Best of Friends

Cimba and Garth, with Boogie in the back

Cimba lives at a boarding facility and has done for 5-6 years.  He's well taken care of there.  He's happy with the owners and staff, and, best of all, he's made friends. 

During the day, Cimba runs in a herd of other geldings.  Garth is his best friend and is owned by the barn owners.  Garth is the Alpha male of the herd and therefore calls the shots.  Garth's call most of the time?  Pay attention to Cimba.  He loves Cimba, and Cimba loves him.  This leaves the other members of the herd, Boogie and Pary, out in the cold more often than Boogie would like.  (Pary doesn't care--he's happy to follow the rest of the herd around)  The picture I posted with this story pretty well exemplifies the relationship of the herd.  Cimba standing around,  Garth nibbling on him, Boogie trying to get some attention too, and Pary off who knows where. 

I find this relationship funny for several reasons.  One, Garth is the Alpha yet lavishes his attention on Cimba.  He's constantly gently nibbling on his back, nudging him on the shoulder, or resting his head on Cimba's back.  And two, Garth is huge, and beautiful, and he's enthralled with a tiny little Arab.  Cimba seems to like the attention, as he rarely walks away from Garth.  I don't know if that's because my vain horse likes the attention, or if he's happier that the attention is driving Boogie crazy.  I wouldn't put that past him.

Last week, Cimba was tranquilized for a veterinary procedure.  After we were done, Cimba was starting to wake up, and we put him outside with his herd, so the fresh air and breeze could help him wake up faster.  Nikki, the owner of the barn (and also Garth), said, "Cimba will be fine outside.  Garth will take care of him."

And take care of him he did.

It's not unusual for the herd to rally around another member who is returning to the pen.  What melted my heart is the fact that Garth wouldn't leave Cimba's side.  He walked alongside him, lavishing his usual attention, but in a gentler manner.  Keeping the other horses from Cimba, making sure he was safe.  And when I left, an hour later, Garth was still at Cimba's side.

Cimba is lucky to have such a good friend.