A Horse of a Different Color

Central Texas is in the throws of an Artic front.  Today the high temp looks to be 38 degrees, but it feels even chillier in the wind. 

I bought blankets at the end of last years winter season before my foals were born.  Since blankets were on clearance, I saved a ton on them.  Only down side was the pony blankets came in pink only.  I’d much prefer blue or brown or green.  Anything dark hued. 

See, most horses tend to be a bit of a bigamist.  If you’ve ever turned a grey, paint or appy horse out in a solid horse herd, you know what I mean.  Horses don’t trust the weird and individuality will only get you eaten in the wild.  Don’t even get them started on miniature horses!  Mini’s tend to blow the average horse mind when they are introduced for the first time.

So, Sonnheim and Gambol were outfitted on Saturday in their new duds.  Matching bright pink blankets.  Since I bought pony sized blankets, they hang almost to the ponies’ knees.  They look like little kids dressed up in daddy’s t-shirts.  Very cute to my eyes, at least.  Sonnheim is thoroughly appalled to not only wear pink, but to be matchy matchy with Gambol.

Once I was fairly sure that they weren’t going to freak themselves out over their new clothes, it was time to turn them back out with their herd.  This herd is a great group for my little darlings.  The herd consists of a bossy broodmare, two three year olds, a two year old and one other weanling, all warmbloods.  Plenty of playmates and disciplinarians, perfect really even if they seem like giants next to Sonnheim and Gambol.

Envision if you will, there I am watching my beloved foal crop prance back out to their friends.  The herd as a group came to full alert staring at Sonnheim and Gambol. Then they came at a full gallop to chase the intruders away.  Sonnheim and Gambol were devastated!  Of course, galloping is fun, so the herd ran around for a bit and then decided that the ponies were worth investigating.   After that, the herdmates realized they knew the ponies and that, while something horrible had obviously happened to them, they were okay to have around.  Soon everyone resumed eating and I could heave a sign of relief, even if I had small hopes for the blankets staying in good shape.

The next day, I was shocked to find the blankets whole and still in place.  I did witness the two year old pick Sonnheim’s rear end up by biting his blanket.  Literally, his back feet were off the ground!  Today, the blankets are still looking good, although I am taking bets on them lasting the season.

Luckily, horse prejudice is not long lived when it comes to other equines.  If it trots like and neighs like, it must be a horse.

WORD!