"There are all kinds of love in this world, but never the same love twice."--F. Scott Fitzgerald

All I got was hugs and treats today because Spode had a rough day.  I thought it would be a good opportunity to share another life story with you all other than my own. Old Sports, it's time to tell you about an old friend of Spode's.  I never met him, though it often feels like I have.  Some days it feels like he's standing in the barn with me. I know him because I know Spode, and in that sense he is present always: Zoodles. 

In the beginning, he was just a name to me (and a silly one at that).  I heard Spode talk about him to others but it was meaningless to me. Words with no connection.  I know better now, and Zoodles is a hero to me.  An inspiration and a mentor, even in his absence. 

Now that I know Spode, and now that I trust her because she trusts and loves me with her whole heart, I know that it is Zoodles who made her that way.  The hours I have spent with her just being together doing nothing is a pleasure for us both, and she loves it because Zoodles taught her the value of forming a bond that's all about mutual comfort.  Work and training is the second priority for Spode.  Her first priority is ensuring that I know nothing but the feeling of love and trust and happiness.  Spode is the first human I've connected to so much, and I couldn't be happier that I've landed with such a caring one.  The more I hear about Zoodles, from her lips and from others', I know that it is him I have to thank for her.

So what do I know about Zoodles? Not as much as I should but I'll make a list of what I've learned.

1. Zoodles was Spode's first horse and thus her first teacher. 

He was the one who taught her that horses are not about riding.  I know he pushed her around and got the better of her in the beginning, because she frequently tells me I'm doing better at something than Zoo did in the beginning of their relationship.  If I didn't know better, I might be haughty about such comments.  But I know what it really means: I am better at certain things because Zoo taught her that horse-human bonds are not made overnight.  Spode put in the time that she didn't always put in with Zoo in the beginning, and she doesn't ask more of me than what I can offer.  Regrets? Spode has them.  It's why she has never missed a day with me at the barn when it's at all possible (i.e. if she is not stranded at school). Thanks for giving me that attention, Zoodles.

2. Zoodles was a one person horse.  

Spode is always commenting that I'm much friendlier than Zoodles was.  But that's not really a compliment.  Zoodles was not very friendly in the beginning, from my understanding, and he was picky about his people. He could be a grump, but this just showed Spode the meaning of unconditional love. Spode is a one horse human, and she loved him because he was hers in the beginning.  We had a discussion about theme songs one day.  Because of my name, my theme song is "Will you still love me?" from the Gatsby movie.  I heard that Zoo's was "He's Not That Into You" in the beginning.  Zoo didn't love Spode until he learned to trust her and trusted that she wasn't leaving like the kids who used to leave him back when he was a school horse.  After that, the bond was solid and that's why he takes on such importance today. He loved Spode and was a different horse with her.  I'm not like that.  I think Spode misses it sometimes.  I love everyone (hence falling on my noggin).  But I tell her it's okay.  There's never the same love twice, and that's how it should be.

3. Zoodles and Spode were a team.

Shows are something Spode and I discuss often because she has goals in mind for me.  I know from these goals that she and Zoodles used to show dressage together.  They also did some hunter, some jumper, some showmanship, and some gaming too.  He made Spode an all rounder because he refused to do one thing for more than three days in a row, and she agrees that that's a good way to go about riding. I will not have a boring future because of his versatility, and I am happy.  Again, Spode learned that a bond was the most important thing, not the ribbon, so schooling is not something she wants to do everyday. The bond comes first.

4. Zoodles was bad at trailering.

I know this thanks to Spode's meltdown when she trailered me for the first time!  Her freakout was due to past fears with Zoo.  Unjustified, but it reflects on how much she loves both of us. The panic was because she was so scared that I would be hurt, a reflection of the same feelings she had for her Zoo.  I know she'll always be my protector thanks to the years spent with Zoo.

5. Zoodles had hoof problems.

Spode is obsessed with my hooves and my pasterns (and my knees, and my hocks, and my teeth, and my back, and.... everything).  When I got a splint, she commented that Zoo had one too, and didn't freak.  When I got a hock sore, she knew what to do.  She gets my hooves looked at often, and she's always feeling my legs and pasterns. Zoodles had ringbone, I know.  But I also know he had some fantastic years of retirement despite this and Spode never stopped seeing him and loving him.  I know I'm a forever horse too because of that past.  When Spode was deciding whether she wanted to buy me or not, I knew she was carrying hoof baggage based on how much concern she had about my angles and wanting the vet and farrier out. I know Zoodles' hooves are frequently on Spode's mind even now.  I trust that I will never have a hoof problem that goes ignored or is not attended to immediately.  Zoodles taught her to be meticulous and attentive.  I trust Spode entirely. Healthy hooves are a top priority for us.  I only hope that Spode and I won't have to go through the pain and worry that she went through with Zoodles at the end. 

6. Zoodles was fun.

I've only worn one hat--just a regular old baseball hat.  Zoo wore many.  He kissed Spode every time he saw her, which I've never done. He sucked on candy, and I don't even like candy.  He ate birthday cake, he let Spode tie ribbons in his air, he let Spode dress him up like a truck AND like a bride.  He had a whinny that melted Spode's heart because it was "so adorable".  They played games and he made Spode laugh even when she was crying, and even on their final day together.  

7. Zoodles was special.  
I can't do certain things because Zoo did them first.  I can't wear certain things that Zoodles wore.  I can't go certain places because they were Zoodles' places.  And that's okay.  He brought light into her life, and I am just a mirror for that light.  It's not that I am less important to her happiness, but the happiness he brought out of her is set in her core.  I can't hit that deep because the space is already filled. For good.  I just bring that deep happiness inside her to the surface again.  I cannot fill her because she is already full. I can only add to it. If she didn't have me for a mirror, that light would never shine.  Zoodles, I cannot thank you enough for teaching my human to love horses so much.  I thank you for teaching her to put my health and happiness first on her list of priorities and for teaching her that everything takes time and patience.  Thank you for teaching her to live in the moment with me and put her worries aside whenever she comes to see me.  Thank you for teaching her the importance of spending every minute you possibly can with the horses you love (and people too, I assume).  We're not on this earth forever.  We can only be there for our humans to hug for a short time.  Zoodles lives inside Spode's personality, but the memories can never be refreshed with new material.  We can only use those old memories to make meaningful new ones, which is how my relationship with Spode can be defined.  I know that the last thing Spode would want is for me to take Zoodles' place and replace his love.  That would only break her heart.  Instead my job is to keep building on the human being that she has become.  To continue in Zoo's hoofprints and make her a better person. My job is to continue lighting up her life and the lives of everyone around her because of what I do for her.  "There are all kinds of love in this world, but never the same love twice."--F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Zoodles has shown me what a great horse can do because I now have a great owner--I am indebted to him for my luck.  So this is for you, Zoodles.  The horse of the ages. You will forever be in our hearts. We love you. 

Rest in peace, Old Sport.  

Jay. 

Ugh, Barn Gossip is the Worst.

Jeez, a horse can't get away with anything around here! It's a lot like school, from what Spode tells me.  Here I was thinking I could party and be a right hooligan all week while Spode was gone, but then the stable manager came in today and blabbed! 

Spode figured something was up already, to be fair, because I didn't eat my treats right (yeah, she's pretty observant of my behaviour...).  I picked them up with my lips instead of grabbing them with my teeth.  Cue Spode shoving her hand into my mouth to check out my teeth.  Yes, mum, they're all still there.  Haven't lost my baby teeth yet! Anyway, since there was no obvious sign of damage, Spode continued to worry.  She checked the barn book but although my name was mentioned, nothing was written in there of any concern. Just changes to my diet, which Spode was the cause of anyway. (Grrrr).

Did you just say cut back my food? But I'm starrrvving! 

But that was yesterday.  Today Spode brought me into the barn, said hi to the barn manager, and took me to my cross ties. Alas, the barn manager came over and said that she is getting the impression that I like people more than I like horses.  I'm covered in bites at the moment.  I'm a wuss.  Like horse like owner?  If you think about it, Spode likes the company of horses more than people, so I'm just a mirror of her, right? I like the company of humans better than horses!

It didn't end there.  It got worse.  The stable manager made it into a negative by telling Spode that I am at the gate like a shot every time someone goes to get their horse from our shared paddock.  I thought we were keeping that a secret!! Not that Spode can do anything about it. 

Yep, there's more.  She also told Spode that I was discovering my strength.  Uh oh.  No, don't tell her this story, please!! But the stable manager ignored my plea, and out the story came: After a horse buddy left the paddock, I pushed on the latched gate wanting to follow.  Suddenly, the gate snapped open and out I fell.  On my face.  Yeah, apparently I'm big enough to take the hook out of the post that latches the gate.  The gate swung open and I had no support, so down I went.  How embarrassing...  

Spode wasn't too impressed. She told me off while she groomed me and waited for the farrier to arrive for the third trim of my life.  I'm lucky she doesn't hold grudges. 

The farrier visit went well.  My feet look great, but Spode didn't get any pictures because I was too impatient to get my dinner and get out of the barn.  Tomorrow, she promised.  They look almost normal now.  Mr. Farrier is pleased.  And he gave me a new nickname: The Gat Man! I like it. 

I'm as healthy as a horse...and as strong as one.  

Plans for the weekend include going for a walk in the field for the first time and some more ground driving. Argh.  Maybe Spode will change her mind and let me eat grass instead.  A horse can hope, right?

Until later, Old Sports.

Jay. 

This is the life!

I called it: Spode and I had a grassy day today! I didn't have to do any work these past two days, and it's been swell.  Yesterday it was pouring rain so she just brushed me (personally, I don't see the point of this). All I had to do was stand still--nothing too strenuous. 

You do realize that drying me off is hopeless, right?

I got to see my friend Meow-Meows, too. His name is actually Sammy but Meow-Meows has stuck.

Good afternoon, Meow-Meows. 

The only bad thing about Saturday was that it was a no-grass day.  Spode didn't want to stand in the rain with me. Princess. Pfft. 

Today was sunny though! Lucky me.  It was a perfect day for horses: too wet to do any work in the sand ring, but dry and warm enough that Princess Spode was willing to hang out with me while I ate.  I was groomed for a very long time first, but after that I was King. Despite all that grooming, Spode still didn't remove my mud socks:

Let's just call it a fashion statement and forgot the hose, okay?

We hung out for so long that I eventually needed to use the washroom.  Of course, for a horse, everywhere and anywhere is the washroom.  So I carried on eating...

Yeah, you would take a photo of me right now... No shame. 

All in all, a lovely weekend! I'm quite upset that it's over so soon.  But back to school Spode must go. I have no idea how she can leave this face:

But you don't need a degree! Stay here instead so I can eat some more!!

Until later, Old Sports.

Jay. 

Look, Ma! No hands!! Er, halter.

It's the weekend again, Old Sports! That means it's Spode time! Woohoo!  I tell you, I was so excited to see her yesterday evening, my legs couldn't move fast enough to get to her! I could hardly believe my ears when I heard my name.  I thought she was gone for good.  

I was mostly glad to see her because it meant that someone would finally get these burrs out of my forelock! My locks are substantially shorter now because of them.  Spode was not impressed.  I think she might be going on a burr-cutting mission soon...

Mum! Do you really need to take pictures now??

She practiced getting me to wear my bridle, and then she let me eat.  You can't get a better human! 

Spode, you rock my socks, er, stockings. 

Today she managed to visit before night time, so we managed to do a bit more together.  It was a little scary in the beginning though.  Spode brought me into the barn and there was rock music blaring from the radio.  Loud, loud, loud. I could hardly hear my own hoofbeats, but Spode carried on as usual and put me in the cross ties.  Just as I started to relax, BAM! The stable manager appeared out of nowhere! I very nearly pooped myself.  The humans had a good laugh about it, but I didn't see anything funny in the whole situation.  The stable person (so not Spode, hahaha! Get it?) came over and pat me, so there were no hard feelings.  Then she told Spode that I'm the friendliest horse on the farm, which gave Spode so many warm and fuzzies that even I could feel it. She just said that I needed to pay more attention to my surroundings so I don't get spooked so easily.  I don't know... 

After Spode groomed me, she said I could be a big boy now and put on a bridle like a grown up equine.  She slipped the halter off my nose and then she put the bridle on me, nekkid! I was pretty well behaved for her.  I could see the treats in her hand, so that helped.  Then we took a walk to the sand ring.  I haven't been in there in a couple weeks--we've been running around in the indoor arena instead. The last time I ventured out to the sand ring, I discovered that there were some strange creatures called chickens near the sand ring behind a fence.  Very scary, very. So, as I'm sure you all are expecting by now, I pooped myself.  I did manage to go to the sand ring without running Spode over or turning her into a rag-doll, so no harm done. Then she let me loose and admired me (come on, she did name me Gatsby, after all.  What did you expect? She always loved him!)  

Yes, my forelock is quite dashing because it's windswept, I know.  Get those stars out of your eyes. 

“Gatsby. He had a grand vision of his life since he was a little boy.”

Ok,  really.  You can stop now. 

After Spode had her fill of admiring me, she decided to try something new.  She let me wander around for a bit and see the sights, but then she came over and pet me.  She said "walk on", and started moving forwards without a lead rope.  Naturally, I followed.  Then she said "whoa", and I stopped.  Lots of patting. She then started jogging and said "trrrot!"  I jogged along behind her and followed her path perfectly.  She was thrilled! She said I will still have to wear a lead rope, but she's glad that I listen even without it.  No halter for me, no hands for her! We make a good team. 

Spode decided to let me stay in the sand ring while she went back to pick up my accident I had on the way.  She said she'd be right back, and she was only out of my sight for a second, but I whinnied for her and ran.  I admit.  I'm a fraidy cat when I'm alone.  Not only is Spode a rag-doll, she is also a security blanket. 

She came back soon enough and then we went back to my pasture.  I thought we were done for the day, but then she returned with my dinner.  It smelt a little funny, but it still tasted good.  As I was eating, she explained that there was a supplement inside this time that would make my hooves, coat, and skin healthier.  Horse vitamins.  Apparently this is just the start.  All these arrived yesterday:

Aw, Jesus. Seriously Spode?  

Yeah... so I guess I'll be on supplements for a while. They actually taste okay so I don't mind too much.  And I've had Chill before, for my trailer ride.  Yum.

Anyway, that's all I have for today.  Who knows what we'll get up to tomorrow.  Her goal is to get me ground driving well enough that I can go on the trails eventually, but the arena is full of hay at the moment, so I'm not quite sure what's in the books for tomorrow. Personally, I'd like to have a day of eating grass.  We'll see if Spode and I can work something out.

Until later, Old Sports.

Jay.

Why, Yes, I Do Have Equine A.D.D. How Did You Know?

Good Evening, Old Sports! 

The weekend with Spode has come and gone, and it sure was a roller coaster.  In a nutshell: It went well on Thursday, badly on Friday, good on Saturday, and distractedly today!

Saturday was pleasant.  We hung out in the very busy barn while she removed layers of dirt from me. She allowed me to watch all the other goings on at the barn.  All I had to do was listen to her when she said "over" now and then, and of course I had to stand still.  Other than that, she didn't mind that I wasn't focusing all that much on her.  In my opinion, life is better this way. Especially since she just hung out with me in the paddock after, too.  Basically, we chillaxed and I didn't have to do any work and got all her love in exchange.  That's a good deal if ever I heard of one.

Life is good, Old Sports.  Stay here all day, Spode!

No, seriously. Stay. 

But today the deal changed.  Spode decided that I have had long enough to settle into Fox Hollow, and I can now begin to learn new things again. I did the best I could to explain that I disagreed and would rather continue with our previous arrangement.  Unfortunately Spode isn't great at listening.  Of course, sometimes she says the same thing about me.  Sigh.  It's a tough life being friends with a different species...

So Spode brought me inside and groomed me.  Then she put on a saddle pad.  Uh oh, wait just one minute. We don't have to do that again, do we!? Unfortunately, the other horses in the barn started coming and going at this time and I stopped focusing on Spode.  I started moving around and getting impatient.  Spode kept asking me to stand.  I kinda sorta did, but not very well.  She decided not to fight me too much on that, figuring I would relax once there was less commotion.  Well, not quite.  She underestimated how severe my ADD is. She probably should have considered how distracted I was in the paddock yesterday:

Oooh, look over there.  What's that?

Whoa. Did you hear something over there? 

Can you see something over there? Because I think I can. 

Whoa, what about that over there! There's definitely something over there.  

Oh, hey! You're still here!

Yeah, I have a little problem. Anyway, Spode continued to work through it even though I was not all there.  Fox Hollow is still a lot for me to take in, in all honesty.  I'm just a baby! 

Spode got the saddle on and tightened with no objections from me, but then she tried to put the bridle on me.  I haven't had to wear a bridle in a very long time, and I really wasn't in the mood. I figured out that if I put my nose up in the air, Spode can't really reach me.  Aha! This annoyed Spode to no end, so we had a bit of a fight for a while.  She of course won, in the end.  Always does, but I sure do make her work for it.  The only thing I didn't like was that she grumbled under her breath afterwards that I was going to have to wear it every time she comes out now until I stop fussing and bring my head down willingly.  I have always opened wide for it prior to today, so I guess I should have expected that. Oh well, it's quite likely that I'll get treats every time I wear it now, so that should be okay! 

After our battle of the bit, Spode took out her two loooooong ropes and took me into the arena. She put the two ropes on the bit and through the saddle things and then we walked around for a bit.  Then she went behind me and tried to drive me from the ground again. Oy. I put up a bit of a fuss about this.  I would rather look out the window and try to run over Spode's mum who was standing near the door.  So Spode and I had yet another mini battle as she insisted I focus on her commands.  Yes, you guessed it Old Sports.  She won again.  Eventually I decided it was wise to pay attention to what she was doing and saying.  I did some turns, walking, whoaing, and we even did some trotting at the end.  Spode gave me lots of treats.  She told me it wasn't pretty and I needed lots of practice, but she was pleased.  She told me that she expects a short attention span from a two year old.  Huh.  I guess she does understand me despite the species issue.  She tells me I'll grow out of it, just like she did.  I got lots of treats and she left happy.  I'm lucky she doesn't get annoyed with me! Wanna know how much she loves me? She painted me this fancy pants name plate just for me!

Won't see her until next Thursday or Friday now.  How sad. I miss the attention.  And the food.  Especially the food. 

Not so fast! Where are you going?  Do you have to??

Time flies when she's here.

Note the fly. See? Time flies! 

Don't blink...

Oops!! Sorry...

Until later, Old Sports.

Jay.

How to Embarrass Your Human: A Step-By-Step Guide

It may shock you to learn, Old Sports, that I'm not always good. Yes, I know.  It's true.  But you must remember that even Fitzgerald's Gatsby had his faults.  Even Spode will agree with that.

Now lest you think I'm mean, I wasn't bad the first day Spode came to see me.  When she visited Thursday night after her time at school, I was as good as gold.  She called me and I came immediately.  I even let her snuggle with me and didn't budge.  I stood still in the cross ties while she attempted to remove at least some of the dirt from my coat, and I was of course good when she let me eat grass (what horse wouldn't be good!? A dense one.).  It was a brief visit, but well worth it.

Wooo! The treat-lady is back!!

Now, let's fast forward to today, shall we?  For my equine pals, this is a foolproof way to embarrass your human in front of her friends, barn owner, or anyone you know she is trying to make an impression upon!

*Note, these actions are best performed on a windy day to ensure that your human finds lame excuses for your behaviour and therefore does not kick your butt as much as she would on a calm, sunny day.*

Pay attention, kids:

Step One: Come to the gate, but then act like you can't possibly walk near the other horses to get through. Only do this when you can see that the stable manager is watching from the barn.

Step Two: Start to walk up to the barn as you always do, calm as could be on a loose lead.  But then..TARP and spin around, dragging your human behind you. It's likely your human will tell you easy (pfft, as if tarps are actually scary), and continue to act like you have never seen one in your life.  Refuse to move forward for a good minute.

Step Three: When you do move, do so sideways.  Then spin around your human. If you're gigantic like me, put your head up for the full "this human has no control of her horse" effect.  

Step Four: Finally enter the barn snorting like a dragon.  Proceed to your spot in the aisle, but don't stay there. Continue instead.  Then, when your owner turns you around, drag her up the aisle the other way.  Again, put your head up and voila! Your human is a rag-doll once more!

Step Five: Continue the aisle dance.  Bonus points if you nearly run over the stable manager.  Twice. That's right, Old Sports.  Bow down, for I am the best embarrassing horse ever. I actually made the stable manager jump out of the way while Spode hopelessly tried to stop me.  Don't I rock!?

At this point I let Spode cross tie me, but I continued to dance around and pooped myself twice.  Spode wasn't too happy. I eventually let her have control over my body again.  At one point I realized that we were going to be stuck in the barn all afternoon if I didn't stand still and listen to her commands eventually. Spode also put the chain on my halter when she led me back outside, which just takes all the fun out of this game.  Jeez, Spode is such a killjoy.  She'll make a perfect high school teacher, I tell you. Ugh.

The fun wasn't quite over yet though.  Despite the fact that Spode was deeply embarrassed and I disappointed her, she still wanted to feed me my dinner.  She came back out to my field...

Seriously? You came back for more!? You really are a masochist! (Yes, I am aware I have a very large vocabulary for a two year old. I told you, it comes with having an English major for an owner. I learn quick.  Obviously she does not.)

Step Six: Wait for your owner to put the feed bucket down (I believe Spode wanted to check something) and then step in it, proceeding to get your hoof stuck in the bucket.  For you amateur horses, this might be a bit tricky to pull off (hahaha, see what I did there?) but with practice, you too can achieve my greatness.

And that's a wrap! I'll be good tomorrow.  One doesn't want to push one's luck...

Leaving so soon? I really can't imagine why...

Until later, Old Sports.

Jay.