This afternoon I went out to give hay to the geldings. The day was gorgeous after all our cold weather - a one-day respite, apparently, before we get some snow and then more extreme cold. It was 46 degrees, sunny, very little wind, and the horses were so happy to be out of blankets and alive.
Salina was marching around searching for the donkey boys, who had taken a jog around the fields. She did her big trumpeting mama mare whinny, which almost instantly brought the long donkey ears into sight at the crest of the hill.
As I opened the gate to wheel the barrow of hay through for the geldings, Keil Bay gave a huge whinny from the bottom of the hill, and then he, Cody, and Apache Moon galloped up in a line and made a big cantering, prancing circle around me.
I don't think I've ever had such a joyous, whimsical moment with horses. I was the center of a living equine pinwheel.
It made my entire day. I'm not even dreading snow! :)
billie hinton’s camera-obscura:
life and lessons on November Hill Farm
12 comments:
It would have been wonderful to have a picture of you being the center of a pinwheel. But this is one of those times you tuck in your memory to pull out when you need a smile or a good feeling. Savor it and enjoy the memory of a lovely moment.
What a heartwarming image! I can't imagine how fulfilling it must be to be surrounded by all that four legged love.
Billie, be very careful - snow must always be dreaded - you just can't trust it. Have you thought of penning a musical number for your equines? I think they may be telling you they're ready to take their show to a broader public. "An Equine Fantasy on Ice", "Donkeys on Broadway"...
Arlene, you are so right - I am still savoring it in a way that comes from experiencing it, nothing a photo could really capture for me.
Michelle, I hadn't really thought of love until I read your comment, but of course that was part of what felt so wonderful as they circled - it was like they were sharing their energy and exuberance with me, and the novelty was feeling it from all of them together that way.
In a way it was like equine reiki coming at me from all three of them! A real treat.
Sheaffer, I shudder to think of this crew going on the road! I would need one of those big rigs with a full feed room/kitchenette, and even then, I'm not sure I could manage all the energy I'd have contained in that small space.
Would you by chance be available for the position of head horse/donkey master? I feel you would bring a certain dignity and thoughtfulness to such a venture. Rafer would try, but he is still so young - and Redford is, admittedly, a handful. Not to mention the painted pony! (a sort of smaller, male version of Molly, if you can imagine THAT)
Billie, I would be delighted to take on the role of Ringmaster, Role Model and Advisor to the young donkey members of the troupe. Somehow I see Rafer in a Cirque de Soleil role and Redford as the first Donkey Cannonball...What shall we call ourselves? And who will handle finances?
I'm blank on a stage show name, but let's say husband will handle the finances and see how long it takes him to read this and shriek out loud! :)
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This is a beautiful magical event. I can totally see it! I feel like I can feel it. :)
I"m so glad you shared it.
I love the idea of donkeys on broadway. Hey, they did Lion King. Imagine the roar from the crowd when it's real donkeys (and horses and a shetland) braying and dancing.
Donkapaloosa?
made my day too! :)
LOL - and imagine, if we only had Mr. Chips to play piano!
Kim, I'm glad - it was sort of like TTouch in reverse, without the actual touch. :)
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