Tommy and Skippy Headed to the Trainers

The place seems and feels a little different last night and this morning. I'm not sure how people can handle it. I know it's driving me nuts but I'll adjust.

Whenever you bring a new horse in, there's always adjustments, which take time. It's an exciting time, but yet still stressfull. There's always an adjustment when a horse leaves. In the case at Borderlands, when a horse "leaves" means they are no longer living. Those are the hard adjustments, missing them, knowing they wont' whinny or step on your feet. It's hard to adjust when theirs an ache in your heart.

But when a horse leaves to go to the trainers, it's a different feeling. One of relief knowing they are "going to school" but knowing that you'll get them back at a particular time frame. It's also nice because you can check in on them. But it's still an adjustment none the less. Less work but the herd dynamics always change.

On Wednesday my trainer called to say he was ready to take Tommy. I had offered Tommy (to borrow!) so that his little boy could learn to ride. My trainer does not have any good horses he's willing to put his boy on to learn. He was looking for a pony but not having a true barn of their own (he rents the barn he trains at), there's no room for a pony. But I offered Tommy (to borrow) so that his boy could learn to ride.

We made arrangements for my trainer to pick up Tommy Thursday night. When I called I told him that it was a twofer deal. If he takes Tommy, he pretty much HAS to take Skippy (to borrow). Skippy is so herd bound it's impossible to do much. So he willingly took Skippy too without a second glance. I figured that if we broke Tommy and Skippy apart, something would happen and a vet bill would ensue.

Tommy and Skippy have been together for years. I've had them for 1 1/2years and I'm sure they've been together for most of their lives. They have also had at least six homes. 1) Who ever bred/raised them, 2) people who had to get rid of them because of the landloard, 3) New Hope Horse Shelter (aka DoubleHP), 4) Adopters, 5) New family 6) Borderlands.

I was out getting Tommy and Skippy ready when they pulled in with their two horse trailer. I think the trainer was more excited than his boy. The trainer hopped out and went straight for the ponies to learn a little about each before they took them (to borrow). We talked for a few minutes and I dug out the pony saddle, saddle pad, and bridle. Since the ponies will be gone, I doubt I'll be using any of those items. I'll want them back (just as I want the ponies back) but for now, someone might as well get a use out of them.

My trainer had his boy take Tommy to the trailer. His boy is not very old and the perfect size for both Tommy and Skippy. Tommy's head is taller than the trainer's boy's head. So it'll be a good match in size. My trainer lead Skippy to the trailer while I grabbed the saddle. I talked for just a few minutes to the trainer's wife.

She isn't a confident rider and prefers that her son ride a smaller horse or pony so that if he falls off, he won't fall as far. It sounded like she expected her son to fall off. Must be the life of a trainer's wife. :-)

Tommy didn't want to load at first but once he got his hoof in the trailer he loaded just fine. He's so small even for the two horse that it was silly just looking at him standing in the trailer. Then the trainer loaded Skippy. Skippy just sailed right in. I really do think Skippy is always looking for the next adventure. (naughty pony!)

I think my trainer is much more excited than his boy. But I know that Tommy and Skippy will be in good hands. I trust my trainer and know exactly where the ponies will be. I'm not sure how long they will have them but I know they will be taken care of very well. It sounded like they would be riding two to three times a week. It'll be a shock to Tommy and Skippy since they haven't had to do a hard days work in the year and a half since they've been at at Borderlands.

It's going to be a little different not having the ponies around. It's amazing how quickly you adjust to new horses/ponies and their little quirks. I'll miss them terribly but if I get the urge, I'll just stop out and say "hello." They will be at the facility where Chaos and Maverick were trained at. The trainer is boarding them there. It's a very nice facility and not far from me. And I can call or email whenever I want to find out their status.

I asked how long they wanted to keep them and they didn't know for sure. I told them, keep Tommy and Skippy as long as you want. If you don't want to feed them through the winter, I'll gladly take them back then. So we'll see how it all progresses. I guess you can call it a "free lease" and someone is going to learn how to ride and possibly teach more people about the plight of horses. It's always good to educate the young. If my contribution is loaning out Tommy and Skippy, so be it.