A friend for Spencer...what?

So, I've been keeping a bit of a secret... No, I haven't found a pony or a mini for Spencer and no, I didn't buy another horse (at least not yet!...  ;-)

A couple of months ago, an acquaintance from the boarding barn down the road asked me if I would consider boarding her horse at my place.  I wasn't sure - I was told that Spencer was a bully and difficult with other horses, etc.  I thought about it for a couple of weeks and asked around if this girl was ok and in the end we decided to go ahead and try it for a few months.

Bailey arrived yesterday (we hand-walked him down the road) and things are going well so far. He and Spencer are almost  twins - similar size, colour, etc.  They were both a bit excited at first (in stalls across the aisle) but after that, they both settled down. We decided to try turning them out together right away.  There was some squealing and kicking, but within 2 minutes, they were side by side grazing in the paddock!

I'll let the pics do the talking.

The initial meeting....

There were some pinned ears and funny looks from Spencer. (on the left) Bailey justs wants to eat grass.

Friends?  They grazed together for a good hour without any fuss, so I left them alone...

I came back out to the barn a bit later and found them grooming each other.  It was quite the session. I don't think Spencer has been turned out with another horse in years...

Spencer enjoying the grooming

Day 2 is going well so far as well.  I expect there might be some excitement once the honeymoon wears off...  LOL So far it is much better than I had hoped.  I also took Spencer out front this morning to work on some showmanship.  I am slightly concerned about them getting too attached as well, but Spencer was happy to work and didn't call out once.  Bailey called a few times, but he is in a new place, so it is normal for him to be a bit unsettled at first.

Here's hoping it all works out well!