Controlling your teenager with a flick of an ear

Bluebell and her girls (photo by Ann Romberg)

I was enjoying some time with Bluebell this afternoon and she was enjoying the attention. She loves to be fussed over and it was very relaxing for me too. Annie, who is almost three now and an equine teenager, spotted what was happening and, being Annie, had to come and investigate. Bluebell was standing close to the fence so Annie came around her in her usual bright, breezy manner, fulling expecting to muscle in on whatever was going on. Bluebell, however, was not in the mood for sharing. She laid back the ear that was nearest to Annie. It was a very small gesture but the message was clear. Annie stopped dead in her tracks and then wandered off, leaving Bluebell to enjoy some more attention.

Bluebell has always been a strict Mum with very clear boundaries and it has clearly paid off. Annie didn’t question the message, even for  moment. I reckon that there are probably many Mums out there who would like to be able to control their teenagers with such ease!