Scarlet's Time

 Other than our donkey girls, the only other female in our little equine herd is our pony, Scarlet.  Scarlet is Donnie Brasco's sister.  Our males are all geldings (neutered) but Scarlet, of course, is not.  Normally mares go through estrus (in heat) every 19 to 22 days from spring through autumn. 

Some mares develop an attitude during these times.  Some become very aggressive towards the males.  I have never noticed this with Scarlet.  I always knew that she had a cycle, but it was never evident to me.

Then yesterday, as I watched the herd out in the front pasture for their morning grazing, I witnessed, for the first time, Scarlet's seductive behavior.

What caught my attention was the thundering of hooves as all of the horses raced around the pasture.

As I watched, it was quite clear that the instigator was dear Scarlet.

As everyone grazed, she would race around them, bucking, and kicking up her heels, almost running into them.

She seemed particularly enamored with her brother, Donnie... and would run up to him and then turn her backside towards him.  (Really, Scarlet... he's your brother!)

Luckily, the boys had no idea what was happening and graciously ignored her advances.

If nothing else, she certainly got her exercise!

Watching the horses race around with wild abandon is one of my favorite things.  I will have to play closer attention to Scarlet's amorous behavior over the summer and see if this happens on a schedule.

Yesterday afternoon, I headed to town... a few errands to run and then an afternoon of babysitting for this little one...

He's starting to creep... and soon will crawl.  What a sweet, happy baby he is... truly a blessing to his family!

I am happy to say that last night was our final cold night.  The forecast for the next two weeks puts nighttime temperatures in the fifties.  Let the planting begin!!