Yep, even the dirty one. To the left is Macs Hat McCoy, aka Mac, an Arab/Quarter. He is a reject from the fancy shmancy stable down the road. I worked there once upon a time, and I just took him home with me one day. It has been fun to get to know Mac. This year, we may have found his niche. More to come on that this summer!
To the right is my baby, Mosey Into Class, aka Clyde, a Paint. He is nine this year, and I have raised him from a colt. I remember picking him out from a field of other paint foals. The owner was adamant that she did not want to sell this one, but somehow, he ended up in my trailer for the long ride home. Mr. Clyde has taught me so much. Quite the enigma at times, but he's done pretty well for himself. A young girl has ridden him for the past several years and shown him at area shows. I very much enjoy teaching her and accompanying her during fair week and at weekend shows. Clyde excels at patterns, on the ground or in the saddle. And every now and then he places high in halter.
The fact that these boys look almost identical is an unfortunate coincidence. Clyde has more color on his chest and Mac has more color on his flank area. Clyde is also stockier and a little shorter than Mac. I definitely do not recommend having predominately white horses unless you especially enjoy scrubbing.
I grew up with an Amish family that lives down the road. The boys and I would race our horses all over our edge of the countryside. My passion began on the dirt roads and wood trails. But back then, I didn't have Mac or Clyde. It was Twinkle, Barney, Midnight, Lacy, and Bobby that were my teachers and my best friends. They stole my heart and let me nap on their backs.
These boys, they challenge me, drive me crazy, and give me so much joy.
Last year we had quite a scare with Clyde. A week before fair, he was diagnosed with Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM). EPM is a debilitating neurological disease that is fatal if untreated. Thankfully, a large majority of horses respond to treatment. A couple of IV treatments got Clyde through the fair. After the fair, Clyde began a six month treatment that consisted of daily oral medication. He's been off the medication for about four months, and so far, he seems to be in the clear. But it's scary because the EPM could come back at any time. On the upside, my vet says a vaccine is in the works!
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