Duncan

The smoke from wildfires persists here, and although I spent about 10 hours last week moving the solar charged fencing every few days to make the pasture go as far as It can, the hard work was offset by the beauty of certain moments - where the horses glowed with appreciation. And I reflected on some of their unique stories.

Featured here are some of the front group, including Duncan, left, who I bought from a meat buyer years ago, he was thereafter adopted out, and returned - Twice. After his successive adopters found him very challenging to get going under saddle; all I know is that at one point, he was ultra sensitive to pressure and take flight and bolt at the smallest movement. And something likely happened to him at the hands of someone before I ever met him and earned his trust.

When he came back the second time, the bond I had built with him over many hours - after he was returned the first time -was broken. He and I were once very close and he has been friendly at times, but has not wanted to get that close to me again since. And I have not forced it. Because I understand.

Horses are not that different from us when it comes to relationships; trust takes a long time to build, but can be shaken in a moment, and even torn down. Duncan did what I asked, and tried hard, but I was pretty open about the fact that I thought he wasn’t the best choice for a riding prospect. And ultimately, he couldn’t ‘get there’ when adopted out.

Duncan has had a bit of a tough road but at the same time, he was so fortunate to leave the auction in a trailer that wasn’t heading to the slaughter plant. And to be loved. He doesn’t know why he was sent away repeatedly. But i think he knows one thing - he is accepted here by all, no matter what he can or cannot do under saddle.