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!