We took a "test drive" down some of the most beautiful roads. She drove him first then I took the reins. He was a perfect little driving pony: steady, smooth and, most importantly, responsive and forward-moving especially for his young life. Later, I found out that Melissa had been a horse trainer for harness racing horses. She knew what she was doing, and it showed with Dancer.
He was calm, collected, forward moving and responsive to both voice commands and reins. I was mighty impressed. Still, I had my doubts and went home to think things over. True to form, when I meet someone I really like, I can't get them out of my mind. Such was the case with Dancer. His sweet nature and jaunty trot made me smile every time he popped into my head---which was often.
And so I did yet couldn't get him out of my mind. So, I made an offer, $500 lower than the seller was asking and figured if it was meant to be she would accept it and that would be that. Hold your horses! Not so easy or straightforward especially in the "old west" dealings of horse trading which, unusual as it seems, is pretty much the same as it was 100 years ago! Cash on the barrel for horse purchases, be wary at every turn and, until you have that pony in your barn, he could be sold right out from under you! Anything goes--and does!
Melissa came back with a counter offer and knocked $250 off, "just for you" she assured me, "no one else because I think you and Dancer would be good together." Flattery, especially with pairing me up with a pony, will get you everytwhere! And so I accepted, and it was a done deal. Or, as "done" as could be in the wild west of horse trading, as I said.
That was about 10 days ago, and I've been out to see Dancer, twice, since then. For the "wild west" philosophy cuts both ways, from seller-to-buyer and buyer-to-seller---anyone can do anything at any time. I had to be sure, or as sure as I could, that Dancer was not only the right pony for me but that I even wanted to get a pony at this time.
Last Saturday I went to see him by myself. It felt awkward, at first, figuring out how to put on his halter, scared he'd step on my sneaker-encased toes, weary of this 800 pound animal that could bolt or knock me down with one turn of his mighty body. We proceeded carefully and slowly, me leading him ever so gently. I brushed his mane and forelock, removed a bunch of burrs and finally settled down. It felt good to be around a horse, again, and to hear the sounds of the country all around.
Yesterday I took a "horse friend" out to visit Dancer. Barb loved him the minute she laid eyes on this pretty bay pony. As she petted him through the fence, he grabbed her cap and immediately sprang away in surprise and delight over what he'd just done. We laughed as Dancer jumped sideways, in a little dancewhirl, around the cap, nosing it and prodding it with his muzzle.
We took him for a walk, Barb leading all the way, and he was winsome and sweet. We were both hooked. The only advice Barb gave me was to tell the seller I could pick him up earlier if need be. She even said she'd help me harness him to the cart and go driving with me. I needed that, as it's difficult for me to do alone, plus it's just safer to go driving or riding with a buddy.
This weekend, I'll have him trailored to his new home at the Tuthill Farm and so another "horse adventure" shall begin. I'm so looking forward to dancing down the road with Dancer!
No comments:
Post a Comment