Last night after work I was tired and even thought about not going to the barn. I had to remind myself that the one thing that can make my day better no matter what is seeing my pony. So I bundled up (it was 20 degrees for the high yesterday) and headed out. By the time I got to the barn the horses had already been brought in so all I could see of my pony was his breath rising in the air from the bars of his stall. I went right over and opened his door to put his stall guard up while I got the brushes out and could tell right away someone was in a mood. What kind of mood I couldn’t tell yet, but I knew something was up.
I went to switch his boots and got all the grooming stuff out with my pony watching my every move (which is totally normal). When I got back in the stall I could tell what was wrong…my horse was worried about something. As I walked to the door instead of leaning on the stall guard trying to get out he went and stood right at the center of his stall. I got his halter and held it up. I know my horse is weird but he will literally walk over and put his head in the halter himself as long as you hold it up. Ears and all. He walked over, but instead of putting his head in the halter his muzzle came to my shoulder. I tried once to shrug him off and put the halter on, but after receiving a dirty look I gave up on grooming him and put the halter away.
I went back in the stall and he put his head right on my shoulder again. Now I don’t know how many of you have even been used as a head rest before but a horses head is heavy! And it is also a little disconcerting to have a big head in your face. My horse needed something though so I just stood there and looked at him for a moment. When I raised my hand to pet him he took his nose off me and pushed my hand back down and put his chin on my shoulder again. Okay, I can take a hint. So I stood there just looking at my pony telling him how much I love him and what a good boy he is, etc.
After a while he let out a big sigh and dropped his head for me to rub his ears. My horse has me so well trained that I obediently rubbed away until he was done with that and then he stood there with his face in my chest. I knew that meant he wanted face scratches so I got right to it. Sure enough, no sooner had I started to apply gentle scratches my adorable boy started to drift off to sleep. So I kept at it until I could tell he was dozing. I waited a few more minutes and then started to walk out of his stall because I really had to get a move on. As soon as I stopped scratching and started to my Gen woke up and put his eye at my eye level. I don’t know exactly what he was telling me, but I could tell that he didn’t want me to stop.
So okay, I am a sucker and did the whole thing again. This time waiting until he was really asleep before slipping out his stall and putting my stuff away. As I went back to say good bye to him before I left I told myself to stop and hang out a little bit longer. Yes, I am VERY tired right now because I didn’t get to bed until late since I had so much to do when I came home. You know what though? It is totally worth it for that extra time I spent with Gen last night. I got to be his security blanket, and that is such a special thing to me. Sometimes I get really frustrated about the fact that he is retired. It is hard having to give up so much extra time and money. Nights like last night make it all worth while though. Gen gives me so much love that I wouldn’t trade moments like that for anything.
A few weeks ago the Young Rider was teasing me that I can’t have my own farm because I would never get anything else done if I had Gen in my back yard. I think she might be on to something!
That was so sweet. He really loves his mom and he needed you to be there for him, for some reason he needed your comfort and security before he could sleep peacefully. I know what a good feeling that could be, my guy used to do the same thing, and I as a well trained owner and mom would indulge him. You’re right though, it is one of the best feelings in the world, even if their heads are a little heavy.
20 degrees? And here I thought it was warmer today because it got up to 12 degrees this morning. Silly me.
Horses are wonderful trainers, aren’t they?
I am not as well trained of an owner as you. I will scratch and love on my horses as requested, but if it is 20 degrees or less it would be a short scratching session. My barn is not fully enclosed so it is COLD even in the stalls. I am trained, I just lack the longevity in cold weather.
My pony is pretty trained too. Night before last he decided to leave the stall before I was ready to turn him out. He eats much faster than the TB so he goes over and messes with him trying to steal his dinner over the stall door. Bad Pony! I used my “Mean” voice and he ran back into his stall. He knew he was in trouble! It was so cute!
My horse can be the same way. I think my horse actually misses me if I haven’t been to the barn in a few days. I will bring him out of his stall and he will insist on staying with me or touching me wherever I go. Such a unique bonding some horses have with their owners.
I REALLY enjoyed this one And I’m still chuckling because I can actually picture the scene between you and Gen. At the risk of sounding melodramatic…. I believe you are the reason he is still alive. YOU GO GIRL!!! Hugs to Gen, too.
Awww. So cute… My late dog used to roll over right when I was about to say goodbye and invite me to rub her belly. She had me well trained and I always obliged. Sheesh, and I think I’M a trainer!
Awwww!!! that’s so sweet! I wish my (daughter’s) horse loved me that much. Unfortunately, she sees me as that fat lady who just rides around in circles and occassionally gives her some extra hay. My daughter, on the other hand, they’ll both lay down and spoon. I always say- Axe tolerates me, but LOVES my daughter!