Growing With Dove

Dove discovered this day that if someone else cleans her pen and I am not in there giving her VIP scratches the entire time she will file a formal complaint.

Full baby horse tantrum activated. She pawed the manure bucket like she was filing paperwork and then about five seconds later launched herself dramatically across the pen because clearly the injustice had already begun.

Normally I am the one cleaning while she supervises and demands attention every five seconds, but since I am a little busted up right now, someone kindly stepped in to help me. Apparently Dove felt this temporary staffing change was unacceptable.

She kept checking like, “Excuse me, where is my person. Why is this not about me.” And then she slowly walked off, fully accepting that the stand in crew was not there to love her the way she prefers, and went to pout.

Two minutes later she forgave everyone and came back for attention like nothing happened. Tiny queen
energy remains undefeated. 👑🐴

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Last night reminded me how fast your heart can drop when you love something so deeply. The wind caught Dove at just the wrong moment and she lost her balance — and for a second, everything felt still.

But this morning she’s okay. Bright eyes, steady feet, and that quiet strength she carries even while she’s still growing into herself 🥲

Little training moment turned real-life test today. ✨
I asked for a sidestep just seconds before Chip spooked at the dog next door — and Dove surprised me by handling the chaos really well. She didn’t push through me, stayed thoughtful, and worked through it instead of reacting big.

Starting to think our personalities might be a little too similar… same reactions and all. 🖤

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New horse mom learning curve. I am still very new to foal and weanling raising, and this past weekend I worried about whether Dove would be warm enough, even though her body shows all the signs of being ready for colder weather.

After midnight check ins, warm girth, ears, and neck, no shivering, plenty of hay, and deep straw bedding, seeing her settle in and rest comfortably brought me so much peace. She is teaching me just as much as I am learning. Such a cutie. 🥰

Our first turnout together.
The baby.
The pony.
They could be each other…
…but we all know who the 8-year-old gelding is, right? 😉

A new enrichment, a brief spook, then a thoughtful return.
Trust grows through repetition and calm leadership.