Hello my friends, and welcome to this exciting edition of the Gimli Gazette, where I take you behind-the-scenes to discover the real story about the ministry of Mercy Spring Ranch.
I begin this posting with a two-part question from a child in the current session. She writes, “Do you like being painted? Does it hurt when you get your hooves trimmed?”
I will start with the painting question. I really like being painted! It feels good as the children spread the paint on my coat. I must say that I look rather dashing with all the colorful designs painted on my sides. One child even gave me a purple punk color in my mane last week. I rocked it!
The best part on a hot day is when I get the paint washed off with cold water. After I shake off the water, I then go to the arena and have a nice roll in the dirt. The life of a horse is great fun!
As for the question of pain when my hooves are being trimmed, the answer is that I experience no pain. Think of how you humans get your nails trimmed. There is no pain involved in that process.
I will admit, however, that I am not a big fan of the awkward leg positions I have to get into for the ferrier to do his job. Fortunately my many years of practicing yoga in my paddock has given me the flexibility to hold still during the twists and turns of hoof trimming. Perhaps I should consider offering yoga classes at the ranch! I endure the trimming process, but it is not one of my favorite things.
The big news this week is the arrival of two baby goats — Eleos (goodness) and Tob (mercy). My guess is that these two will be following me all the days of my life, as I dwell in the paddock of the Lord forever.
I fear that the “cute factor” of these two will take a long time to wear off. I have seen them climb all over Miss Mo (to her delight!) and receive countless cuddles from the staff. Cute will only take an animal so far, especially when it pales in the presence of true beauty (to be found residing in the middle paddock at Mercy Spring Ranch).
I welcome these two new additions to the MSR family. My only hope is that our lamb Noel does not teach them the Ode to Goat-i-Os song, which I described in Issue 53 of this blog. It probably won’t be long before these two charming creatures are chomping on those Cheerio-shaped munchies that Nutmeg used to adore.
Well that’s all for this week. I am off to provide a proper orientation for our two new goats to the joys of ranch life. They have much to learn if they want to be productive members of this ministry.
Happy Trails,
Gimli June 6, 2023