Hello my friends, and welcome to another edition of the Gimli Gazette, where humans can capture a rare glimpse into the fascinating equine world at Mercy Spring Ranch.
Ranch staff are still basking in the glow from last week’s Heirloom Tomato Tasting event. The ranch has quieted back down, but the memories of all those smiling faces with tomato juice running down their cheeks remain. Each year keeps getting better and better.
Miss Mo and Mr. John got to get away for a time to attend the Murieta Equestrian Center for a horse vaulting exposition. For those of you who have not seen such an exposition, consider it to be like gymnastics or dancing on the back of a moving horse.
Much to the surprise of the Blacks, a lot of the horses involved in this event were Haflingers (like yours truly). My breed is quite skilled in maintaining a steady pace as our riders go through their graceful routines. If I were to have attended this event, I’m sure that I could have given a few pointers on vaulting technique to these young riders.
One of the competitors looked very familiar to the Blacks. Rumor has it that this special friend will be coming to MSR in September for a visit. Perhaps there will be a little live vaulting at the ranch during that week.
I have taught Ladyhawke a new skill which she has begun to practice. She now knows how to remove her feeder from the side panel and kick it around her paddock. Hawke does not yet have the musical skills to make sweet melodies on it like me, but that may come with time. Someday I might even do a duet with her at 3am to the delight of Miss Mo.
I have developed a new trick which should increase my food intake. Piles of hay have been appearing along the edges of the arena. While I am working with the children, I can gently guide their movement towards these stashes of munchies.
The children think that they are directing me, but I am able to slowly nudge them in the direction of my snack. One of the session leaders called me Slick for my ability to move the children into the direction of the hay without them knowing it. Score one for Gimli!
Well that’s all for this posting. The days are starting to get cooler, so I can spend more time with the children. It makes me wish that sessions would never end!
Happy Trails,
Gimli August 28, 2023