Nashville & Memphis
 Nashville in the front; Memphis in the back  Nashville & Memphis in the trailer |
I first learned about the "boys" when Julie came in to where I work with a photo on her cellphone of a pinto colt. "Know anyone who wants a cute black and white?" My head said "Oooh, always wanted one of those" but no, somehow it came out "let me have a look". I am weak - Mistake #1.
I picked up my daughter after work, and we drove to Julie's, just to look - Mistake # 2. I have a barn full of horses. They are a bit like shoes. I am sure I have more than any sane person needs, but every once in a while a particular one seems to call out to me, especially if they are in a situation that needs changing, and this little guy was obviously in need of some TLC and groceries. He was in a pen with another pinto, a bay and white colt, about his age, but smaller, quite a bit thinner and scruffier. Really quite an odd looking little fellow. He seemed to be all legs and ribcage, with a scrawny neck and non-existent rear end. It's sad that these two , who were only weanlings, ended up at a stockyard, thin and homeless. They must have, a short time ago, been somebody's babies! I headed home with the intention of returning later in the week to take the black & white baby home. When my son Sean and I returned with the trailer, I haltered the colt we came for while Sean visited with the other one. They were both shy and not really halter broke, but curious and pretty willing. I led the black & white colt to the trailer, and we were coaxing him in when Sean said "Mom, look at the other one" - Mistake #3. The littler colt was resting his chin on the fence rail looking so sad and lost that his friend was leaving him behind. Did I mention I am weak? We loaded both in the trailer and headed home. This was in the Spring of 2009. The boys settled in right away, like they were meant to be here. They shared a large stall..and still do, and are the best of friends. |
They have been such well behaved gentlemen that we only had them gelded last month, (they must be about 2 now). They are growing into lovely handsome guys. Nashville (the black and white) is still the larger of the two, but Memphis has blossomed from the true Ugly Duckling into a really striking horse. Arab/Quarter Horse maybe, and still has a soft spot for my son, which is mutual. The have come a long way from the frightened, skinny, tick covered youngsters I brought home. The original plan was to keep one and re-home the other..but did I mention I am weak? In all seriousness, they are so bonded - not herd-bound but just deeply connected - that they are here together for life.
We are really looking forward to the next chapter in their story.
