Lena and “Sweets” have come to live with us! I adore this photo of Cassidy hugging his new best friend (Sweets).

I’ve never had horse friends before. But last week our neighbor Dean asked if we would take his two mares for a few months to see how they liked it here. Back story: They’d lived on his property for four years, but he felt they needed more human companionship than he could give. And now with 3 kids and 3 adults fawning over them on Rosenfield Ranch, they get plenty of that!

I’ve only ridden horses a couple times in my entire life, and at 70 I probably won’t start. But the grandchildren have the riding bug for sure. And living where we live, there are plenty of friends around who will be happy to help them get started as equestrians come spring and warmer weather.  

Meanwhile, these two 800 pound sweethearts with their soulful eyes and patient temperaments have captured our hearts. Even their tendency to roll in the mud after being currycombed seems somehow endearing. Of course I’m not the one to curry them, but the grand kids don’t seem to mind.

And a bonus…I don’t hear much complaining about being bored anymore. There are always horses to track down and pet. And tracking them down on 20 acres keeps the grand kids busy and outside. As a second bonus, they have to wear their cowboy boots around the horses. (These country kids are mostly shoe-less, even climbing hiking trails in bare feet. I kid you not!) So getting them into any kind of footwear has been a challenge.

Horsey Hugs and Gentle Words

Dean told us that Sweets liked to watch TV with him for hours, just for the company, and through a window.

We don’t have a TV, but we do have 6 animal loving people with plenty of horsey hugs and gentle words for them both. Even the cats seem calm and happy to be near them. Funny how life can change…and this is one of the happiest changes I’ve experienced in a while!

Your Animal Loving Artist,

Merry