i think she was defending you definitely! I think herd leaders think of their people as part of the herd and take care of them just as they dont allow any other member of the herd to be attacked unjustly. I think actually, the filly was jealous that you were going to Tosca, and attacked you for it and Tosca knew exactly what was going on and reprimanded her. My Jaspar is so stoic and will never ask for attention. He is aloof and distant. But when I DO go love on him and the others start crowding around he will whirl and lunge at them, like go away, she is giving me MY time.... and I remember one time when stonewall and traveller were about two and playing real hard, they started thundering around and I somehow got caught up in the middle of it in the pasture and all of a sudden I saw a dark blur from the corner of my eye and Jaspar was suddenly between them and me, and he just nonchalantly stood, then bent and started grazing. But I know without doubt he was protecting me. I really dont think he is devoted to me especially. I think he is herd leader and thinks of me as the old mare who feeds them. Tivar will bite nasi if he comes near me when I am in their paddock. and when I let them all out for turnout he will walk the fence with me to the gate, staying between me and the other horses just like a bodyguard. I think it is dominant herd leader behavior. Taking care of the others, telling the others how to act. The filly could have been trying to protect Tosca, she might feel it was her herd role? I always felt bad that Teev wont let me near nasi in the paddock but when I separated them recently and went to give them turnout and Teev wasnt there to take care of me Nasi galloped up in my space and cracked me in the nose as I was openeing the gate. So Maybe Teevs role is to keep him from acting too young and stupid and hurt people. Janice
-- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
