All the horses at Forever Sky have been extra playful during these last several days, ever since the sun finally decided to show its face and warm the air a bit. Maybe they are just as happy as we are to be rid of this cold, wet nastiness. They ARE Florida horses, after all. They're only supposed to wear their blankets two days out of the year, not two months!Christine was out cleaning the pastures this weekend when Schatzi came nosing around the mule. First he took her water bottle in his mouth and dropped it on the ground. Then he grabbed her jacket, shook it, and playfully reared and took off across the pasture. He ran circles, shaking the jacket and tossing it in the air. When Christine finally retrieved her jacket, Schatzi ran and grabbed the loose fly mask that Christine had put in the mule. He tossed it in the air a few times before letting Christine have it back.
Meanwhile, the Donkey was braying. The babies were spunky. Even Lady, who is over 20 years old, was feeling spry. She suddenly started galloping around her pasture for what seemed to be no good reason. No one was chasing her. She wasn't chasing anyone. She was just running.
Some years ago, I read an article in National Geographic called "Animals at Play." Every so often I think about that piece when I see the horses running around and kicking up their hooves or when they are being downright mischievous, trying to bait you into some manner of play. The gist of the article was that all intelligent animals need playtime.
Today I was standing next to Schatzi's stall when Richard grabbed his halter off the wall and flung it toward me. It was as if he were saying, "Excuse me. I'm over here. That horse doesn't need attention. I DO. Play with me."
So this is me, throwing my halter at you. As we approach the first day of spring (March 20th), take some time to find your playful side. Run for no reason. Laugh out loud. Toss a ball in the air. Hop on your horse bareback. Do anything fun and frivolous.
Just Play.
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Thank you Jolee for all you do to provide everyone with such a beautiful and lovely place to keep our beloved horses.
ReplyDeleteIt looks as though I will be away for a while. I am not sure of the exact date of when I will return.
If I may, I would like to put a shout out to all "our family" who may have some knowledge of military protocal and possibly provide me with any information that could help me in this time of crisis.
Though I am Wizards and Richards "mother" they are really my son's horses. I became their caretaker when he went to join the army. Wizard means the world to him so I do my best to take of him and make sure he is happy.
As some of you may know my son is not doing well. He has been pulled out of Iraq and sent to Germany for an undetermend amount of time.
I am illitarate when comes to military speak and the workings within. I am trying desprately to get to Germany. So I can support him in this difficult time. My passport has expired and I think I may have found a way to get one fast. If anyone has information that I will need as far as making this happen it would be great.
Does anyone know of special rates that are available to families of service members in an emergency situation? Is there someone I need to contact to make sure I can get on base to help him?
All of this is very foriegn to me and any advice would be so greatly appreciated.
If anyone should happen to walk by Wizard or Richard would you please be so kind as to offer a peppermint or just take a few moments to pet them and let them know how much I miss them. Thank you all so very much. I am thinking of you always.
Much love to all
PattyLynn
850.232.5573
We'll be thinking of you, PattyLynn. Don't worry about Richard and Wizard. They will get plenty of peppermints. Take care of yourself.
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