A wink and a smile…
As the Man and I enter our third week of “Horse Ownership 101”, we find ourselves settling into a comfortable rhythm with Alex and Diva. I wake up early now, to make myself a coffee and head to the barn, with two eager dogs by my side. The horses greet us with soft hellos, followed by more urgent requests for their morning meal. I give a quick scratch on the nose to each, then get on with satisfying their never ending need for food. After all is done, and Alex and Diva are quietly chewing away, I head back into the house to refresh my coffee and catch up on what is happening in the world. It has been an easy transition to include the horses into my morning routine, and it feels as though I’ve been doing it all my life. I pull on my muck boots and throw on my fuzzy robe, and I go out and do what needs to be done…and I like it…
The transformation in my Alex has been a wonder to witness. Sick and weak when he came to the Farm, he is putting on weight quickly, and the shine has returned to his eyes. He playfully nudges me, and will ruffle his nose through my pockets looking for treats. The treats are always on me somewhere, he knows it is his job to find them. Our complete trust in each other has returned, and with it the closeness that we had before. I am also seeing a glimpse of an impatient brat in Alex, but for now, I am ok with that. After being the low man on the pole in a large herd, he deserves to feel as though he should come first…for awhile, at least…
In the evenings, we spend a lot of time in the Barn, and out of the corner of my eye, I quietly watch the Man have his time with Diva. She trusts him more every day, and will now calmly drop her head and lean into him as he scratches her ears. She studies him with her big brown eyes, and it’s as if she now realizes that she truly is home, and no longer has to fear. I see in them what I share with Alex…and I am happy for them…
In the beginning of this adventure, my biggest fear was that there was so much I didn’t know about horses, so much to learn. I’ve come to realize that I needn’t worry as much as I do. The more time I spend with Alex and Diva, the more I learn about their personalities. They pout and stamp their feet to get their way, and Diva has perfected the “Talk to the hand” stance when she is trying to make a point. I swear I saw Alex grin when I gave him his grain this morning. Their every move tells a story, and I am getting fairly good at knowing their mood at any given time. When their world is good, they let me know, and when it’s not, they let me know that as well. I am sure that there are many lessons ahead for the four of us, but for now, life is good for our two horses…and ours is much richer…
Me and the Man... 
Another wonderful story Rick. I can honestly feel and see what your saying ,by the way you write.While reading I felt like I was right there watching the four of you 🙂 Alex and Diva are true beauties! Some people are just natural with animals and it appears Horses have been added to the list at the Farm!:)
God Bless you both!
Laureen
October 30, 2011 at 8:25 pm
Having the horses is very much like being a parent. Knowing your child by his or her cries lets you know what they need. I love that you have this connection with them. I cant wait to meet them and see how they respond. To feel their face and rub them down. Brushing them is one of my favs! I want to hear them make noises and see them communicate with you both:) They are both so beautiful and are in great hands! Such a blessing~
October 30, 2011 at 8:28 pm
I so wish I was with you to experience the changes and be able to love on them.
October 30, 2011 at 8:42 pm
Well, you could move to Maine, Lamonte…:-)
October 30, 2011 at 8:57 pm
You guys are so special. You deserve all the happiness that the horses bring you!
October 31, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Rick. As usual you outdid yourself with this blog. When i read what you have written i feel like i am part of it. I love looking at the two of them out in the pasture rolling in the snow . It ‘s no wonder that Alex is not upset having to share the barn with Diva. She is a beautiful horse and so is Alex. It must have been such a joy when Alex first arrived and then later Diva. I think they have figured out that now they are home and no longer have to be low on the totem pole. You can see how happy they are by their action’s and i am so happy for you and Jack that you have them to love and i am sure they love you too. I will look forward to more post of them as time goes by.
Love, Aunt Ruby
November 1, 2011 at 5:15 pm
Horses are wonderfull teachers of life . Enjoy your journey with them, for you will definatly be richer in the end 🙂
November 8, 2011 at 9:08 pm