Big Day for Henry

Big Day for Henry

Henry spent his early days in "quarantine."  We didn't let him out to play with any of our other horses.  Young horses need playtime, so when we thought it was safe, we let him out to spend some time with Dante.  They chewed on each other, licked each other and did some nipping, but the didn't do any running and bucking.  I really wanted to see that, because Henry has done very little on his own.

I do remember it took a few weeks for Trifecta, at that age, too, so I wasn't alarmed so much as curious.  I wanted to see how he could move.  Plus, I thought by now he would want to move.

The second time we turned them out together, they started with some licking and chewing, but Dante, the 19-year-old colt, wanted to play.  It was the cutest thing.  He was running around Henry, bucking and doing his amazing Lambert Leaps--twisting, spinning and flying through the air--no response.  He kept trying and trying to get Henry to engage in some playing, but something was holding Henry back.

They were on the far end of the turnout area when we heard a loud bang--I have no idea what it was.  Dante jumped up in the air and started running for the gate, only because he felt like running.  Henry was startled by the noise and Dante's reaction and started to run, too.  Then he did a couple huge bucks.  After that, he was bursting with energy.  Dante was thrilled.  They ran this way and that; around and around.  Dante continued doing his Lambert Leaps and Henry showed us he had some speed, after all.  I was most thrilled when he did some extended trotting--it was gorgeous--and proof of his Morgan heritage.

Finally, they quieted down and started a friendly game of Halter Tug.

The whole thing was a most marvelous and beautiful experience.