The Horses

Sharon over at Life As We Know It asked me how I ended up with my three mud puppies (horses). It's a bit of a snoozer but I will try to make it as interesting as I can.

Long, long ago (2000) a man who sold me some insurance noticed that I had 2 horses (they are gone now. Long, sad story) and asked if I was interested in buying any more. Not really I told him but then I agreed it wouldn't hurt to look (bet you can't guess where this is going, can you?). Bassman, Fuchsia, a man who worked for us, and I hopped into the car and went to see what he had.

What he had was a bunch of flat out wild horses. 10 or so, 9 of which had never been touched and one of which was a midget (I'm pretty sure we established earlier that I am not too pc) stallion. One of the ponies immediately drew my eye because she looked just like Merrylegs (it's up to you to remember where that name came from) but she had a baby by her side and she was definitely too small for any of us.

There were, however, a pair of sisters that had some possibility. Fairly good size but not too tall, pretty, and young (2 and 3 years old). Also (remember?) flat out wild. We couldn't get close enough to see their feet or legs but they sure were pretty. I told him I would discuss it with Bassman and get back to him.

Bassman said to go for it so I began the negotiations.

"$300 for the older red one," I offered.

"Are you crazy? I don't think so."

"But height wise she is still considered a large pony!" I came back with.

"Well around here, we call them horses. I'll tell you what, give me $1000 for the pair."

"I don't want the pair. Just one! And I will have to find a trainer to get her broke which will add even more to the cost!"

"I can't go any lower," he said. "Let me know what you come up with."

Hey, I didn't need any more horses, especially wild ones. Heck with it.

Except they really were pretty. And we did have 100 (UNFENCED) acres. So, of course, I called him back.

"How about I give you $450 for the older one? And you sell the other one to the man who was with us for $550? Then everyone will be happy."

"Deal."

After that, we had to figure out how to get them out of there. I did find a man willing to train them, and even go pick them up but we had to get them on the trailer. And hopefully haltered.

Fuchsia and the other man spent a couple of days trying to get close to them (lots and lots of grain). They did finally get them haltered and able to lead a bit. So we called the trainer.

Who showed up with his great big trailer which scared the bat crap out of the horses. After a couple of hours, everyone called it quits for the day.

The next time the trainer went to get them, he insisted that I stay home and everyone else show up to help him. I don't know the details, and I don't want to know the details, but they did get them loaded. Off they went for 6 weeks.

They came back green broke but incredibly pleasant animals. Young, friendly and still very pretty. With chipped, cracked, platter style hooves. Thank heavens the trainer was also a farrier because he had his work cut out for him.

10 years later, they are still in my pasture. In the above picture, the horse with the ostrich marking on her face is the one the man who worked for us bought. He wound up giving her to me for boarding fees. The horse on the right is the one I fell in love with. Daydream. Still very pretty, friendly, and able to be ridden with a halter. The one in the middle is LD's (ostrich face) baby, Vivid. She will be 2 years old May 13th and is half Paso. She has inherited her mother's friendly personality.

Now you know the story. In return for sharing, I ask that you NEVER call me up and ask me to come look at a horse you are thinking of selling. Trust me, it's better that way.

At least that's what Bassman says.