Billie Hinton/Bio

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Sunday, January 27, 2008

a very special day

Today our newest family member arrived on the farm. The horses were beside themselves with excitement. You've never seen such gorgeous movement - floating, extended trots in unison. Here's a shot as they glimpse the new family member.




Here he is! Rafer's breeder leads him to the paddock to see the horses. He was amazingly brave and confident.




Rafer's breeder introduces him to the herd!



The meetings continued all afternoon. By bedtime it was clear that little Rafer had bonded with Cody, and they're sharing a stall and paddock tonight, happy as can be.
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14 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2008 at 9:41:00 PM EST

    SO cute and adorable!

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  2. billieJanuary 27, 2008 at 11:39:00 PM EST

    We all keep remarking that he looks like a stuffed animal, and it's so true. I have never seen such cuteness.

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  3. GeckoJanuary 28, 2008 at 12:04:00 AM EST

    Haha, what billie said! He's simply adorable! Quite like a cute stuffed animal. =D

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  4. billieJanuary 28, 2008 at 7:43:00 AM EST

    Thanks, Gecko! We've been waiting for him for 5 months - so it's an exciting time.

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  5. Victoria CummingsJanuary 28, 2008 at 8:40:00 AM EST

    He's one of the sweetest things I've ever seen! I want one! So, I got tagged for a Meme, and I'm inviting you to play - Please go to my blog for the rules. If you're not in the mood, no worries - Glad to have you as a blogging buddy!

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  6. billieJanuary 28, 2008 at 8:54:00 AM EST

    Hi, Victoria - isn't he great? There will be more photos coming, you can bet on that!

    I'd love to play the MEME, and will on Wed. I left you a message about what's going on here tomorrow.

    So glad you stopped by!

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  7. GypsyJanuary 28, 2008 at 10:26:00 AM EST

    He is adorable, and the horses must feel like you got them their own play-pal!
    I'm glad I saw your blog link on Victoria's!
    Aryd'ell

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  8. billieJanuary 28, 2008 at 10:45:00 AM EST

    Hi, Gypsy,

    So far, Salina (the black mare) wants him for her baby, but she's so intense about it she's a bit intimidating to him still. Cody, the chestnut, our youngest horse, is being the perfect snuggly uncle who respects space but allows cuddling when little Rafer wants it.

    Keil Bay and Apache, the big bay and the painted pony, are convinced aliens have landed here. :)

    It is hilarious and fascinating to watch them sort this new creature out.

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  9. GypsyJanuary 28, 2008 at 11:31:00 AM EST

    I bet! It is so funny how different horses react to a newcomer- they are just people with hard feet and a tail, or are we just horses with no tail, and soft feet? LOL!
    Aryd'ell

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  10. billieJanuary 28, 2008 at 1:23:00 PM EST

    I don't know which direction it goes, but there are definitely similarities!

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  11. Grey Horse MattersJanuary 28, 2008 at 9:32:00 PM EST

    He couldn't be more adorable, I want one too. Please take more pictures for all of us.

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  12. billieJanuary 28, 2008 at 10:02:00 PM EST

    Thanks, grayhorsematters... I'm sure there will be tons of photos. Today I spent most of the day acclimating him to the routine, the farm, and different combinations of the herd he's joined.

    By the time I did that, mucked stalls, and gave Keil Bay some special and needed attention, the day was gone!

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  13. Carolyn Burns BassJanuary 29, 2008 at 9:41:00 PM EST

    What a handsome fellow he is, big ears and rough coat and all. I'd take that guy in a heartbeat.

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  14. billieJanuary 29, 2008 at 10:22:00 PM EST

    Oh, Carolyn, it isn't rough at all - it's soft as a stuffed animal! Amazing.

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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment - I love reading them and respond as often as I can. I also love comments that add to the original post, so feel free to share your own experiences, insights, and thoughts.