What does 36 year old Nick do all day? Well, he wanders, he eats, he dozes and plays with herd members over the gate. Today’s playmate is Theodore.
A friend reminded me that you don’t stop playing when you grow old, you grow old because you stop playing.
My iPhone made this video of one of my students who has been with me for 12 years. Time sure does fly! Mary is an amazing young woman and has always been a delight to be around. 
This is my friend and student, Anna, teaching her pony, Mocha, to toss a little towel to her. What is really amazing though is that Mocha is blind. She is shepherded around by some of the sheep on their farm. In the comments, Regina is the ewe in the pic, one of Mocha’s guides. Big kudos to Anna for finding ways to enrich her pony’s life.
This is my friend and student, Anna, with her pony Mocha. Anna has taught her to toss a little towel to her. But what is extra special is that Mocha is blind. The accompanying pic in the first comment shows Regina, one of their sheep who helps Mocha get around. Pretty amazing!
Quinn and Leo getting some exercise on a beautiful fall day.
Quinn and Leo getting in some exercise on a beautiful fall day. Ivan thought it was exciting.
Sammie and China
Sammie and China learning to ground drive. Perfect fall weather today!
I had the privilege of teaching this young lady for 10 years before she left for college. Now she runs the stable for me during the summer when she’s on break. Lots of great memories!
Whiskey and Sam
When it’s too hot to ride, there are plenty of other things to do. Samantha is desensitizing Whiskey to arrows in case we do mounted archery.
Playtime
Nick, my chestnut 35 year old, playing with Hero this morning. Play is a very important component for the horses around here. Hero is only 22 by comparison. His front feet are bothering him a little bit but you can see he is still engaged with Nick. I try to make sure Nick gets some playtime every day with somebody, usually Hero. There’s no way he could cope in the herd due to his age and attitude. He doesn’t know he’s 35. That would get him in trouble for sure. I love how he rears up near the end. My old guy still has “it,” whatever it is.
I think my friend, Dill, has the right idea!
Video courtesy of Hannah Yaiser.
The grass eligible horses were feeling pretty spicy in this cooler weather. Actually, cool for us humans but perfect temps for horses.
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