3.18.2024

hope and her herd

This set of mid-February photos look more like Winter, but were all taken on the same days as my last photo postLet's start with Cierra. Without her, there would be no Hope. 


Cierra still keeps a watchful eye on Hope.

If we were younger and knew a second foal would turn out to be just as precious as her first, we might breed her again. We aren't getting any younger and Brad plans to un-retire Cierra and show her. Hopefully this year. Besides, Six family horses is more than enough. 


What is the most number of horses you have owned at one time?

 

Just curious. We get a shocked look from non-horse people who ask the common question "how many horses do you have" and we respond with "we have 6 horses". Always followed by "Wow!"It is really not that many. I think. Technically 3 are Brad's, 2 are mine and 1 horse belongs to our daughter. 


Still such a good Mama

As for Hope, she has everyone's attention. All the horses are well aware of where Hope is at all times. One of her favorite things to do is stir the pot, 'er herd. It is almost guaranteed to happen when the dogs and I reach the end of the pasture path, and Hope can no longer walk with us.


end of pasture path (22 sec)

Cierra is at the top of the pasture hill

Many times she takes off at a full run to the top of the pasture, and races Cierra (and sometimes Nemo) back to the shared dry lot fence. Other times she runs by herself, takes the corner into the dry lot and busts out into silly moves. Trying to get others to join her. Sometimes it even works.



Hope and Cierra


2/12/24

Hope out runs everyone

Perhaps the full grown horses allow Hope to outrun them. Knowing it is not worth the extra effort. 


Other times, Hope takes a peaceful accompanied stroll back to the herd.



Hope and Cierra heading back
(Nemo waiting far right)

Our herd frequently hangs out together, split by a hot fence. Mostly in the sunny afternoons. Koda usually misses out.


Nemo & Cierra, Hope & Harmony




Our oldest girl is doing a commendable job of being Hope's pasture buddy. Hope is frequently glued to Harmony's side. She shares every.single.thing with Hope in the pasture, even when she would rather not. She is very patient with her. I've never seen Harmony get mad at or be mean to Hope. Even when she tries to stir Harmony up. Which is hilarious!! Harmony usually replies with "whatever" and sometimes gives Hope an occasional ear pin. Rightfully so. 


Harmony (24 yrs young)
2/17/24

We are fairly confident Hope will eventually rise to the top of our mare pecking order. Time will tell.


7 comments:

Marie Smith said...

I love stories of your horses. Amazing creatures.

Shirley said...

Not sure how many I have had at one time but over the years I have owned at least 60 horses. Many of them young ones I have bought or raised for resale. Loved every one of them!
Your Hope has wheels! She has a lot of leg under her, have you measured yet for eventual height?
I think Brad will enjoy showing Cierra again. Such a lovely horse.
Harmony is the same age as Velvet. Love the back lit photo of her.

aurora said...

Thanks Marie :)

.......

No Shirley, we have not guestimated Hope's height. Good idea. She is growing like a weed!

I think Brad is looking forward to showing Cierra again. He is doing the work himself. Good experience for training Hope :)) Padame is a younger different horse, and level up of riding. He is learning a lot with her, and can practice at home on Cierra.

Far Side of Fifty said...

Fun to hear about the herd! Our daughter had two horses when she was in High School...that was plenty:)

Val Ewing said...

The look when people ask how many horses you have? LOL.
I get that look.
Even stranger when I respond 'mules', not horses.

Your photos are amazing and I can't wait to see what fun Brad has with Cierra again.

I'm loving Cierra's shot and of course Harmony's shot ...they rock!
You are so excellent at capturing them all!

Val Ewing said...

As to your question as to what was the most amount of horses you owned at a time?
12 horses, 3 of them riding. 8 mules, 7 of them riding or being trained.
8 Donkeys. They were the coolest.

Linda said...

You have an awesome herd! Hope is like our Epona, the light of our horsey lives, but also the last young one as we, too, are phasing out. We have only 7 now, but the max was 9. Half of our herd, actually more than that, are oldies. We have two young guns: Epona and Tweed. Foxy is like your Harmony. Golden.