The New "Ladies" Cause Quite The Stir

This evening, Gentle Giant Meadows Ranch had, without doubt, more in common with Grand Central Station, NY than our typically calm, tranquil little farm. Just before noon, two new ladies arrived, a pretty little grey with a long flowing tail and just a little attitude and an almost black, "been there, done that, bought the carrot" mare. Chelsey and Mariah are long time pasture pals and clearly, transitioning to "life on the ranch" is not going to put them off their feed...but it sure put some life into the resident boys ! Pretty boy Ky is habitually over protective of the little chestnut filly, Fiona, that shares his pasture and his (fortunately) latent stallion mentality but....dare I say, typically....the introduction of two new female residents overloaded the testosterone balance in his little equine brain and the normally docile and benign Ky was overwhelmed by the new female presence on the yard. Golden Palomino Charm, still being treated for his serious bout of Laminitus and generally busily trying to gleen a mouthful of the fresh Spring grass that could cause his demise transformed into a vision of a golden prancing stallion....a flowing white tail held high as a banner over his back, his beautiful, ageing head tossing and his rippling blonde mane flowing as he galloped across the sparse acreage that is now his home. Old Mr. Cooper, the big bay thoroughbred gelding and Tonto, the lonely brown Paso Fino have both recently lost their "significant others" and have, with love and care been introduced into a new pasture relationship that offers companionship and support to both of our equine charges. Clearly, the arrival of our two new ladies has tipped the testosterone balance in our two senior gentlemen and the atmosphere and attitude in the barnyard reflected ...age has no barriers ! In his lonesome pasture, Gentle Giant gelding Quest could hear the equine tumult, the greetings and the vocal challenges to the new ladies in the barn. As I made my way to his gate, I saw his attentive stare, I watched his ears and I heard his welcoming whicker....as I fastened the buckle on his headcollar I told him that it was all good and I knew that he knew that there were newcomers in the barn, a new head over Lady's gate but he would always be safe. Quest gave the newcomers a cursory look, his big Shire hooves may have lifted a little higher, his tail may have flicked but he will always be my special boy.

Our thanks, once again, go to Erin and James who together offer physical and spiritual support on a daily...if not hourly basis. Thank you James for your courage in facing challenges and being Greg's right hand man and thank you Erin for your help, for your companionship, the doghnuts and most of all, your friendship.

Time to say goodnight, take care and keep safe. M