April 23, 2012

Donkey (and people) play date

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On Sunday morning we backed the trailer into the corral and said, “All aboard to anyone who wants to go to a party!” I’m sure no one will be surprised to hear that Bernard was the first to climb aboard, completely unaided.

Bernard was followed by Patrick, then Ellsworth.

We did our best to convince Buck of the great time that was in store for him, but in the end he decided to stay with Nigel and Gracie at Morning Bray Farm. Maybe next time.

It was a beautiful day and our drive was uneventful:

The 7MSN herd was waiting to greet us when we arrived:

Bernard, Ellsworth and Patrick were so happy to be back, they didn’t waste any time getting the party started:

Patrick got us into a festive mood by modeling the latest in Cinco de Mayo fashion, along with George, Hank, Lucy and Don:

When Carson brought out the first round of her Thirsty Rancher-Woman Margaritas, we were all excited – people and equines alike. Carson makes a really good margarita:

We went out and did some game donkey driving in the Ranger, with the hope of spotting the rare and elusive feral donkeys of Morning Bray Farm. (The last couple of times we’ve visited 7MSN, the Boyz turn into the Wild Boyz and want nothing to do with us while they’re exploring.)

Alan came over to see if he could talk Danni into giving him a taste of her margarita:

Ah, yet another perfect donkey (and people) play date day with our truly awesome friends.

Loved it. ♥

 

September 5, 2011

It felt like a herd this time

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Yesterday Don and I took Bernard, Ellsworth and Patrick to visit Carson and the herd at 7MSN.

Patrick hadn’t been loaded into a trailer since he came to Morning Bray Farm back in March, and we worried about how he would do.

Something I never told you is that Patrick’s former people used a cattle prod to trailer load him.

Well, world, I’m here to tell ya… Patrick don’t need no cattle prod to load into a trailer. Our fluffy boy walked right in.

I was so excited that he could be part of the adventure yesterday. So happy that he got to experience the beauty of life.

It was interesting how the addition of Patrick made things feel different. It felt like a herd this time. Just like that, the boys played and played.

The icing on the cake was my best ride yet on Big Red. Thanks to Carson and Lucy, Big Red and I learned a ton, gained confidence and had a blast.

We practiced a one-rein stop, we trotted, we loped and we maneuvered up and down and through and over various obstacles. Big Red was cooperative, willing and confident. Life was beautiful yesterday!

 

May 25, 2011

Hank

Posted by Morning Bray under Friends and Family, Horses | Tags: , , |
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Among other things, Hank loves his herd. He always needs to know where they are.

And Hank loves his mamma. He always wants to be with her.

And Hank’s mamma loves Hank. Dearly.

♥ ♥ ♥

 

May 24, 2011

They never stopped moving

Posted by Morning Bray under Burros, Donkeys, Friends and Family | Tags: , , , , , , , |
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Watching Bernard, Ellsworth and George exhausted Lucy and Alan. 

Those crazy boys never stopped moving.

Alan thought George had lost his marbles.

Why was George cavorting with the city boys like that?

Oh, how they played and played and played!

What a posse. Small, medium and large. ♥

 

November 7, 2010

Bernard’s excellent adventure

Posted by Morning Bray under Burros, Donkeys, Friends and Family, Horses | Tags: , , , , , , , |
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I think yesterday was one of the best days of young Bernard’s life. While his brothers were contentedly eating breakfast, Bernard wanted a part of whatever was going on as soon as Don started backing up the trailer.

It was a perfect New Mexico day as we drove to The 7MSN Ranch.

As soon as we arrived, Bernard expressed his excitement by letting out a big, loud bray. George and Alan were so excited, they floated on air.

I simply loved seeing Bernard in this environment.

After a delicious lunch on the porch – while watching the burro brothers and Bernard gallop past in single file – we all took a walk in the pasture. Bernard made himself completely at home and led the way.

George, Alan, Carson and Hank were right behind us.

And when it was time to head back to the barn, Bernard led the way once again.

At the end of the afternoon, parting was such sweet sorrow. By the time we arrived home, the sun was beginning to set as we crossed the Rio Grande, and the only thing Bernard could talk about was the next time he visits The 7MSN, Ellsworth will be along for the ride. ♥