I have felt this before. When my son first played rock and roll in public. When the other son said he was going to be a high school teacher. When a friend tap danced in her first recital — in her 60s. I know about feeling like your chest will burst open from happiness.
Today my chest is bursting with pride at the three horses and one donkey at our little ranch. They gave me a good surprise.
They were all way overdue for trims, since our regular farrier has been out of commission for a while. So a different one came today. I wondered how they would do, though I wasn’t very worried about Apache or Dusty. They’ve both gotten good. And Fiona is usually fine.
Well. They were better than fine! Apache nearly fell asleep, and I know the mere 15 minutes I rode him hadn’t been taxing. Dusty was so calm he didn’t seem alive at some points.
But Mabel. She’d not been trimmed in a long time because everyone was worried about how she would behave. I was concerned about her feet.
Mabel. She was such a polite girl! The farrier said she kept trying too hard to help. And she let me pick out all her burs while he trimmed. I’m so proud of that horse! See what good care and kindness can do?
She even has “good feet for a thoroughbred,” I was told. Wow. I’m so happy for her! She has to feel so much better! I can’t wait until she gets her bodywork!
I’m so pleased. And Fiona, what about her? I thought she’d wandered off but no, when it was her turn, there she was standing in front of the tack room, ready for her much-needed trim. I thought that she was in bad shape, but no, she just had a little overgrowth. The farrier said he’d had to take a mini chainsaw to two donkeys earlier today. Poor dears.
Drew missed all the fun! I’m just so happy tonight.
The Hermits' Rest 