Hello my human friends. It’s time once again for me to open up a window into the wonderful world of Mercy Spring Ranch.
I begin this week with a letter from a young lady in one of our sessions. She writes, “Who is your favorite — Ladyhawke or Connor? What is your favorite activity? Do you enjoy getting petted? I really enjoy riding you!”
These are good questions. I get asked a lot about my favorite horse in the herd (see Gimli Gazette, Issue Fifteen). I really do not have a favorite horse. Ladyhawke is the leader of our herd. She keeps me in line, and watches over “the boys” by keeping us safe. When I am in a playful mood, Connor is my first choice for fun and games. It all depends on my mood on any given day as to which horse I spend time with.
My favorite activity is being ridden by the children. That is why it delights me to no end that you enjoy riding me. Making children happy is one of my many callings (as well as writing, acting, music, modeling, and a new pursuit which I will discuss shortly).
Yes, I do enjoy getting petted. Gentle affection from children (and adults) is always appreciated. My favorite spot is being rubbed on my croup (the topline of my hindquarters). Other good spots are my neck, forehead, and belly. Sometimes it feels like a massage when I am being brushed and groomed. You are kind to ask me about it.
Now, on to my new career. As you can see below, it is time that I put on my detective cap and solve a mystery:
I have noticed that in the morning, my hay is sweet and dry; but in the evening, it is wet and not so sweet. Someone is messing with my hay at night! The game is afoot (or in this case, a-hoof)!
Since I am in the best position to investigate such strange happenings in my paddock, I applied my ninja stealth training and blended into my surroundings at nightfall. To my surprise, I caught Miss Mo watering down my hay under the cover of darkness. I confronted her with this crime, but she remained silent and slipped away.
I call upon all the children visiting Mercy Spring Ranch to help me. If you see Miss Mo, ask her why she is tampering with my hay. Demand that she confesses to this high crime and misdemeanor. Stay tuned next week as the investigation continues and we seek to discover the sinister motive she must have for watering down my hay. As a professional gumshoe/gumhoof, I will not rest until the mystery is solved!
I close now with some good news. It would appear that I am losing weight. My cinch (which is used to keep my saddle in place — think of it like a human belt) had to be tightened to fit properly (rather than being let out). Perhaps this means that I will soon make the cover of HQ (Horse Quarterly — much better than GQ) and be released from my torturous diet. In any event, I have a much lighter gait these days.
Happy Trails,
Gimli July 12, 2022