Unfortunately it was a tick bite, but at least it served a purpose. I could give her something she loved. This became the routine for more than a week, until the bite began to heal and was no longer itchy. I immediately looked around for another tick…nooo, just kidding. Anyway, around here you don’t have to look far to find ’em.
I love it when Kathleen comes home, camera in hand. I tend to forget about these sweet moments until I start browsing through her weekend of photos. I didn’t even know she was standing behind me when this next batch was taken. I had paused to play with Mouse for a moment. I’m always searching for easy things for her to do because that brain is always on and always working. Easy for me, not her. She doesn’t need easy because she understands so quickly. She and Skeeter get their morning and evening Safe Starch forage (with our supplements added) in the side shed of the barn (see the Diet and Nutrition page on the website: http://www.thesoulofahorse.com). They each receive a bit more than the other horses, Skeeter because he’s older and Mouse because she’s younger and still developing. So we lock them up to keep the others out. Mouse and I began this-after meal ritual maybe two weeks ago. She was making it all the way on the first day.
I ask her to step up onto Malachi’s platform.
“Now walk on up, Mouse.”
“Now turn. Easy. Keep all your feet on the platform.”
Which is not easy for those long gangly legs.
“Good girl.”
She tucks in and makes the turn
without losing a foot maybe 8 times out of 10.
One day I was in a hurry so after she had stepped up, and walked all fours up, I gave her a quick rub and a treat and hurried over to open a gate. When I looked back she had made the 180 degree turn all by herself and was just standing there looking at me. Where are you going? We weren’t finished. I laughed out loud… and of course she got another rub and another treat.
Cash was taking it all in, and I was hoping the cleverness was being internalized.
Me? Do that silly circus stuff? I don’t think so.
Come back soon my Sweetie. I miss you, and I suspect a few of our readers out there do too.
Joe
Note: added July, 2011:
Kathleen is at last here for good! It’s been a long two years y’all. But at last we are a family again. Sweet!!!
I am so glad you saved Noelle!!!
She is such a sweet hear! My twin wants to get
a Mustang that is pregnant.
Where did you get her I forgot.
The BLM facility just north of Reno.
I still keep in contact with Genny Kerns and “Sunshine Sally Sue” ( baby Benji). Making the movie in Utah was the thrill of a life time. Good luck with all your endevors.
Now retired and living in Texas.
Sincerely,
Jeanette and Dennis Wright
Joana,
I couldn’t agree with you more!
Love the pictures. Noelle certainly seems to be
much more lovey dovey than she used to be. Ticks
or no ticks.
And Mouse must be a character. I bet you can just
feel her thinking things out.
Maggie
Such beautiful pictures and horses. Thank you Kathleen and Joe for sharing these.
Great job Kathleen! A camera does make all the difference :-)
You know Joe, I got this feeling that your horses are waiting for you to discover them. They all have something to teach you (us), they’re just waiting for the right time spot to do it. They are going to surprise all of us! Keep up the excellent work!
From across the Atlantic Ocean,
Joana