theoldbrownnag:

Riley has learned that Ivy’s human always has pockets full of carrots and other delights.

This means that when I enter the pasture, and once the mares recognize the human that approacheth, Riley now tries to get to me before Ivy (aka Current Top Mare) does.

Thus, marching-walk races ensue.

On this occasion, all three mares lifted their head from the grass in unison to acknowledge I was there. Cadence returned to grazing, Ivy took three or four steps my way before lowering her head back to her grass, but Riley considered me a moment as I came across the pasture, then moved toward me. Once Ivy saw that someone else might get her carrots – What nerve! – she started toward me at a brisk walk aiming to catch up with and then surpass the other mare. So a slow-gaited race ensued. Riley made it to my side first, as she was closer to begin with, only to be pushed away a moment later as Ivy, ears pinned, placed herself resolutely between me and the interloper.

Both mares received some carrot, but I may have a new challenge on my hands. Haha!