Tootsie's In The House

I got a call on Monday from a lady named Ginger. She heard about GG from Karen and Larry, the sweet people who donated Flame. She wanted to possibly donate a horse to us. The problem--her horse is a mare. We have adopted a no mare policy because of the issues we had in the past. Max's motto, "Women are trouble." Please note he doesn't mean this in the slightest.

As I talked to Ginger, she made it clear that her horse was excellent for children, even being used in the past for hippotheaphy. How could we not take a looky (with our trailer in tow.) We drove up into the mountains to see this little beauty.


This girl is Isabel, 7 years old. Even though we were looking to take her horse away, she was still all smiles. So was Abbi, her nine year old sister. Apparently Ginger explained that their horse would get a lot of love and attention if we were to take her. The girls were sad, but they looked like they truly wanted what was best. Such maturity, huh?Here is Claire leading Toots, or Tootsie for long, around a bit. Test number one passed with flying colors. She was very responsive to Claire and stopped when Claire stopped. Brooke was up next with a little ride through their field. Does the look on Brooke's face tell you anything? She loved Toots right away. .

For not being ridden much in the last few years, she did great. She was a little barn sour but got over it once she was taken out a ways Besides Ginger, Abbi, and Isabel being very friendly, they also had four super sweet dogs. Two were especially fond of Grant. He was smothered in doggie kisses.
After Garrett took a little spin on Tootsie, he made himself at home shooting some hoops.

The kids, Max and I (a little) messed all around Tootsie's face, hooves, etc. Max said that was one of the most quiet/gentle horses he has ever been around. She is not head shy in the slightest. Also, she let the children all jump on bareback without moving a muscle.

Isabel got on her horse for one last ride. It broke my heart a bit.
Then it was mom's turn. Around this time I couldn't believe these sweet ladies were willing to part with their awesome horse! I'm telling you--we're so blessed!

I had the girls pose for a last picture with Tootsie before we hauled her away. Now the trailer test. Max leaned over to Tootsie and said, "If you load easily I really love you."

Tootsie smelled the trailer and the mysterious aroma of bovine feces,

and then hopped right in with her stiff little legs! What an angel.

The Wade children couldn't help but make themselves at home a little more before leaving.

And this what we saw as we drove off. . .

generous little girls with gigantic hearts!

When we made it back to the ranch, Tootsie was put in a round pen for the night. My mom, our friend Nancy, and Trish met us there to see the newest member to the family. Like I mentioned in last night's post, we were all smitten. Tootsie didn't seem to care she was in a strange new place with unfamiliar humans all around her. She let us pet and love all over her. Brooke and Trish both jumped on her bareback as she munched her hay. Again, she didn't move a muscle.

Thanks so much, Ginger, Abbi, and Isabel. We have a feeling your gift with touch many children's hearts!

There is quite a story once she was penned close to the geldings. I'll leave that for tomorrow night.  That post will probably not be G rated. What can I say--it's nature.

Also up tomorrow--a meeting with a Rio Rancho official, a child nearly passing out from heat exhaustion, and some sad/exciting news! Never a dull day at GGYR.