the leader of the herd.....the answer is: not really, but neither is she at the bottom.  Rather, she remains outside of the hierarchy and aloof to it.  She flows away from possible conflict like water around a stone and goes on as she sees fit.

Emma is very indendant and simply does what she wants when she wants.  If the others tag along, that is fine, if not, that is OK too.  Since the others don't want to be left out of anything, they follow her.  Sometimes, I know she would rather they didn't.  Tessa and Ramsey can both be a little pushy about wanting all the attention and Emma will usually back off rather than be crowded.  While the other two are busy with thier breakfast, I always go off a little way and spend some one-on-one time with Emma. Being the shy, independent sort is not always easy and I like to make sure Emma gets her share, even if she won't ask for it.

When Ramsey was little, she was very protective and took her mothering duties very seriously.  As he has gotten older, her role has changed.  She weaned him when he was between eight and ten months old.  When he was about one and a half, she seemed to step back a bit and let him take the lead more and more while still being there to back him up.

At two and a half, Ramsey is trying to find his place.  He tries pushing Tessa around a little and gets frustrated when she ignores him.  Emma just stays out of it and let's him work it out.  A good mom knows when it's time to let the kid figure things out on his own. It is hard for Ramsey, and probably Emma too, that there are not other donkeys for them to interact with. I'm sure Ramsey would be less of the momma's boy he still is if he had other playmates.  Still, they are working it out.  Emma has taught Ramsey well.

Instead of the fierce protector now, she is again the kind, shy enigma I first met.  My sweet Emma Girl.

14 comments:

  1. Nice to know more about Emma. She is a very pretty donkey.

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  2. She sounds a lot like me. well except for the sweet part. :) It always amazes me how some people don't see the personalities of equines.

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  3. I think you and Emma are Soul Sisters. :)

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  4. Herd dynamics. You are quite an observer. Emma has become a regal lady.

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  5. I just cannot get enough of the adorable fluffiness that is your donkeys during the winter!

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  6. Herd dynamics seem to change a little at a time.
    I know my Eddie seems to think he is boss, until Princess pushes him out of the way. He plays rough with another young donkey and a young mule. It is fun to watch them chase each other with reckless abandon.
    Looks like you had a beautiful day to be out!

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  7. Over the years I have been reading your enjoyable blog, I've learned so much and your photos are just beautiful. I think Emma has become such a beautiful donkey. The face is to die for. So sweet and as you say such a wonderful, enigmatic being. A pleasure reading this Friday post. I hope the weather doesn't give you too much of a wallop this weekend.

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  8. Such a beautiful, sweet girl is Miss Emma. And she looks so lovely in her warm winter coat. You've been blessed with such wonderful companions! ♥♥

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  9. Aww this is a lovely post - and what better character to write about than Emma, she sounds a wonderful person to have around. And she is lucky to have found someone that really 'gets' her. Ear scratches for a special donkey.

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  10. She sounds a lot like my Dorrie - a complex character whom I adore. Donkeys are so interesting to get to know really well - they don't always show you who they really are until you have earned their complete trust.

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  11. I love this post. I love how you "read" your animals. Your Sweet Emma Girl is one very fortunate donkey lady.

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