Monday, June 23, 2008

A change of direction

It was cool and breezy and I was enjoying sitting in the ring waiting for Sammy to be cute. I might get pictures, I might not. But the cool weather was so wonderful I thought I'd at least try to look like I had a reason to just sit there and bask in the breeze. And then I saw him trot. This is not really a normal gait Sammy chooses so it was time to snap some pictures.
I love it when he trots. It gives me hope and makes me dream of the future.
I think this is the most trot steps I've ever managed to capture. But I know he'll stop soon because he's pretty easily distracted.
And trotting is not something he does endlessly. Already he seems distracted.
And look, the most perfect patch of grass I think has caught his eye.
Turning, and trotting and grazing all at once. Such a talent.
Or maybe he really just had an itch.
Do all horses like to eat Spanish moss? I know his mother does. And now he's tall enough to actually reach it.


He's looking rather pleased with himself. But somebody tell me, where did baby Sammy go?

Saturday, June 21, 2008

My boy's a natural

We've recently had some rain which has allowed the grass to grow. The pasture in the kindercare field has grown a little faster than the kids can keep up with. So every once in a while, the cow herd is transfered to their field so the cows can have a treat. The boys are used to the cows but today, Sammy must have heard he is part Quarter Horse and is supposed to do something with the cows. Here, he has noticed them and wanders over.
He doesn't chase them but he does seem to have a purpose. He seems to have a plan. Perhaps he's watched some team penning or cutting on TV. Or read a good book. The herd has 3 black angus cows and the rest are, um, brown ones. Along with Sparky the red bull....who is very tolerant. You can tell he has raised several young ones and is forgiving of their antics.
Thank goodness because Sammy doesn't seem to have any fear of Sparky...who is rather large.

Sammy, do you think it's a good idea to get between a bull and his cows? Sparky is such a good sport and moves away from Sammy's herding.
Ah, so now Sammy has all the brown/red ones together. Notice Vantage tagging along. I think he was trying to talk Sammy out of this the whole way. He doesn't see any need to "work" cows, he's a Saddlebred for goodness sake. They are above such menial tasks.
Now Sammy turns his attention to the black girls. Notice Sparky appealing to me to put a stop to these shenanigans.
But Sammy feels the need to intimidate Sarah.....at least I think this is Sarah.
But just in case you think I'm going to turn him into my cow pony, he does still have this nice hunter trot!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Friends

Sammy has a good time out with his friends. Vantage is growing taller while Sammy seems to be growing out instead of up.
All 3 of the kids are growing up fast. Vantage is definitely going to be the taller one. He is all legs. Masquerade has slowed down her growth up now that she's a 2 year old. Why do they think that halters were made for them to play with. None of them survive very long. I wonder why.
Sammy and Masquerade are plotting something. Guess which one is Sammy.
Sammy has several places of no hair all over his body.....but mainly his neck. I wonder how that happened? I have no doubts that he is the instigator and it seems that they really make him pay for his picking.
But he's growing up fast and playing builds strong muscles and bones. His fetlock joint has absolutely no reminders of the surgery he underwent almost a year ago.
He seems to be growing in body more than in the leg department right now. But he has much more bone to his legs than Lily so I hope his legs will hold up his big ole body along with my big ole body one day.
Somehow this picture makes him look like a grown up.....and he's getting there.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

I had a turn with the chair

The kids eventually tired of the chair game and so got down to business. I thought it was safe to reclaim my chair and get some other pictures.
uh-oh maybe not
what a face
uh - Sammy. I brought the chair!
really - the chair was mine to start with
Can you deal with that?
No - you cannot sit in my lap
Yikes - Masquerade - not you too!!!