Isn't She Lovely!

I just can't stop marveling at Abby's coat this fall. I've had her seven years and I don't remember her ever having this much roaning in it.

 "Aw, shucks, Mom. You're embarrassing me, gushing about my coat like that!"

"Maybe if I turn my head you'll stop taking my picture."

 "Okay, that didn't work so I'm outta here. And I'm sticking my tongue out at you as I go."

 "I was just kidding! Please come back!"

Shedding Season!

This is the time of year when horses' coats look long, dull and dry, and are often crusty with mud. Abby and her herd mates are no exception.

 (I still think she's beautiful, even with that winter coat.)

 I always pet her and give her some scratching while we visit. Today, this happened:

 Hair was coming out wherever I scratched her!

Her face, her neck and shoulders, under her jaw... goodbye winter hair! (Boy, did Abby enjoy the scratching.)

I have a meeting after school tomorrow so I may not be able to curry her until Friday. But she's going to get a good grooming soon!

Frosted Sugarplum

Abby is growing her winter coat in preparation for the cold days that are coming. Like Amy's did, Abby's coat pattern changes as she sheds and grows new hair.

 Look at that white patch behind her left eye and on her jowl!

 Her neck is more white than red.

 Her body is so frosted, it's hard to see her Appaloosa spots.

 Even her nose looks softer and velvety with the white hairs that are growing in - no cold nose for this girl! (This was an accidental picture - I was snapping her picture and she began nosing for carrots!)

 More white is above her eye and splashed down her face.

Abby's frosted winter coat makes me think of sugarplums.

I guess it's that time of year!