cat fight

Had just pulled fly masks in back pasture when I heard one of my barn cats making quite the ruckus. Sounded a bit like a coyote attack, which had me running as fast as my short legs would carry me. I sent the border collie ahead in an explosion of fur and teeth. I ran as fast as I could, adrenelin racing through my veins, whites of my eyes flashing, single minded and ready to do damage! What I didn't realize, Shaun was right behind me, my wing man! We both got back to where the kitty was in trouble at exactly the same time, breathing hard, heads high and wildly looking around for the sounds of trouble. I had no doubt he would have fought side by side with me, battling rabid, cat killing coyotes, ripping fur from snapping jaws and freeing terrorized kitties in defense of all cat kind! Sorry. Nice to know your horse has your back.
Just before I pulled his mask, I did protect him from the angus bull calf across the road who dared look his way. Guess it was pay back. Love this horse. Cat was fine. Tinker was picking on Bob, again.

actha

Just got an invite to audition for America's Greatest Trail Horse. Considering I haven't ridden Shaun yet, I don't think he'll be heading to Texas this year. His top line is just getting enough muscle to think about a saddle. Comparing the picture of him in the kill pen, to how he looks now, he's a different horse. He's not scared anymore. I catch glimpses of who he might have been before humans did what they did to him. No one wants to talk about it, after that last race. I think they must be afraid I'm going to do some bashing. It would help to know how he was injured, what was done, where he was sent, and why it didn't work out for him. A horses history can be real helpful when dealing with physical challenges. I wish I knew more.
I have bought Shaun a heavy blanket for winter, but I swear he generates so much heat, I don't know if he'll need it. I worry about arthritis, and the cold. His trot is better. It doesn't look so much like he's got too much leg. He used to look like a fawn trying to move. His canter is still off in the rear end. I wonder if he just needs time to heal. I can give him that.

Road trip

I sent two of my horses down to Missouri for training, which just left my retired quarter horse, Bit and Shaun in my pasture. I got an invite to go down and sort cows in Wichata, and I really wanted to go. Hadn't ridden Bit for three lyears, and didn't know if she'd ever been around cattle. If I took Bit, I had to take Shaun.

Got the ok to bring both horses, so I loaded them up and we were off to some of the prettiest country I've driven through. Full of history, old and new ranches, and tons of prarie as far as you can see. We arrived at the ranch, and I got Bit and Shaun all tucked in for the night. They stayed in a large round pen, high wooden walls with an attached shelter. Perfect! I knew Shaun would pitch a fit when I took Bit out, and it was the perfect place for him to do just that. He settled into the routine of Bit leaving for work (she did amazing. A little over 13 hands, she was moving heifers bigger than she was) and he kicked back, ate hay and kept the two 4 h calves company while we were gone.

I don't think it was a vacation he would have chosen, but all in all, he did great. Loaded just fine, traveled well, and was real glad to get home! Three days of dried up ole hay? Yuk! He was so happy to get back to his nice, green brom grass!

Half a herd

I just took Eclipse, my lead mare and Hawk, the dominate gelding down to Missouri for training, which leaves Bit and Shaun wondering what the heck happened to the herd. Bit never really liked Shaun all that much, so this has been good for them to buddy up and graze nose to nose. I'll be taking them both down to s. Kansas to help move some cattle on a ranch. Shaun will be hanging out with some other ranch horses, and Bit (who I haven't ridden in three years) and I will be moving cattle. If you don't hear from me again, it did not go well. lol! I won't be riding Mr. Shaun any time this winter. His top line is still not where it needs to be for a saddle, and he still needs to put on a lot more muscle. He is happy and enjoying all the grass and room he has to run. He's pretty attached to me and Bit and seems more content when the three of us are out "grazing" together. Headed out to throw a saddle on my sweet little quarter horse and hope she isn't too put out by the intrusion on her day. Shaun, as always, will be right by our side.