4/28/11

Hi,  today Honey Bandit and the boys went out to play in the big pen.  They ran and romped and had quite a lovely time.  Honey Bandit kept stumbling a little bit, and then slid (fell) onto his butt.    Maybe someday I can use that butt slide so he can be one of those horses that stop on a dime and slide their back feet.  I don't think they are actually supposed to sit down though.  But he did that last time he went out to play also.  He just kind of gets up and shakes his head like What???  That didn't happen!!!

It is amazing to watch him strut his stuff the way he does.  He is getting so proud, and today for a short time he did that neck arched, tail high in the air little prance that he does.  He kind of dances over the ground stepping high, his feet never seeming to touch the ground.  That is when I have my little "arabian" ha ha.

He played for a long time before he remembered to put on a show with the fancy stuff.  I am hoping that the clumsiness goes away, but if it doesn't I guess he will just walk like me ha ha.  The more he gets to play and run I think the stronger his muscles will get.  His brain is still not quite healed, but we are praying that he continues to make progress.  I  wouldn't want to ride a horse that falls down all the time.  But it's okay if he can't be ridden.  No matter what, I know everyone will always love him and he will always be the poster boy to stop the roundups and improve conditions for our wild horses.

He has been getting stuck more often (getting cast), but he is starting to figure out how to get up.  I worry though, because I know a horse can break a leg when they try to get "unstuck" from positions like that.  So far we have been lucky though, and the worst he has seen is a tiny bit of stiffness the next day.  It is almost comical to watch him get "unstuck".  He flips his head back and looks at me like "mom - what do I do now?".   Then he will thrash a bit and (more often than before), will finally figure out how to get up.  It is almost like when he actually thinks about what he is trying to do, he gets confused, but if he gets startled, instinct kicks in and he will often do what he needs to do almost automatically.

He is enjoying the warmer weather and loves to play in the sun.  He also loves his "treats" and is quite talkative throughout the night.  I am hoping it is because he loves me and not just cuz he wants food.  :)

We are looking forward to watching him play again tomorrow.  Hope ya'll have a fabulous day.

Honey Bandit & the gang