Melanie Nilles

I haven’t felt this good with a horse in a long time! I had my mare for ten years and she and I never just “played”. She was never interested. For three years before her I had no horses, not since I sold a beloved gelding because of college. He and I had that special connection that you find once in a lifetime.

However, I’m pretty sure Beau and I will have that something special in our relationship, not just as horse and trainer but as friends. I love him as I haven’t loved a horse since Blaze, the Paint gelding I mentioned. For the last couple of weeks he’s been more settled in to the point that he’s comfortable now in the new setting and our colder weather. He’s still growing a winter coat–about a month’s growth behind everyone else, so I blanket him when it gets particularly cold–but he’s not looking quite so cold on the cool days. That helps. He’s also settled in his mind. That’s a great thing right there.

Tonight we just played, something I haven’t done in over thirteen years. It’s FUN! I forgot how much fun it was. And that is inspiring on so many levels. I chased him around to get him going in the indoor arena, which didn’t take much more than the snap of the longe whip. He found another lying in the dirt and picked it up by the handle with his teeth and started trotting off with it, until I ran after him. Luckily, he dropped it before he stepped on the shaft or the lash. He ran and bucked and did his little squeal of delight when he plays. After a little of that, I turned and ran away from him. He turned and started following me with the “Hey! Where ya goin? Whatcha doin?” look. After a little of that, I turned on him and he jumped. He whirled and ran, realizing the game had changed.

Nights like this are the reason I love having horses, besides riding. Since I can’t ride him yet, I’m taking advantage of the time by horsing around, building a bond with him. He’s so pretty to watch when he plays too. I’ve never had a horse with such naturally beautiful movement. Nor have I ever had a horse take dewormer the way he does–like it’s nothing!

Did I mention what a sweetheart he is? And I’ve spoiled him on sugar cubes. I swear the only horse who ever refused them was my mare, if she wasn’t in the mood. She was different. Beau is a big kissable, huggable dream come true. He really is my dream horse! He may not be perfectly flawless but he’s perfect for me right now. I don’t regret spending the money on him.

Beau has reminded me what I love about horses and shown me what I was missing for so long that I forgot. And it’s rejuvenated my writing too! How’s that for a bonus?