Today's Carrot Run

It was 88 degrees today when I made my afternoon carrot run. Abby, Mason, and Yukon were standing head to tail in the shade by the old barn, tails swishing at the flies.

 As soon as I called her name and whistled, Abby's head popped up and she immediately began walking toward the gate. Mason was so excited to see me (er, rather the CARROT) that he broke into a trot and beat her to me! Yukon followed shyly behind them both. I went into the pasture and gave all three carrots when Hoakie decided to come up. He's higher than they are in the herd hierarchy, so the other three gave way. I gave Hoakie a carrot and exited the pasture.

Abby and Yukon went to the trough to get a drink while Mason headed back to the shade of the barn

I think Abby's pretty smart. Sure enough, she kept an eye on where I was and followed me to another gate. Looks hopeful, doesn't she? Look at those ears all pricked up!

 She pleaded with me by popping her head over the gate and stretching her nose over to me.

 Not the most flattering picture; hope springs eternal!

Still trying to wheedle one last carrot, Abby pokes her head through the gate. 

And then Hoakie got wind that SOME herd members were still getting fed, and he came up again. Abby and Yukon moved away to go graze. I did not give Hoakie any more carrots, so he got himself a long draw of water.

 Abby definitely knows me (as does the whole herd) and it warms my heart to have her recognize me and come when she's called. As I told Craig this evening, it is so nice to be a horse owner again!

Dad, I Understand

A new daily habit is my "carrot run" to the barn. Almost always I go on my way home from school, although on weekends I may go out in the morning or even late evening. I rarely miss a day to check on Abby and her pasture pals, and sometimes I go out twice!

I call her name and whistle the same way my Dad used to whistle for Amy and the horses that we had when I was a kid. Abby usually lifts her head up as soon as she hears my call and nickers to me. (She tends to be a vocal little mare!)

(All photos were taken by Vanessa and are part of my Mother's Day gift!)

I might open the gate and go mingle among the horses, or if I still have school shoes on or if it's muddy, I hang by the gate and let them come to me. And usually they do - all eight of them have learned that I have a treat of some sort (apple spaghetti, carrots, or just handsful of clover) to share so they amble over, stretch out their necks to me, and get a treat.

 We visit at the gate, and they stomp around, taking turns to say "hello." I love their soft breath on my face and neck, and they way they offer their faces for petting.

For a while we all stand mingled together, just "chatting" and being companionable. It is a very relaxing, enjoyable feeling to hang out with horses!

One afternoon this week while on my carrot run I had a sudden memory of my father in a similar situation. He used to head down to the gate as soon as he got home from work (and the horses would watch for his arrival, then gallop up to the gate to meet him.) He would lean on the rails, feeding each horse sourball candy that he had in his pocket and simply enjoying being with the horses for a few minutes before coming into the house for dinner.

Dad, I understand.