Monday, March 30, 2009

A Good Horse!!

I've been away for awhile. Seems all kinds of things just eat up my time these days. But many of them have been of the positive variety. My twins recently celebrated their 6th birthday! We had a great family day in NYC visiting the big Toys R Us in Times Square, having lunch uptown and visiting the Central Park Zoo. The polar bear and the rainforest exhibit were guaranteed kid pleasers! Both boys are also about to lose that first tooth. My money says Harrison will lose that front one within 24 hours!

And of course, the biggie is - I am smitten with a horse! I love him! He hasn't even been here a week and I know he's the one! He's a 5 year old, black and white paint, over 17 hands tall, Percheron/TB cross. Say hello to Rugby.



He arrived a week ago Wednesday amidst a mix-up of scheduling. First he was supposed to be delivered between 10:00PM and midnight on Tuesday. Okay, late but do-able. Then the shipper's office called and said the time had been changed to between 10:00AM and noon the following day. Okay, daylight is better, so I told the office at my barn.

At 6:00AM Wednesday morning the phone rang. In a sleepy stupor I hear my husband say," He's HERE? NOW?". My husband was already dressed since of all days he had a 6:30AM train to catch to work in NYC that day for his company. He told me he'd go to the barn and once I was dressed I could catch up. Now I'm freaking because there was dry bran mash left in the pail for the horse and I didn't want him just walking into the stall and eating it before it could be mixed with water.

So, in my plaid pajama pants, black rubber Wellie boots and big, red, down-filled riding jacket with the complimentary bedhead and eyeglasses, I jump in the truck and go to greet my new horse. Freakin' fabulous. America's next top stylist here I come.

And there he was. Strolling off the gooseneck trailer like an old show pro. My husband already had the feed tub out of the stall (he's well trained) and was walking in with the driver and horse. The driver apologized for the schedule change. I didn't care, he got here safe and sound. And I know when the guy got back in the truck he must've turned to his partner and said, " Did you see the get-up on that gal? I don't care who you are, that's funny!"

He just settled in, like he belonged there. The old lesson horse next to him loves him. He has already become the barn favorite. And he works it for treats. It felt like the connection between he and I was effortless. He's a wonderful, trusting guy.

He's very green. He needs work but he's got a good temper and sturdy body. I got to ride him for the first time this past weekend. It wasn't perfect but the potential is there. I got moments under saddle that tell me with training and time he will be something wonderful. There are many things about his ride that remind me of a younger, greener, Monty. It's exciting! And he's already half mine. I left a deposit on him. I have him for 3 weeks on trial but I just know my search is over!

19 comments:

English Rider said...

Congratulations, he is very handsome, and what a great name. Can't wait to hear more soon.

Mrs. Mom said...

YAY!!!!! WHOOHOOO!!! WAY TO GO!!!!!!!! This is SO exciting, and I am SO happy for you!!!!!

Cant wait to hear more about that Rockin' Rugby Man!!

jill said...

Horses are good judges of character. So it's great that Rugby has settled quickly and the other horses like him.
Good Luck!

Pony Girl said...

He's beautiful,cool name, can't wait to see more pictures! I signed up to follow so I can stay up to date.
This post cracked me up with your "complimentary bedhead" comment! ;)

Leslie Sealey said...

Congratulations! Can't wait for more pics; he's gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful boy! I'm jealous - I've always wanted a draft cross - nice to get the size with an overlay of that relaxed draft personality. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Jean said...

What a beautiful expression Rugby has. I think I am in love with him too! The Percheron/TB mix should be wonderful. I love the Percherons I known and, of course, I adore Thorougbreds.

I am sure you will get his training successfully started well within the trial period, and know for sure he is "your good horse!"

Congratulations.

As for your fashion statement...I know a horsewoman who ended up chasing an escaped little herd dressed in leopard baby doll pjs and rubber boots. Must have been quite a sight when the police saw her trying to corral the loose horses in the driveway.

Anyone who owns horse would understand. And anyone who doesn't simply has no sense of taste. Personally, I think plaid PJ's go quite well with Wellies. *VBWG*

C-ingspots said...

So happy for you two!! He is a beautiful boy.

OnTheBit said...

What a looker! And I don't mean you at the butt crack of dawn :P. We have all been there. When I was working at Gen's barn and had to FEED by 5:15 am there was no way I was getting dressed...PJs and unbrushed hair it was. He has a very sweet face and I am so glad you like him! As soon as my trainer called me to tell me about him I couldn't wait to tell you...but then you had the whole Diego thing and I figured it wasn;t meant to be. But it was! I knew he was your horse when I heard about him. I am good at stuff like that. In fact, my track record is 100% for finding people perfect horses. You still have 3 weeks though so if he turns out to be terrible you can always send him back. And if not I am so happy you two found each other! He is so handsome I can't wait to see a picture of you dressed up on him!

Anonymous said...

Oooh, I like him, but I am an owner of a black/white Shire cross horse. Good Luck!!

Once Upon an Equine said...

Oh! Percheron and TB - two of my favorite breeds. He looks nice & has a very pretty head. Congrats and best wishes for a growing bond with him.

And for fashion..I am so looking forward to summer so I can just roll out of bed in the morning and scoop poop in my PJs. Fortunately for the neighbors, never in baby dolls like that woman Jean mentioned.

wilsonc said...

Congratulations! I am so happy for you. I loved your description of how you looked when you headed to the barn. Your absolutely right, I don't care who you are that's funny! I hope all goes well for you and for Rugby in the next 3 weeks. I am rootin for ya!

Beth said...

I have been waiting patiently for the update...need alot more pictures!!!

Dusty Devoe said...

What a handsome boy Rugby is! You will make a great team. I can tell you have fallen madly in LOVE! Look out husband!

Promise said...

Congratulations! He's adorable!!
Can't wait to hear more and see more pictures :)

Christine said...

Very, very cool! Gorgeous looking boy - quite a fine head for tb/percheron cross and what a size!

Can't wait to hear about his and your progress - congrats!

Five O'Clock Somewhere said...

Congratulations. So exciting to get a new horse to start having adventures with! He's very handsome, and has a cool name! What a great feeling to find "the one"

WarPony said...

GORGEOUS! *drool* I can not wait for more pictures. I am a HUGE fan of Perchies and Perchie crosses!

Grey Horse Matters said...

He's a beauty. I love paints and he has such a wonderful expression of intelligence and gentleness. Congratulations, and I love his name too.