the big bandito

so i get to the farm and everyone is glad to be allowed to stick their head in the aisle, even bandit, the big baby who hates to be groomed let me, after i had been there some time, use a comb on the length of his neck. i read somewhere this is where they groom each other.

he stretched his neck out really far and just stayed really still while i worked the comb up and down. he stayed there a long time, until i finished. and i thought, since he enjoyed that so much, i should get the curry and hard brush and try to make them a positive experience rather than a freak out experience.

so he's all relaxed and letting me do more grooming than i ever have to him (i've groomed him, but it was quickly and i was nervous. maybe that was the problem).

so, i break out the massage curry, and he lets me use it on his neck and chest. i move in small even circles, and he seems to enjoy it. then i switch to the other side of him, and he stays, and lets me.

when i go for the hard brush, he doesn't really want me to use it on him, but i let him smell it and watch it for awhile. and finally, he let me get close to him with it (i was close, but i'd rather stand palms turned upright, until he relaxes and lets me do whatever it is i am trying to do.

hard brushing done, i stayed there and stroked his chest and shoulders. when nicole walked in.

i told her how he'd let me groom him a bit.

she seemed pleased. we then flymasked the horses and led them out to the paddock, while my girl took barnaby to the outdoor arena.

i didn't feel much like being indoors, so i went to see bucky and prince. they were gracious. i en oyed them but didn't stay long because i was right out in the open field with them and didn't want godzilla getting her knickers in a knot.

but by the time we ran into her, we were on our way to the wash stall, ready to bathe barnaby. these horses are very well treated, nicole's that is.

which makes me want to do so much for bucky, but i can't. it's not my place. and so i leave him all mudcaked and flypestered, though i did give him a kiss. it's the least i can do. his soft grey muzzle in my face for a moment.

and the hawk, pestered in the sky by a small blackbird circled farther and farther away and i wished him closer and closer. and once, while i was walking the paddock, looking for what should not be there, he came a few hundred feet away. pestered still.

and now to rest. i'm very tired.
and the days they pass too fast.
the nights, without rest.

soon, i'll be in school again and must be ready for it.

peace.