Now I know why I keep the "useless" lump [sob]

[wodger_woo]

Chance and I have had a rubbish year (he has developed a bit of a bad attitude to competing) ending with him getting slightly 'broked' at an event. Its ok after back treatments and a new saddle he seems fine.
For the past few weeks though I've really questioned why I keep him as I do feel that my starting a family has ruined a bloody good event horse. He loves being worked, jumps for fun and will hack for hours on his own or in company. I haven't been able to enjoy him as much as as I like and often feel that instead of giving him the time and attention that he deserves I'm rushing to do what I need to do with him whilst attempting to keep baby and H happy. He does cost me a HUGE amount of money (as all horses do!!) and yet I still feel that he is just an expensive pet that I don't get to enjoy.
The past few days days I have been feeding him in the field as I've really been pushed for time. He has a new field mate and for the first time ever he has "bonded"

they adore each other and either horse can be fed in the field whilst the the other waits patiently for them to finish.
Tonight I had baby with me, so I took Chance's feed away from the gate.
Baby was overjoyed at seeing his buddy and promptly stood banging the gate schreeching "tanter, tanter!!".(I hasten to add he was on the outside of the field) Chance's field mate decided to wander over to investigate what this rowdy little thing was. As he did, Chance left his yummy tea and dashed over chasing poor Casino away saying in most certain terms "You stay away from my baby" He then stood 'guarding' him
I was absolutely gobsmacked - I mean I knew Chance was kind and gentle to the baby but seeing him being all protective over him, over his bestest buddy had me in tears!!!
Needless to say Chances position in the wodger_woo family is well and truely safe

 

[Weezy]

Oh God thats lovely!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ljm]

Aaaawww... thats so sweet! They're the funniest and most rewarding animals. L

 

[Blizzard]

Aww how lovely!!!

 

[henryhorn]

That's pretty unusual in a gelding.
Our senior stallion was with us before C was born, and has always been incredibly protective of her. As a toddler she used to play with him daily, sitting on a high backed truck thing which she would drag to under his half door. He would then reach over the low door (it only led into our garden) and shove the back of the truck with his nose, sending her whizzing down the concrete path. Their other game was for her to hold his headcollar and him to lift her six inches off the floor then back down again.
On his odd escapes he never once harmed her but carefully stepped round her if she was sat in his way. (bad parents allowing a tot exposed to such a situation but it wasn't intentional I promise!)
I don't think horses care if they are used to their full capabilities or not, and you will get time once school starts, just enjoy what time you have and don't feel guilty.
Lovely story, thanks for sharing it with us.

 

[S_N]

That is so lovely!! As for him not reaching his potential - I don't think that horses have ambition, he's fed, watered, warm and happy....... what more could he ask for? He obviously feels content with his life...........

 

[Stella]

Oh thats just fab

a lovely story to read

 

[beaconhorse]

oh that is lovely, bought tears to my eyes. Can't believe he is standing tho, it is so long since I have seen him!!

 

[Parkranger]

I agree with HH - horses don't know whether they're being used to their full potential - alot of horses never are. I think all most of them asked is that they're exercised, fed and loved!

You could always find a good young rider who wouldn't normally have the chance to ride him? I'm doing that with my boy when I can't ride and it suits everyone fine! xx

 

[JAK]

Not only 'adorable Chance' but 'clever Chance', bless him!

Just like the sweet-natured LBO, I bet Chance knows that being kind, loving & loyal will get you forgiven a lot of things & he knows he's perfectly 'safe'! LOL

Hope next year goes a bit better for you though, competition wise!

 

[JAK]

Dear old wobbly LBO once put himself in possible danger to protect littest disabled daughter - I am certain of it!
A particularly foul horse at old yard escaped from its owner & went charging round the yard, threatening anything that moved!
Most of the kids made it into a stable but littlest daughter was confused & left with nowhere to run - LBO moved purposefully into the 'line of fire', as far as his leadrope would allow, effectively blocking a path to said small helpless child & he really meant it when he said 'Keep away!'

 

[Kelly1982]

Aww that is soo sweet!!

Reminds me of the time that i was in the stable with my old pony (my soul mate), my Ex walked in and gave me a cuddle. My pony put his head stright between us to seperate us and then 'stood guard' over me. Everytime my Ex went to walk round him my pony moved round so he couldn't get near me. I was just cracking up.

Even if my pony was in my stable and we were outside he used to pull on my Ex's clothes to get him away from me. Sometimes i thought he was more like a dog than a horse coz he used to 'sieze' on command too LOL

My pony must of know my ex was bad news!!!