Reuniting My Family
I’d been (im)patiently waiting for this moment for three years.
In fact, this event fulfills a life-long dream.
Backstory
A few years ago, we adopted five Standardbred horses and trained them (well, they trained us) into a team and we tackled part of the Bicentennial National Trail together. The full story is here.
The bond between the seven of us was extraordinary. I grew up with horses, but living and relying on each other 24/7 over many months meant a unique relationship formed that would ultimately tear my heart to pieces. We were family.
A member of my (human) family was poorly and I felt I needed to be in the UK. Reluctantly the five horses were split. Stevie and Spirit went to one home, Charlie, Ned and Dom to another.
(l to r) - Stevie, Spirit, Dom, Charlie, Ned. This is only a few months before we departed company.
Fast-forward three years.
During during those years not a day went by when I didn't miss those boys.
Returning to Australia, it worked out that we could have Charlie, Ned and Dom back. I counted the days.
Nine days ago today, we picked them up. Charlie needs more food than most. At 16hh he is not only tall but bulky, his big thick legs show no breeding of daintiness – whereas Neddy is a ‘good-doer.’
I fretted over Charlie on the eight hour trip back to our place. He’d not fared well and I thought he’d break.
‘Horses are far more resilient than that.’ Noel reminded me.
Here are the boys on their first day home.
During during those years not a day went by when I didn't miss those boys.
Returning to Australia, it worked out that we could have Charlie, Ned and Dom back. I counted the days.
Nine days ago today, we picked them up. Charlie needs more food than most. At 16hh he is not only tall but bulky, his big thick legs show no breeding of daintiness – whereas Neddy is a ‘good-doer.’
I fretted over Charlie on the eight hour trip back to our place. He’d not fared well and I thought he’d break.
‘Horses are far more resilient than that.’ Noel reminded me.
Here are the boys on their first day home.
Amazing Transformation
The pictures below were taken nine days later.
We have great grazing and the speedi-beet is working wonders. After worming, grooming, feeds and loads of love – their eyes are bright and I’ve caught them doing the odd buck and head-toss with pure glee.
Do they remember us?
Yes. Ned has already rested his head just above my tummy and sighed with relief – he used to do this on the trail after something scared him. He can be quite nervous can our Neddy-Boy.
Charlie talks to me. He only ever chatted when there was food. Now I call him, or just walk down to say g’day, and he says hello. Gently he rubs his head against me and breathes his own sighs of content.
Dom, well Dom loves everyone and everything. He’s the first to come to us, ears up, with the kindest face. He’d play with butterflies if he could. I call him little Dom, but he was a baby when we let him go and he has grown!
We have great grazing and the speedi-beet is working wonders. After worming, grooming, feeds and loads of love – their eyes are bright and I’ve caught them doing the odd buck and head-toss with pure glee.
Do they remember us?
Yes. Ned has already rested his head just above my tummy and sighed with relief – he used to do this on the trail after something scared him. He can be quite nervous can our Neddy-Boy.
Charlie talks to me. He only ever chatted when there was food. Now I call him, or just walk down to say g’day, and he says hello. Gently he rubs his head against me and breathes his own sighs of content.
Dom, well Dom loves everyone and everything. He’s the first to come to us, ears up, with the kindest face. He’d play with butterflies if he could. I call him little Dom, but he was a baby when we let him go and he has grown!
They are all so big – how did I ever hop on board Charlie!
They are at their forever home. Everyday, I hope to receive a message to say we can have the
other two back and reunite our complete team. I’ve asked and asked….
My life-long dream has been to own my own land with my horses. Of course, I share this with Noel who is just as happy to have our boys back. A good man, lovely horses, and a beautiful home - life's pretty good!
Everyday I smile, I’ve fulfilled a life-long dream and have my family back.
I need nothing more…
They are at their forever home. Everyday, I hope to receive a message to say we can have the
other two back and reunite our complete team. I’ve asked and asked….
My life-long dream has been to own my own land with my horses. Of course, I share this with Noel who is just as happy to have our boys back. A good man, lovely horses, and a beautiful home - life's pretty good!
Everyday I smile, I’ve fulfilled a life-long dream and have my family back.
I need nothing more…
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