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Thursday, October 27, 2011

Hickory

I've had a secret for a couple weeks. Well, not really a secret, but more of a 'don't want to say anything in case it is all too good to be true'. We've got a new horse!

His name is Hickory and we happened upon him while visiting Skoog Farm in New York. He's a 13 year old Quarter Horse gelding, not too big, kid old lady broke and here's the kicker - he's brown.

Huh? Why would that matter for anything?

I've been looking for a well trained, safe, fun, not too young, not too big, Quarter Horse gelding for about a year and a half. The night before we even heard anything about Hickory I had a dream that I got a brown horse.

Lori and I were sitting chatting in her awesome kitchen where all the food magic is done and she decided to call a friend of hers to see if she knew of any good horses for sale. I was only slightly interested, but as she wrote down all his perfectly matching specs and added "liver chestnut" (brown), the hair stood up on the back of my neck.



Hickory's mom and grandma drove all night to get here this morning so they could get him settled in and then get to a prospective equine student program at nearby Midway College. We are only 3 miles off this state highway, but I figured a tired driver not used to our winding one lane roads could use an escort for the last jag. It was appreciated.



Paige unloaded a no worse for the wear Hickory, hand walked him for a few minutes and we introduced him to Hank. Hank's not thrilled with horses because they tend to get too close to his sheep and T-Bone has chased a few. He immediately let Hickory know that he was not to be messed with.



It took a few minutes for the sheep to venture around the corner.

"Um, Mom? Someone put a horse in our barn."



"My name is Woolliam. We don't really like horses."



"My name is Marcel and I'm pretty scared of horses too, but wanted to say welcome to our farm."



"I'm just telling you horse. You stay away from my sheep."



After letting Hickory settle in for a couple hours and giving the rain a chance to let up, I turned him out in the front field. Just in case there was going to be any trouble with Hank, I asked him to wait on the other side of the fence. He did, but stayed right nearby just. in. case.



When all looked copacetic, I let Hank back in. He ran over, had a few words with Hickory and walked away.



"I can't do anything about you being in here, but I'm staying between you and my sheep."



Hickory ate for awhile and then romped around for awhile.



Gato, T-Bone and Handy joined in from the back field.



And Hank (and Lila) kept a close eye on 'all them stupid horses'.



I'm sure Hickory and I have our work cut out for us, but I think I got pretty lucky.

21 comments:

Susan said...

Obviously, he was meant to be your horse. Lovely horse, as well. I am partial to Quarter horses.

Alice said...

Welcome Hickory!!! He is a most stunning premonition come true. How lucky is that!!!

dr momi said...

Hickory likes his new house! Hank is just too funny....

Terry said...

Heartfelt congratulations! I follow Lori's blog, so I knew about Hickory and wondered how it would turn out. So glad for you, and so glad for Hickory. He's a lucky boy.

Bee Lady said...

Very cute post. I love the pictures where the animalsare greeting their new farm-mate. Congrats on your new horse.

Cindy Bee

Linda said...

Congrats! He has a VERY nice looking head and now we just need a picture of you going for a ride;))

Lori Skoog said...

Good job with the photos Sara! He looks good in Punkin's Patch. The welcome from his new family was very sweet. I could not be happier for you and Hickory...a match made in heaven. Enjoy!

Michelle said...

I hope you haven't done the painting for your Christmas card yet, 'cause it needs Hickory in it! Congrats again. (-:

Michelle said...

I love that photo of the sheep and horse. So sweet.

Sheepmom said...

Congrats! He has a very kind face. He'll fit in at Equinox Farm just dandy. Marcel is so sweet to extend the welcome wagon. I'm sure he would have brought a casserole if he could have :-)

Anonymous said...

Woolliam cracks me up. "We don't really like horses." Silly sheep :)

Sassafras and Winterberry said...

Congrats! I love reading all the funny captions to your great pics!!

Autumn said...

That picture of Marcel and Hickory is adorable! I hope all works out well now and in the future for you and Hickory!

janna e said...

How great! I'm very happy for you. Hickory looks very happy and Hank looks resigned to yet another horse in HIS territory.

Christine said...

He is the most beautiful shade of brown, too!

Susan said...

What a handsome boy! And I just love the photos of the sheep greeting him.

Gayle said...

You are one lucky lady. Your home and animals are beautiful.

flowerweaver said...

He's gorgeous, and a nice addition to the farm. Hope the sheep come 'round, because Punkin would have wanted them to be friends.

farmlady said...

I'm so happy for you. Hickory is a handsome horse.
I have always wanted a horse but it appears that it will never happen for many reasons. So I will live vicariously through you.
Hank will be fine. Just give him a few days... but watch them. We wouldn't want anyone to get hurt.

k.somerville said...

I agree with everyone's comments. What a handsome horse Hickory is and so lucky to now be in your tribe.

Shirley said...

What fun! Is Hickory part of his registered name? Because if it is, he's likely related to my mare Chickory, a granddaughter of Doc's Hickory.

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