Loose Horse!

I was visiting with Abby up by the old barn this afternoon, and like usual, counted noses. Snickerdoodle wasn't around. I scanned the pastures for him, and caught sight of him over by the new barn, all by himself.

I couldn't tell for sure because I was so far away, but it looked like he was loose. He was right next to the small paddock, but was he in it or on the other side of the fence?

I hopped into my car and drove around the property to the new barn to find out.

Yep! He was outside of the fence, all right!

I keep Abby's halter and lead rope in my trunk, so I popped the lid and grabbed them and my leather gloves. I also unwrapped and pocketed several peppermints - I'd never given Snickerdoodle a treat before, but I wanted to have something to entice him, just in case.

As I walked over to him, it was clear he knew what I intended, and he turned away from me. I paused, and so did he. Speaking in a gentle tone, I held out my hand and offered him the treat. He took a couple of hesitant steps toward me, but as soon as he heard the chain on my lead rope jingle, he backed off again.

At this point, Karen, who lives in the new house on the property, came up behind me. She had seen Snickers was loose from her windows and had come out to help. Turns out Snickers had been out overnight, too! She'd caught him this morning and then walked the fence, but couldn't see where he'd gotten through. So she'd put him back in with the other horses and had been keeping an eye out the window, just in case.

Together we herded the little escapee back through the gate of the small paddock and then into the main pasture with the other horses. We then added some rope between the posts of the fence where we suspected he was pushing through.

Tim is out of town and due back tonight. Karen is going to keep an eye out her windows and call me if she needs help rounding up Snickerdoodle again.

I would not be surprised if I get a phone call.