I had a guy over doing some work at my place today and he was taking some branches out to the alley before he left. I was on the other side of the property. Turns out, he didn't close the gate to the pasture and within seconds after he pulled out of the driveway, I had 4 horses galloping out the gate down the alley and out onto the street.

I ran to grab halters, leads and strings and the horses had luckily, stopped to nibble in a patch of grass. One of the horses is a relatively new arrival and has never been 'around' the outside. This can at times present the worst scenario because this horse could have incited the others to dash down the street. And it's a busy street!!

The good news is that I could act like this was a normal experience and walk up to the milling herd quietly, but quickly, snap my fingers at each one at a time and say 'come here' and they did.

Figuring out how to maneuver all four of them between plants and driveways and cars going by and getting them each back in the gate was interesting but within about 15 minutes of their escapade everyone was back in the pasture.

Of course, this happened at 1 pm in 105 degree heat. Alas, all is good!!

This is a very good reason that it's a good idea to teach your horse how not to spook and run in unfamiliar circumstances, how to be okay with you approaching in a quick manner and to come when called. Ya think?