JANUARY 6, 2025
After spending my morning sitting in front of the computer working on a manuscript, I decided to take a break and go to the stables to check on Fly Guy, the new horse in my life. Currently, the weather here in the DFW area between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth is bitter cold, or at least what we southerners considered “bitter cold,” meaning hovering in the lower twenties.
When I arrived at the stables, I also checked on my friend, Julie’s, horses, to make sure everyone’s winter blanket was secure on their backs, not tangled around their legs. I also checked on hay and water supplies.
After taking photos of Julie’s horses, I sent her copies, texting her that all of her babies were happy. Then she texted me about her baby, Ivan!
Ivan???
I hadn’t met Ivan yet!
I went to Ivan’s stall and found standing at the far-left corner of a very large and roomy run, a darling little bay horse staring out upon the vast pastureland, where only a few full-grown horses were grazing (Most of the horses at our stable were inside because of the cold). I called Ivan’s name and tried to snap a full body picture of him in his blanket to send to Julie. However, immediately after hearing his name, Ivan, who I guessed was probably a yearling from his size, swiftly made his way towards me.
So often, foals can be stand-offish because they are not handled on a regular basis. Ivan on the other hand couldn’t get to me fast enough. Of course I busied myself doting on him, scratching his soft, baby fur. Running my fingers through his soft mane where the ends still have the highlights from his formative years. Affection defined this sweet boy, and I immediately realized that Ivan and I would be good friends.
What a joyful blessing it is to begin the new year surrounded by the animals I love. Eagerly joyous is the year ahead, all of the wonderful riding adventures I’ll have, and watching sweet Ivan grow. We have
another baby at the barn that was born last spring, a little filly named Polly. I met her when I moved my horse, Roo into this new facility. Polly is a buckskin and, like Ivan, has an amazingly sweet, interactive personality. Currently she’s being weaned from her mare. We have a few other foals that are also being weaned from their mares.
I feel very fortunate to once again, be at a facility that is equipped to house stallion’s safely, foaling mares and their newborns, but best of all my personal equine family members. A good stable is worth its weight in gold.
Polly & Her Mare
I am so sad to say that little Polly recently went to graze the pastures in heaven when she lost her life due to a congenital flaw. I was heartsick when I heard, but an equally grateful for the moments of tenderness I was gifted to share with that sweet filly.