From the Fresh Perspective of Admiral Nelson
It’s been an exciting month. At the present, I find myself bouncing off the walls as I can hardly contain myself. Where to begin…
You know the grass is always greener saying, well it’s true. I can prove it to you. Just come visit. Since moving to our new home last November, we’ve been cooped up in paddock just big enough for me and my pals. Although there was plenty of room to dodge Nutmeg’s attacks, the food was basically limited the dried stuff supplied twice a day, and the pony is an awful pig! To make matters more aggravating, just across the fence loomed lush pasture. Well, they finally let us out there and boy was it glorious. I ran like I haven’t run in years. Still can’t figure out why they retired me from the track. Who cares if my style is tail held high? It doesn’t create that much drag… but I digress. I’m not going to complain, I’ve got grass after all, but if you take a good look you’ll see the grass in the next field is just a little greener. Maybe she’ll let us out there next.
Well that was the first treat, then I got to go to a show! It’s been a really long time since mom gave me the privilege of going somewhere by myself. We’ve made a few trips with Nutmeg and we’ve been to a couple of schoolings, but she keeps making me stay home when pampering and performance is in order. Something about the pocket book. Anyway, I got to go! We even spent the night. It was a beautiful old brick barn with nice big stalls. They hold something called the State Fair there every year, but I think it should be a year round horsey spa. I didn’t get to jump, just prance around between the white boards and flowers, but I tried really hard to behave myself. I’m a little out of shape and that makes it difficult to hold myself together, especially in the canter. But mom was pleased that we made mostly straight lines and roundish circles. She gave me extra cookies for putting on my brave pants.
Nutmeg was extremely jealous that I got to ride in the fancy new trailer without her, but after about five minutes she relented and welcomed me home. We spent the next couple of days relaxing and stomping flies. Mom finally relented and gave us our fly sheets. It been so hot and dry I haven’t been able to get my daily mudpack and the flies were beginning to get very irritating. I guess that’s what sent Nutmeg over the edge. Maybe she thought I was an over-sized green head. I don’t know, but boy can she kick. Now I know why mom likes to ride her. She’s got some muscle in that hind end! She nailed my stifle, but it just barely nicked the skin, so I figured no big deal. Oh did it hurt though. I tried to be tuff and not let it show. I did a pretty good job too, if I didn’t have to move. My grazing muscles work just fine thanks, but mom got worried. She harassed me pretty thoroughly then decided on further torture. I tried to tell them that getting into the trailer was not a good idea. It’s like they didn’t believe that my leg hurt and trying to stand up in a moving vehicle wasn’t going to be fun. Sometimes when you’re a horse, you’ve just got to do what you’re told, so I hobbled up the ramp (I sure hope Nutmeg was too busy throwing a fit to notice) and away we went.
It was so hot and it hurt. I know mom was driving carefully, but it was still stressful. I was pretty sweaty by the time we reached our destination. Talk about horsey spa! They had cool air! I didn’t think we were in the trailer that long, but the place we ended up had a totally different climate. It was wonderful. Plus I had a whole host of people petting me and telling me I’m such a good boy. I mean, I know it’s true, but it’s still nice to hear it every once and a while. After the petting, they did some interesting contorting of my body. True to form I was an all-star. Maybe my next profession will be a horsey Yoga instructor. Mom was so pleased with me. She petted me and scrubbed my forehead and refused to leave my side. My entourage did a little more poking, but then they left me alone in a comfy stall. Thank goodness because I had to pee! I don’t know what it was they stuck me with, but my bladder went into overdrive. That would be my only complaint, some bedding to prevent splash back would be much appreciated. Mom got a big old goodie bag, then it was back to the heat and the trailer.
I was so glad to be home and my leg was killing me, so I didn’t mind that I got to spend the night in my stall. Nutmeg wasn’t very pleased though. I guess she’s adopted me as her personal fly swatter. She’s got the pony. I don’t see the problem, but I guess I’m loved and that’s not so bad. I’m getting to eat some yummy new food. It’s all mushy and has kind of a weird after taste, but it makes me feel great! My leg hardly hurts at all! Which is why I’m now spending most waking moments circling my stall. One of these days mom will see I’m all better and LET ME OUT! She has consented to letting me graze in hand a bit each evening while she grooms me, but I’d really prefer to be out with my friends.
The excitement has come to an end. Now I’m just looking out my window, snacking on my hay and dreaming of the day when I get to go back outside. The pony comes in to keep me company each night, but the days are pretty boring. My plans for taking over the Main Show Pony spot have stalled. At least I’m here. I’ve got food, I’ve got water, I’ve got a mom who gives me a good scratch every day. I have plenty to look at. I can be content with that.
- Admiral Nelson
