29/05/2026
It's been a long, cold, hard winter for many horses, some were definitely affected more than others. Today was the first time we've seen this boy relaxed and comfortable enough to lay down, and to lay down inside the barn while we were clearly visible. Many buggy horses, many work horses, are subjected to "standing stalls". It refers to stall where they are tied at the front and there is only room to stand, no lying down, no turning around, just standing. I can assure you that when you Google a standing stall, what is portrayed is not what they look like deep in some communities or how these horses are kept. It has taken this horse, who we haven't even introduced to you yet, 4 months to be comfortable enough to lay down. To lay down inside where it's clean, dry, and where humans can see him. The trauma runs deep for some. Petting him in his stall is foreign to him and he becomes very uneasy, not knowing what's expected of him. Once he realizes he isn't expected to do anything, no work, no moving, just standing, he will let out the biggest sigh. We haven't introduced him because he's been sad, depressed, unsure of how to accept his new life, and we just wanted peace and quiet for him. Time for him to understand he is safe, he is retired, and he can be comfortable on his own terms.
