Hello again, my faithful readers. So much has been happening at the ranch this past week, that I’m not sure that I can fit it all into a single posting.
I begin by treading where angels (and horses) fear to tread! With humans as well as horses, it is not wise to come between a female and her shoes. Last week, Ladyhawke was fitted with a new pair of shoes on her front feet. I watched the Farrier have quite a time getting them properly fitted. While they are not my style or color, they look quite dashing on her. Since Hawke will often try to kick me only with her back feet, I should be safe (but I’ll still keep my distance).
My inner artist is always looking for new modes of expression. Since my acting career (see Gimli News Flash, Number Three) and writing career are already well-established, I decided that it’s time for me to branch out into music. I have started up my own Paddock Band (much like the human version of a Garage Band). Right now, I play percussion (my Feeder) and strings (I strum my Feeder strap with incredible skill and precision). According to Mo and John, I do my best work around 3am. Look for my CD to drop soon (I smell a Grammy in my future!).
I have also taken up sunbathing in my paddock. Because Connor and Ladyhawke eat so slowly, I get bored waiting for them to finish. That means it’s time for a post-breakfast nap (not to be confused with my mid-day nap). There is only one spot in my paddock that gets decent sunlight (close to where my mat is located), so I have to work on my tan mostly when I am out and about. If you see me basking in the sun during the middle of the day, you’ll now understand why.
I got a question this week from an older fan. He writes, “Why don’t horses like wind?” The obvious answer is because it blows dirt and dust into our eyes. It’s also noisy and minimizes our ability to sniff out potential predators. But the main reason is because it blows objects like brush, plastic bags, and debris into our path, which spooks us a bit. We do not suffer from hay fever as humans do, but we can do with a lot less wind. (Now my stomach is growling because I mentioned the word hay — oh, when will my diet ever end??!).
Well, there’s no time left to discuss the mani-pedi that Connor and I enjoyed last week (it plays off my new tan nicely) or all the fun I had with the children at last week’s sessions. Stop by and see me, and I’ll tell you all about it.
Happy Trails,
Gimli May 3, 2022