Great day with the horses
02/08/06 06:35 PM
It was glorious here today. The high was in the low 20's, but, with the sun shining and glistening on the few flakes of Lake-effect snow, it wasn't the least bit uncomfortable. As a matter of fact, while out playing with the horses, I had to take off my hat and mittens and unzip my jacket.
Theresa is in highest heaven today because she got on Lena, our 2 yr old Icelandic filly, for the first time. It is a thrill like none other to be the first human accepted on the back of a horse... well, if you can call Lena that. She's unlike any I have ever known. She is so smart, brave, curious, willing, and affectionate, that she seems more like a big dog than a horse (easier to train than any dog I've ever known, either). I just don't know what to make of her. Every time I play with her, I walk away shaking my head... is this for real, Lord?
We don't really know what the 4 other Icelandic ponies are going to be like to work with, yet, because they are all still pretty shy. The kids have been patient and allowing them to get used to us. They approach them in slow circles, quickly backing off if the ponies show tension. With this approach, they have been able to pet all of them. The youngest, a silver dapple stud colt that is as cute as a button, loves to be pet. Stephen has really fallen in love with him. It breaks my heart to have to tell him not to get too attached, because I think we'll have to sell him. There is a black yearling filly who is just about the same size as Lena. She seems to be the most curious about us and is hanging around closer and closer lately. She came up and smelled my hand today. She is so pretty.
For now, though, I don't mind letting the other ponies take their time in getting to know us, as we have enough to do with teaching Lena and the 2 mules, April and Mae, to lead, tie and pick up their feet. They are all coming along very nicely. Surprisingly, though, Lena is quickly getting ahead of the mules, even though she's only 2 and they are 5 and 7. All of them are so nice and calm and gentle. They have all been a pleasure to be with. I love owning horses again.