Shortpig
Well-Known Member
patient. While waiting for a foal to be born I have slept not only in the barn, but in the stall with my mare
only to wake up and find her sleeping right beside me. I was between her and the wall praying to god she
wouldn't decide to move over. Even though you know they are totally ready to pop "the watch pot never
boils" is one of the most true phrases I have ever heard. Just turn your back, walk away, be distracted,
and when you return. The honery little fart is walking around the stall, proud to be born. I have learned
some new words from this happening to me. Another thing I have learned. The stallion is not the boss.
He might think he is but trust "Not True".
I have learned that horses do not need fingers. They can turn an unlocked padlock and then poke it out
of the hole with their upper lip. They can somehow magically remove a bucket w/snap from the wall where
it hangs very quickly and then look at you like you are the crazy one. They can magically slip out of a
blanket and it is still hooked. They are truely magicians. They have taught me that given the opportunity
to live as a family unit they prefer it. They know for years and recognize their own. I guess they are like
whales in that respect. As a sample. I took my stallion to a show at the fair. He hadn't seen his son for
a few years. He placed himself between his son and the horses in the class and let them know he was
ready to defend him at all cost.
I have a mare who loves small children. When she hears them playing in the neighborhood she will run
the fence and scream and call to the kids. It's as if she is telling them to come to her and she will take
good care of them. A mother to her own feels a strong mothering instinct to all children in the world.
They can climb on her and she will stand like a statue for them. You can watch her and tell that she is
doing what she was born to do.
I have learned that everyone was put on this earth to fullfill a special purpose. There are some of us who
were lucky enough to be put her to care for the animals of our world. I am one of those. My horses are
well cared for, fed properly and their feet are cared for. They are happy. There are 5 horses here. My two mares are full sisters, My stallion Jimmy lives with his son Koda. They sometimes argue but don't even try
to separate them. Then there is Duckie who lives with Jasmine her Dam and Ariel her Aunt. They are lost when one is taken away. This is a family in every sense. They take care of each other. No fighting over feed. They can eat from the same bucket and there is no fighting. They will take turns grabbing a bite.
I have also learned that horses are no different than any other living being. They become attached and fond of their people as long as they are treated fairly. They bond. I have had my three original horses for about 13yrs they like being home with me. They show their love for me in alot of ways. When my stallion is not
at home he actually shows signs of depression. Laugh I don't care it is true. It strains his comfort level. Imagine being hauled somewhere not knowing how to communicate and being left their for strangers to take care of. How truly scary that would be.
Another thing I have learned is when giving shots, if it is Ariel, give it quickly and don't be nice, stand by her front and give her hugs and scritches to make her feel better. She will very intentionally shift her weight and stomp on your foot. Don't believe me just ask the vet. She got the vet twice. I won't mention what the vet
threatened to do next time she gave her a shot.
I guess the last thing I learned was when driving my stallion, he has a way of looking tired and drug out like he can't walk another step. But the minute you remove that harness all his energy magically returns and boy can he run, buck, and fart. It has worked for him so many times.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this. As I write this they stand in their barns eating their breakfast and staying dry. We live in Oregon and the rain starts in October and hopefully will end in May. They are happy and healthy. I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving this year and a very very prosperous New Year. My family sends all their love for you to receive only good wishes for all.
OH!
