URAH Sunshine Gang

Dixie

Wind Walker

Silver Thor

Marnie

Damien w/ Bill (his favorite human)

Mario

Each time a new horse arrives, the herd goes through this 'ceremony'. It's essentially the same each time. I'm glad I was near the camera so that I could get these photos.

Wind Walker recognizes & submits to Mario as his superior.

After Mario checked him out, he galloped back to where the rest of the herd was waiting. About 15 minutes later, with Mario leading the way, the 'royalty' galloped down to the meeting gate. Ben (king gelding) is nose to nose with Wind Walker while Flikka (the princess - on Ben's far side) waits her turn. Mario stands guard on one side while Dixie (queen mare) & Ted E. (the dog) tell Shiloh it's not his turn yet. Right after I took this photo, Dixie took off after Shiloh and herded him into the alley.

Mario nuzzles Wind Walker.

~*~ THE INTRODUCTION RITUAL ~*~

Ben

Opie
Crossed the Rainbow Bridge
February 2008

Unlimited Rainbows Animal Haven

refuge and sanctuary for cats, dogs, farm fowl, horses and resident wildlife

Kochimira

Flikka

Mario (the herd 'point man') comes to check out the newest Sunshine Gang member - Wind Walker.

Wind Walker then nuzzles Mario.

Followed by mutual nuzzles.

Ben moves away and now it's Flikka's turn. Dixie has moved Shilo back where he belongs & Ted E helps her keep an eye on him while she stands broadside in the alley blocking Shiloh & the other 9 herd members. Mario signals everyone that the Sunshine Gang has a new member. The lower ranking herd members were permitted to visit with the new kid about 30 minutes later.