Sunday, February 12, 2012

Valentine Horse




For Valentine’s Day I thought it might be fun to do a post on one of the horses.  My pick is Donnie.  I love all the horses in the herd, but Donnie holds a special place in my heart. I’ve posted a little about some of Donnie’s struggles with emotional and physical stress over the years, and through all of it he has remained as sweet and loving no matter his fears.

When we first brought Donnie home, he had lots of new situations to get used to: staying in a stall, accepting halters, blankets, grooming, hoof trimming, saddling and riding.  It was clear he’d had some rough handling before he came to us, and it took a while, but we finally earned his trust; today he’s a pro with most of these situations.  But not long after we began working with him under saddle, he had an unexplained meltdown when a dog lunged at him in the indoor of the farm we were at, and hasn’t been able to be girthed and ridden normally since. 

We still haven’t been able to ride him as my daughter did when we first met him.  The truth is, we’ve never really pushed the issue.  Once Donnie’s problems began, riding him again never really became a top priority, though we have continued to work with him in other ways, just to keep a trusting working relationship with him going. 

But after all of these years, with patience and trust, his physical and emotional problems have subsided, and now it’s a matter of getting his memories to take a backseat so maybe he can have the confidence to carry a rider without bucking.  He’s slowly getting used to a girth around his belly and accepting it without a meltdown.  He’s even let my daughter get on and ride a few times without getting worried.  We don’t have any grand plans for him, but we want Donnie to know he can trust us no matter what, and that he’s got nothing to fear.  We’re working on it slowly and he’s coming along.

Donnie tries so hard and never wants to cause any displeasure.  Just last night Dusty didn’t want to come in and was intent on leading an exodus back to the pastures.  Donnie thought about following her, but when I called him he turned and looked at me, he fought a battle with himself whether to follow the herd or to listen to me and come in.  He came in even though it was probably against his instincts.  This is one more reason why I love this horse.  I don’t know of any other horse that tries so hard to please, but he does.

He’s also a people-horse.  He’s the first one to nicker a greeting when we walk into the barn because he’s genuinely happy to see us.  If either of us is having a bad day or doesn’t feel well, Donnie will know and you can tell he cares and wants to make it better.  His eyes and face are very expressive; it’s always easy to know what Donnie is thinking.  He’s a horse that craves human interaction, who will gently take you by the sleeve and pull you over to the front of his stall when he wants some attention.  Every night you can count on Donnie for the best horse hugs, too.  One only needs to stand in front of him and hug his neck and he will hug you back.

Donnie is one of the sweetest, gentlest horses I’ve ever known.  Somehow, through all his trials and tribulations, his disposition has remained kind and caring.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Donnie.  You are truly the horse of my heart.

Until next time

Quote for Today
In the steady gaze of the horse shines a silent eloquence that speaks of love and loyalty, strength and courage. It is the window that reveals to us how willing is his spirit, how generous his heart.

18 comments:

  1. Victoria Cummings
    How lucky to have a "love horse" like Donnie! Happy Valentine's Day to you and your happy herd!

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  2. Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Valentine Horse":

    I am so happy to know there are people in the world like you and your daughter. Your posts on living in the moment and horse instincts has given me much to think about in my own experiences with horses. My 'Eric' was named Patches, a pinto very similar to Blue. She wasn't a people horse with anyone but me. She loved spending some liberty time with me, trying to engage me in play. There was no clicker training back then but she would have really enjoyed that. I think this would be great for Donnie - anything that he can 'help' you with -weed the flower beds, set up the jumps etc - just to be in your company. I'm like you in that I don't want a circus horse but including trick training of some kind to keep him stimulated would really puff up his self-esteem. He is so smart. It's just finding the time to enjoy such a noble animal:-( George G ps Thank you for all that you already do for troubled horses.

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  3. Dream Valley Ranch has left a new comment on your post "Valentine Horse":

    What a sweet boy! And what a darned lucky boy to end up in a home where his people are willing to take their time and keep trust sacred. I heart Donnie :)

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  4. Calm, Forward, Straight has left a new comment on your post "Valentine Horse":

    What a beautiful tribute to Donnie, and to horses in general really. They have such generous hearts.

    Happy Valentine's Day to you, your daughter and all the herd, but especially Donnie! (((♡♡♡)))

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  5. Annette has left a new comment on your post "Valentine Horse":

    Donnie sounds wonderful and how lucky he has been to find an understanding home with you.

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  6. Val has left a new comment on your post "Valentine Horse":

    That was such a sweet story. Horses are so forgiving and there are those that still rise above the rest with the biggest hearts.

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  7. Linda has left a new comment on your post "Valentine Horse":

    He sounds like a sweetheart. I hope you do ride him again one day so he gets over that traumatic event. He sounds like he could be an awesome horse on the trail since he has such a willing heart! Happy Valentines to you and your herd!

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  8. Grey Horse Matters has left a new comment on your post "Valentine Horse":

    Carolina,
    Of course I'll give Donnie a hug from you, he lives for his hugs.

    Thanks everyone for your comments, Donnie is a sweetheart and would appreciate all your thoughts and kind words about him.

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  9. billie has left a new comment on your post "Valentine Horse":

    What a sweetie! I so respect what you and j have done with him - not trying to push something he isn't ready to do, loving him anyway for exactly who he is, and giving him a wonderful, forever home. That combination of responsibility is rare in horse people.

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  10. Grey Horse Matters has left a new comment on your post "Valentine Horse":

    Hi Jean,

    We've had Donnie tested for everything under the sun over the years. It's been an ongoing mystery that was finally solved a few years ago. Turns out Donnie has PSSM. We're doing our best to treat him and make him feel better. If anyone who doesn't already know Donnie's history and would be interested here are the links from a series I did on Donnie's troubles and symptoms:

    http://greyhorsematters.blogspot.com/2009/01/donnies-story.html

    http://greyhorsematters.blogspot.com/2009/01/donnies-story-part-ii.html


    http://greyhorsematters.blogspot.com/2009/01/donnies-story-part-iii-conclusion.html

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  11. C-ingspots has left a new comment on your post "Valentine Horse":

    Not sure why, but Donnie's always been my favorite of your horses. And, he's beautiful as well. Happy Valentine's Day!! BTW - I loved your last post...very thought provoking!

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  12. Wolfie has left a new comment on your post "Valentine Horse":

    Yay, Donnie! What a sweet guy. The perfect Valentine Horse. I love the way that you work with your horses - never in a rush and always what is best for the horse. His pleasing demeanor is due in great part to your loving care of him.

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  13. Sandra has left a new comment on your post "Valentine Horse":

    Lovely post! It's obvious you've got your heart in the right place, giving him all the time he needs and putting his well-being ahead of wether he can be ridden or not. And he's responding to that with his love and attachment to you. Happy valentine's day!

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  14. Oak in the Seed has left a new comment on your post "Valentine Horse":

    Donnie is a worthy Valentine and is living up to your love and trust. Looks like he giving you and your daughter his heart every day. Happy Heart Day!

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  15. Jen has left a new comment on your post "Valentine Horse":

    Lovely post. Sometimes it's the damaged ones that touch your heart the deepest; maybe it's because they need our love the most.

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  16. Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Valentine Horse":

    I am so happy to know there are people in the world like you and your daughter. Your posts on living in the moment and horse instincts has given me much to think about in my own experiences with horses. My 'Eric' was named Patches, a pinto very similar to Blue. She wasn't a people horse with anyone but me. She loved spending some liberty time with me, trying to engage me in play. There was no clicker training back then but she would have really enjoyed that. I think this would be great for Donnie - anything that he can 'help' you with -weed the flower beds, set up the jumps etc - just to be in your company. I'm like you in that I don't want a circus horse but including trick training of some kind to keep him stimulated would really puff up his self-esteem. He is so smart. It's just finding the time to enjoy such a noble animal:-( George G ps Thank you for all that you already do for troubled horses.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Joy has left a new comment on your post "Valentine Horse":

    Aawww, what a sweetheart!! I want one!

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  18. Jan has left a new comment on your post "Valentine Horse":

    What a special, special horse Donnie is!! I can just see him thinking "mom?" or "Dusty?"- hmmm, Mom or Dusty??? Go with Mom!!

    And his interactions with humans are so interesting. From his awareness of the humans feelings (amazing that he senses it and responds) to just wanting to be around/have attention from humans. It's like he has a special connection with humans. what a dear horse.

    So sorry he had something traumatic happen in the past. But it sounds like you have gently helped him totally recover internally, into a dear, unique, special horse.

    Thanks for telling us about Donnie.

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It's so nice of you to take the time to visit. I appreciate your stopping by and commenting on what I've written. Even though I sometimes don't have the time to reply to each comment, I do enjoy reading them.