Just like the kids, some of the horses will play in the water every chance they get, so once riding was over for the week, Doyle bee-lined for the pond and jumped in. Good thing Gandalf was watching nearby, ready to help his pal if he got into trouble (definitely Doyle’s strong suit). Doyle demonstrated his breaststroke, doggie paddle, and elementary backstroke before wandering off looking for a grassy snack.
Doyle is one of our most avid swimmers. He enjoys the cool water in the hot sun and usually his best friend Gandalf is wandering around near him. However, Gandalf is not much of a swimmer. Campers that come and have never seen horses in a herd living near ponds may have never gotten the chance to see a horse swim. Girls coming and watching the horses, free of restrictions, swim and enjoy being a horse in a herd is the reason that Road’s End Farm exists nowadays. We do not exist for showing purposes, but rather, a connection with nature and a belief that this place should provide a unique camp experience for girls who love horses.
Archive | Farm Animals
Hendrix and Fred were demonstrating one of Tom’s favorite maxims tonight, which works hand in hand with the old adage, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’. Certainly herd politics can be complex, especially now with the incorporation of the new horses (Vanessa has been busy in her role as ambassador for Spirit and Elf), but in the soft evening light Hendrix and Fred sure make it look easy to be friends and help each other out.
Many of our horses are friends and will engage in such rituals. Scratching each other in places that are hard to reach is adorable to watch, and must feel even better considering the bugs in New Hampshire can get bothersome. Hooray for horse friendships.
Elf arrived yesterday morning in the midst of a rolling thunderstorm, but he was bigger than the weather and pranced around, snorting into the foggy air. He has already made certain that Spirit knows who’s in charge. He is full of gumption and grass – a good combination for a thirteen-hand, thirteen-year old Paint cross. Finally, Buddy will see a lighter side to pint-sized shenanigans.
We have horses of all sizes, but have found that our ponies tend to have the most sass. If you know horses, you know that a determined pony can be significantly stronger willed than a horse. We have a few ponies who have mellowed out in their old age, but will certainly teach you how to properly ride. Elf, a speedy small pony, will teach you how to have soft hands and a gentle seat. Some campers even call him a unicorn.
A warm welcome to Spirit, the new pony who just arrived to join in the shenanigans this summer. He’s a thirteen-year old Quarterhorse (but no terrible teens here!) and he’s settling in happily to a life of carrots, apples, and biped servants at his beck and call. Since he’s just unpacked, we haven’t yet showed him the trails or introduced him to the herd, but Tom has explained to him the importance of knowing names, using your head to save your back, how many hands make light work, and the value of pulling your pound.
He is already the favorite of many campers and has since made many friends within the herd of horses. Spirit is a well loved, big boy who loves riding in both the ring and on trail – although riding on trail is his favorite!
