HONEY BANDIT'S BIRTHDAY - A GORGEOUS DAY

Hi ya'll,

Yesterday was our Open House and birthday celebration for Honey Bandit and Chilly Pepper.  A light breeze danced in the pines and the sun sprinkled drops of golden light through the green canopy around us.  It was a perfect day temperature wise, and such a pleasant change from the days prior where we were even "baking" here in the mountains.

It was so nice to visit friends, old and new, and share Honey Bandit and the rest of the gang!  Honey Bandit has come so far and is such a happy, (although kind of "old and quiet") guy now.  He rarely runs and plays, but every once in awhile he will "kick it" for a few minutes, usually with some persuasion from his friends.  But Honey Bandit can do whatever he wants for the rest of his life.  (As long as he is polite and respectful - haha).  We are grateful for whatever time we have with him and he is looking good and living the good life, thanks to ya'll!

I have to say that the most favorite part of my day was when one of our younger visitors looked at HB with disbelief and asked "was that the one that was ??",  "Almost dead?" I said, and he said Yes!   He simply couldn't believe the difference.  I love watching the look of joy on their face.  Sometimes I think we underestimate the care and concern that our kids have for these animals.

I am not sure who "stole the show" though.  Was it Dakota with his apple bobbing skills?  Or Rocky the "Rock Star" who definitely thinks that the world should and does revolve around him.  Dakota is hilarious when he dives in after his apple, and will stay "under" up to his eyeballs for as long as it takes.  He is actually too good at it though, and can often get the apple in one bite.  But it really is fun to watch.

It looks like we have a potential adopter for the Rock Star.  (and yes, I have already cried for two days before I sent her the email with details).  They have yet to meet in person, but she is an amazing woman and has the skills and patience to keep him respectful and understand that with a horse like the Rock Star, you can't use force, but need to be able to command enough respect that he will do what you ask him to do.  I have seen too many horses that are pushy and think it is okay to kick etc., and have no respect for people.   Without the perfect owner, Rocky would be unsafe at best.  Rocky is extremely intelligent, and has an inherent belief that he needs to take care of his "band".  What a waste that he was not able to stay on the range.  His daddy is in his 20's and still thriving.   His family is famous for their courage, intelligence and "need to be free", not to mention they are all just plain gorgeous!  But he will make such an awesome riding horse since he is in captivity.  He turned so fast in the round pen the other day that his shoulder dug into the ground.   I would so love to keep him, but unfortunately we can't keep them all, and it is imperative to keep the ones like HB so they are not subject to any further loss or trauma.  The Rock Star is especially hard to adopt out, as he has that little bit of craziness that I adore.  However, as long as he bonds with his new mama, and I can't see any reason for that not happening, he will be moving on. It is funny, because no matter how many times you remind yourself that they will be adopted, it still breaks your heart into a million tiny pieces.  There is also that tiny bit of satisfaction once they are settled in their new homes, but boy does it take a long time for the tears to stop.

I want to thank everyone who took the time out of their busy lives to come and enjoy the day with us.  It means a lot and it was pretty much a "perfect day".  We so appreciate all your support and for not only caring about what we do, but also being part of it.  

God bless and stay safe!