Friday, March 12, 2010

Almost Here


I can feel it. Spring is almost here. My orchids are blooming. Little green sprouts are poking out of the ground. The girls are feeling frisky, We’re going to get a whopping rainstorm tomorrow, so I’ve been prepping the corral, the drainage ditch and the barn for the last few days.

In an effort to flatten the craters that the horses’ hooves have carved into the corral in front of their stalls, I had one of my neighbor’s teenage son drive his quad over and roll back and forth across the corral to smooth it out. It worked well, and I didn’t really even think about how the horses would react to this shiny red vehicle with big tires churning and wheeling around in front of their stall doors while they watched from just inside the barn. The young driver’s dad showed up and loudly announced, “I’m impressed!” I assumed he was talking about his son’s efforts, but he was talking about my horses. He couldn’t believe how calm and nonchalant they were about the noise and commotion.

I realized that I just take it as a given that they will be good. When we lived in Virginia, there were always huge tractors and earthmovers rumbling around the farm while I rode them. It was no drama. I’ve seen my husband use his chainsaw to cut wood on the other side of the fence here while the horses just ignore him and eat grass. The weed-whacker is also not a big deal. The only thing that ever seems to bother Silk is if a man wears a baseball cap and sunglasses. I’ll never know what that association is, but I can bet it has something to do with the guy who abused her. There’s no doubt that it still takes her a while to warm up to most men because of those terrible experiences.

Anyway, after everyone left, I pulled out the carrots to let the girls know that I appreciated them. In case you can’t tell from this picture, they have perfected the art of begging.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

They look happy to see you!

Lori Skoog said...

We're supposed to get rain too. It just sprinkled today. Even when we are not aware of it, our horses are getting exposed to so many things. What good girls!

detroit dog said...

Such a sweet and funny photo of your girls.

Thanks to Quasar and Star, we no longer have a backyard to speak of; it's all mud and holes (Quasar dug up a small tree).

But Spring is in the air!

Grey Horse Matters said...

I like your picture of the girls and your flowers. We're all waiting for spring I think, maybe the rain will melt the rest of the snow. What a good idea to get rid of the moon craters too. I can see why you were so proud of your girls, that's some very loud noise to put up with.

billie said...

So glad to read that you're seeing springtime - I know we're all more than ready for it this year.

I did a similar chore with our riding mower - rolling over a few areas that needed flattening. It made a difference. Here's to a snow melt for you all and then sunshine!

Deejbrown said...

It's encouraging to see signs of spring and I am sure your girls will appreciate (in their way) what you had done for them. Glad they stay so calm, noise can be good training--there is no avoiding it in this world anyway!

Michaela said...

Your horses are Adorable!!! Im glad you are finally getting some spring weather. Im in Australia (sydney). We are finally getting some relief from hot weather. Now its 77 F rather than 100 F. Very nice! I love your blog. One day about 10 years from now I am going to have a midlife crisis just like yours, and buy horses. I look forward to it! -) Have a great day... Michaela

Wolfie said...

Your orchids are gorgeous. Our temperature is going up to 11C today and sunny. It won't be long before the crocuses pop up. It's here...I can feel it!

Pony Girl said...

Look at your cute girls! :) So happy to hear that spring is around the corner for you! Hope the rainstorm isn't too bad....you are good to be prepared. Past experience with flooded stalls will do that to ya, eh?

Patty said...

I love your pictures, look at those beautiful horses, who can resist a face like that?

The Equestrian Vagabond said...

oh yea I recognize that begging look. The horses here got that same look going on here too!
- The Equestrian Vagabond

Rising Rainbow said...

Me too, I expect my horses to behave in such situations. They have never let me down.

Allowing horses to be exposed to such things is what teaches them they are OK.

Glad your ponies showed the neighbor that horses can be sensible.