A new face at Shadowood

First the apology. Sorry, but no pics yet. Too rainy here this week. I'll try to get pics soon.

Now, the introduction ...

Since losing Persona and Stinker this winter, I've been keeping an eye out for another old equine to retire here with Molly and Ferouge. Molly and Ferouge are 31 and 29 respectively, and Molly's body is aging rapidly. Neither of these old girls has spent a day in their lives without equine companionship; they've been together here for more than 25 yrs. Neither one of them would be able to handle being an only horse, and I have no intention of ever allowing that to happen. And so, a new companion had to be found.

I started the search by contacting my vet and farrier, letting them know I was looking for an aged companion horse for the girls. Then I contacted a horse owning neighbor who referred me to a Standardbred rescue organization in another state. I nearly adopted a mare from them, but the transport fell through at the last minute. In the meantime, my vet let me know about a local mare who might be in need of a new home. When I called the mare's owner, she was very uncertain about letting her go. Mare Mare (I know, horrible name) had been her gaming partner for 10 yrs, and Renee felt a very strong obligation to her. I, of course, completely understand and respect that sort of obligation, but by the end of our conversation, Renee was seriously considering letting me retire her with my girls. Renee, however, had been given Mare Mare by a friend of hers to whom she had made a promise to keep Mare Mare forever. So Renee discussed my retirement offer with her friend, and they both agreed to let Mare Mare become part of my Shadowood family. In fact, the friend asked Renee if I wanted her 20 yr old gelding, too!

Mare Mare, who I think I may nickname Mae, is a 20ish (Paul said 18-22, closer to 22), 14.1 hand, grey, Arab something (I'm guessing Arab-Quarter), very laid-back girl who is extremely easy to get along with, aside from rather atrocious manners on-lead. It's hard for me to imagine this girl as a barrel and keyhole horse, though she was supposedly quite good at both. Here, she looks half asleep most of the time. She is, however, about 100 lbs underweight, significantly heavey, and reportedly has arthritis in her left hip (which I haven't seen any sign of). She also has some inflammation in her left eye and a bit of cloudiness in both eyes - probably mild cataracts and perhaps the beginning of uveitis. She's a completely non-aggressive pasturemate ... very much the live and let live type ... which is exactly what I needed.

Molly and Ferouge weren't at all convinced they needed a new companion last Wed. when Mare Mare showed up, but they're making peace with her presence now. Ferouge still makes sure she places herself between Molly and Mare Mare at all times, but Mare Mare is allowed to graze with them as long as she maintains a respectful distance. Last night was the first time Ferouge treated Mare Mare like a member of her own herd, so we're making progress.

At least now I know there will be no "only horse" here at Shadowood as time marches on. Eventually I'll get too old to keep horses, I suppose, but that'll hopefully be a long way down the road. Until then, my old girls will keep me off the couch, throwing bales, mucking the barn, and enjoying the dichotomy of their serene and powerful spirit in my pasture.

Laurie