Soon! Freedom! Soon!

Emilie is still not allowed more action than a short walk for grass in the sun. She enjoys those a lot and she’s become quite apt at communicating where she wants to go. It’s not unusual for her to trot along at a walking pace because why walk if you can trot? As long as she doesn’t pull, I remain unbothered.

On Sunday it’s been two months since her surgery and her long isolation from other horses comes to an end. We plan to give her an hour or two with shetland pony Prins for the first couple of days, and then put her out properly with maybe him and Welsh Mountain Cassie. Both are quite relaxed, which is required: It’s another month before Emilie is supposed to run around and play much.

I can’t imagine how much her life quality will improve when she gets a bit more space and gets to talk to someone of her own species at last. I still feel utterly guilty about what we’ve had to put that poor horse through, and so incredibly grateful at how patient she’s been.

Karoline amused herself with giving Emilie the complete braid-over a couple of days ago.

I took the braids out today. Now that’s one curly-haired blond lady!

There’s a lot of talk lately about the equine pain face and how to recognise it. Well, this is the equine face of I have sunshine on my ass and I love being groomed.

Stopping to Smell the Ponies

Yesterday was the first proper spring day of the year, the first day where the sun had power enough that you could feel its warmth through your clothing. You could even shed the outer layers of that clothing if you were doing something to keep you warm — such as, say, riding a horse. And that’s what we did.

Pausing to nibble the very first bits of grass of the season.
Pitstop in order to nibble the very first bits of grass of the season.

There is no sensation that compares to sitting on an energetic, happy horse that wants to walk faster, see everything, smell everything, and eat everything. Horses don’t walk on the first spring day — they poing like excited weasels. Even 26-year-old arthritic draft horses like Logan. Poing, poing, poing.

Simple pleasures in life: The clear blue sky overhead, little grey Cassie pawing at the water in excitement, and Logan walking briskly ahead with not the slightest trace of a limp.

Little grey Cassie really likes the water. The water is awesome. Love the water.
Little grey Cassie really likes the water. The water is awesome. Love the water.