Update:
When "JJ" arrived, he was quarantined in our segregated pen for about six weeks, to ensure his good health and that his arrival would be better accepted by the (very-established) herd.
I spent lots of time just being with him and trying to get acquainted, allowing him to let me in, when he was ready. It didn't take long for him to ask to be rubbed on, nor did it take long for me to realize that he and I had communication issues (undoubtedly stemming from his history and my own learning curve). He spoke a horsey language that I've never seen before, and we burned as many bridges as we built.
Once this realization set in, I began slowly acclimating the herd (5 mustangs, 1 QH) to him; introductions between fences, etc.. Everything seemed to go blase'. Finally, he was let out into the herd.
This was a very troubling time, for me, because he was immediately ostracized and treated seemingly brutal by all of the other horses, who had never behaved that way before. I wanted to protect him and kept an eye on his physical and emotional state. The very next day, a severe winter storm set in and I was very worried that he would be in trouble- the others wouldn't allow him anywhere near the barn and he stood facing a large stand of trees on the opposite side of the pasture.
It took a couple of us to try and get him back in the segregation pen, but he simply refused and made it impossible. Instead, we kept a watchful eye and were relieved when everyone finally let him, at least, near the barn and he was able to stay warm and dry.
It has taken a while to get him in a position, with the herd, that he is allowed to eat with them and share the barn (we were feeding him separately). The payoff is that he is bottom, very bottom, of the totem pole and is learning horse language. Also, he has begun to be more interested in me, undoubtedly from the swarming I receive from the others.
His winter will be one of learning, but with the other horses. I'm so anxious to work with him and establish the bond that I have with my mustangs, but it is detrimental that he learn what only the other horses can teach him. Their language and hierarchy is the only one I truly trust and it is up to him to find his place and learn what they have to offer.
Although he 'joined up' with me, while he was segregated, I believe it will be much more meaningful, to him, when Spring comes around and we begin anew.
We've gone through many names; I put a lot of consideration into that, keeping true to my taking myself too seriously, lol, but I think that Tipani is his. He seemed to roll his eyes at me when I asked him what he thought of 'Griffin', LOL.
I love the movie Avatar and ran into this statement, which we humorously and immediately chimed was," 'JJ', all the way," LOL. "The Tipani are a very spiritual tribe, yet also cunning and highly dangerous warriors. They are reluctant to engage in diplomacy with humans, and yet they have embraced the study of Earth languages."
Goofy, I know, but what a beautiful name and it helps incorporate his past as well as his future.
We all love Tipani and although there were times we worried that he wouldn't fit in, he is part of the family now and we'll do whatever we can to ensure his life here is happy.
In interim; It amazes me, everyday, and especially when I'm working with horses that have been abused, at how much they put up from humans. Tipani is no exception and it amazes me that he has been through so much human ignorance and abuse and still has a heart of gold and is willing to try with me. I cannot wait to see this caterpillar bloom into the butterfly.
I hope you'll arrange a visit to stop by and enjoy my horses with me.
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