Honey Bandit misses his "appearance"

I am sitting here watching the cold and very wet snow fall.  It isn't real snow.  Just pretend.  It acts like it will turn into something, but is just a cold wet mess.  I am quite dejected as Honey Bandit missed his appearance at the Historic Barn Tour.  He was invited to be a guest at the end of Dottie Smith's historic tour.  We were so excited, and he was so ready to get out of his stall and do something different.  But then came the weather.  The roads in front of the house are clear and wet - but what if?  What if, we couldn't get back up the hill if it got colder and the snow actually started to stick?  What if someone slid into us?  What if we are coming up the hill and start sliding backwards?  Well, the "what if's" win.  We did not attend this special event..

Several hours later, I am even more frustrated.  The snow has turned to rain, (of course), but we simply couldn't take the chance to risk Honey Bandit. We were so looking forward to going, but we have to keep his safety the number one priority.  So once again, he spent the day in the stall.  Can't wait for some sunshine.  Staying in his stall, however, does not bother him in the least.  He thinks it is a great life, and he is a very happy guy.  I can't believe how much he is growing.  It seems like DaBubbles is getting smaller and smaller, but actually it is just HB getting bigger.  It is so funny to watch DaBubbles whip in, around and under Honey Bandit.  Kind of ticks off HB, I think he feels like it's cheating.

I went to Carson City and spent the day with Dr. Liu, among others (I worked with him prior with the pzp "birth control" studies), and got to help with the wild mustang mares that were in the pzp study.  It is almost indescribable to actually get to work with the horses that are truly wild.  The look in their eyes is so different than that of a domestic horse.  It is as if their blood runs faster, stronger and more intensely through their veins.  I worked at Bay Meadows race track as a groom, and the race horses are amped, but it is a different kind of fire.  The wild ones are truly incredible, and don't lose their fire even after being rounded up.

I understand that people are not thrilled with the PZP, but I would certainly rather have horses left that were given birth control, as opposed to not having any left to manage.  I don't know if anyone truly knows the exact number of wild horses that are left, but it it is a choice between birth control or permanent removal, that is a no brainer.  I also want the round ups stopped until we see scientific evidence of how many horses are actually out there.  However, in the meantime, I think it is important to work together in any way we can.  I have a feeling we will see a few changes, at least with regard to the foals, and hopefully we will see improved conditions at the trap site, at least until we can stop the roundups.

Honey Bandit's, story is getting out there.  We recently had a beautiful "HB" chair donated by an anonymous artist and it is being raffled off by the BARN BUM in Palo Cedro.  Honey Bandit also has his own column in our local paper here in Shingletown.   He is telling his story, a little at a time.  We will also be having a booth at Kool April Nights, if ya'll want to come visit and get some info.  HB will not be at that event, but part of his crew will be there to get the word out about the fate of our wild horses.

Today is Chilly Pepper's birthday.  She is two years old, and was found nearly frozen, hungry and dehydrated by her dead mom.  She was about 3 days old, and it looked as if her mom had been dead for about two, judging by the "activity".   Chilly Pepper lived in our house for a month, was completely potty trained and America's sweetheart.  She was such a feel good story.  Today, on her 2nd birthday, she is out slogging around in the mud.  But she is very excited to have a joint birthday party with Honey Bandit later when the weather is better.  She was our first little miracle mustang!!!   :)

We appreciate all your help and continued support.  I feel fortunate that with everyone's help, we can continue to get the message out in a positive way, thereby making tiny changes at a time.  It's HB's mission - moving the "mountain" one rock at a time.  God Bless.      (please remember that all donations are tax deductible)

www.chillypepper.weebly.com
Chilly Pepper - Miracle Mustang
30027 State Hwy 44 East
Shingletown, CA  96088
530 474 5197