5 months ago

May 6 will be the 5 month anniversary of Scotty's rescue. This morning as I was leaving the barn I stopped to watch him in the pasture. Nearly completely free of his curly winter hair, his chestnut coat seemed to glow even though it was cloudy.. His coloring reminded me of a shiny new penny. I thought to myself how blessed I am to have this horse in my life. Why he is so much more special than any of the other horses I've rescued is beyond me. There have been so many horses - all rescues, and none of them have touched my heart in such a way that Scotty has. I gush about him any chance I get, almost like a new relationship still in it's "honeymoon" phase and I brag about him nearly as much as I do about my own daughter. I truly adore this horse.

As I was watching him play in the pasture - running and bucking, I thought back to 5 months ago when he was too weak to load himself in the trailer. I remembered how emaciated he was and how dull his coat appeared, how I could see every bone in his body and how he was trembling due to the harsh Minnesota cold. He had lost his will to live, given up on people - yet there he stood in the pasture when I came to pick him up, ears pricked forward.... hopeful.

It is still difficult for me to talk about - why and how he got so skinny. It saddens me that he was allowed to get within a week from death and nobody seemed to care. Nobody did ANYTHING! In my heart I have forgiven the people involved and I try not to hate them. Hate is a strong word and does nothing but bring people down. If anything I am grateful to them. If events hadn't played out as they did - I wouldn't have the most wonderful horse in the world.

Such a good boy!

Today was hoof trimming day. Only 5 weeks ago I nearly begged my farrier to return after Scotty made such a scene. He wouldn't stand still, and each time the farrier started filing his hoof, he'd rear up. We were lucky to accomplish anything at all that day.

I was dreading today. I adore my farrier and he does such a wonderful job. Takes his time and is very, very anal - almost to the point where you want to hurry him along. Bless his heart he is patient. Today I brought Scotty in and immediately was reminded of his last temper tantrum.. damn, I thought he might have forgotten. Luckily, Scotty was an absolute saint. He stood for all 4 feet like a pro, unlike his previous few episodes. My farrier even was able to take the time to show me how well his hoof wall was repairing and how much heel he had gained. Scotty was very relaxed the entire time. I'm such a proud mom.

First ride

Once again, too much time has passed since I blogged last. Scotty is doing well, the field road of doom has dried up and the weather is nearing 60. Yesterday was Easter and I was able to spend the entire day at the barn. It started with grooming, clipping and then riding. Everyone got their turn, including Scotty. I went a bit nuts with the clippers and shaved his entire face. I also decided to ride.

So this was our first official ride since the last time I hopped on his back was only for a picture. After a few uncoordinated bucks on the lunge line I hopped on. Luckily I have the laziest horse on the planet - all he wanted to do was walk. He stood dead still while I got on and we walked and did a bit of trotting. He was such a good boy and really seemed to enjoy it.