The Stable

Days off.....days off are a dream! It's all that twirls around in my mind as I tiredly tidy up the clinic in the evening. Luckily they are a dream that comes true......eventually! Don't get me wrong I love the work here......

But I don't think my physical or mental self would last if days off weren't a thing!

So what can I possible do here on my days off ?!!

 Plenty!!!

My number one go to are the horses. I have always been a big equestrian lover, and one of my worries when I applied here was that I would have to leave that passion behind during my stay. Thankfully I have more then enough equestrian activities to occupy myself with! Sue has two horses, one pony, and two donkeys that I can work with.

 Here is a brief summary for each of them.

Saffy!

Saffy is a quarter horse draft mix. She is the three B's to me. Big, beautiful, and a bitch! She loves attention, and she loves the treats! But get on her back and you're off for a wild ride! Luckily, Sue and I were able to solve some tack issues, and I can finally ride her!  She is tough, but she still has potential I'm sure!

Phelix

The second I looked into Phelix's eyes, I knew we would get on just fine. Sue told me, he might try to buck me off, but so far it has been all good! I can't do anything crazy on him, because he has weak front knees. Still, it is quite enjoyable sitting on his back and watching the sun set. He is so sound with me. I can stand on him, kneel, lay down and he doesn't even care! I have even been teaching him tricks and he seems to be enjoying it! Or maybe he's just enjoying the treats?!

 

 

Jossey

Jossey is one of Sue's donkeys, but I'm inclined to say she's a mule. She had very little training when I got here, which makes her a bit difficult. But also a good challenge! I have never worked a donkey from scratch before, so she has been a good learning experience for me! So far I can make her move, which is a start, because the only way she would move before was backwards!

Jenny + Cookie

Jenny is Sue's other donkey, and she is Jossy's mother. Unfortunatly I can't ride her because she is too old, too small, and very nervous! She is warming up to me though. Cookie is Sue's pony. I also can't ride her because of size and she is also blind! However, she has amazing hair and I love braiding it!

To be honest, the horses are probably my favorite part of being here. I'm not sure why.....horses just make me excited to get up early, and working with them doesn't even feel like work at all! It's been really exciting lately, because the other interns have been getting up early on their days off, so they can work with the horses too! Its been really fun giving them mini lessons. It's made me realize that I know more about equine stuff then I had even realized.

Lucinda and I riding together

Getting Saffy used to other riders.