Abra’s story: my life

My dad was a very handsome grey Arab from a distinguished lineage. My mom was a solid looking mare with Percheron and Quarter Horse lineage - definitely French and American stock. My dad met my mom in the early summer of 2001. I do not know really what happened but 11 months later on a warm day in mid-June (my new mom Vicki insists it was June 15) I was born.

I had a very easy life at first. My mom took good care of me. I did not need to eat anything at all - my mom’s milk was just what I needed. It was not too long before I became interested in some different foods and I began to nibble at the green grass and some of the grain that was provided on a regular basis. There were other young horses and mares to play with in my field. Life was good and not too much was expected of me.

As I got somewhat older people started to visit me more often. They talked to me as well and told me what a pretty girl I was. They began to brush me and to become more interested in me developing some proper manners. They were very friendly and I was well treated.

Sometime later in my first year -when I was 6 months old or so - a very sad day came for me. I was taken away from my mom. We called and called to each other but it made no difference. We never saw each other again.

*****

People now became more important in my life and I soon found that there were lots of lessons for me to learn. Everyone spoke to me kindly even as I was learning my lessons - to be ridden and also to drive a buggy. I liked the driving part a lot - I could step out smartly and trot down the roads and paths close to my home. I was much admired.

One particular woman became a very good friend and I saw her almost every day. She spent hours and hours with me and I was very happy. Was this to be my forever life?

On a cold spring day something began to change around me. I heard whisperings from people and even the other horses. My particular friend was very sick. I had never been sick at all in my life. My ears drooped a bit and I felt sad. What was to happen to me?

These lonely feelings went on for quite a few months. I missed the regular attention and I missed my particular friend.

Then one fall day the male person came out to see me. He was kind too. Just as he was finished feeding me - a funny noise came out of his pocket - some music. He took out a little machine and he began to talk into it.

“Oh yes, I would have the perfect mare for your client. Yes, she would be just the thing - she is young and moves very nicely and she definitely needs a new home.” He was looking in my direction. My ears perked up. A change in my life maybe?

He came and talked to me kindly. “Just what you need. My dear wife can no longer ride you.” At that he looked sad and my ears drooped a bit and I nuzzled closer to him.

*****

It was not too long after these conversations that a large grey trailer and a grey truck arrived near my field. Someone stepped out and introduced himself as Walter. He was a nice looking blond fellow and quite cheery. He came over to me and started to look me over. He seemed to be very friendly and looked like he knew a lot about horses.

The human man and Walter had some discussions. I had to listen in because this was my future they were discussing. Finally Walter took a small piece of paper out of his wallet. This had a certain amount of money written on it. I had to check this out too. Was I really worth that much? So with a shaking of hands and passing of the paper to the human man the deal was concluded.

Now it was time to lead me into this grey trailer thing. I could see that my little pony friend Fatima was going to be travelling with me. She needed a new home as well. I always like things that are grey like me so I was not too reluctant to get into this trailer.

I had a feeling that we were in for a long trip to my new home. I do not tell time too well but I know that some hours passed. The trailer was comfy and the roads were not too bumpy so I had a comfortable if longish ride.

Finally we were slowing down to turn into a driveway I could sense. I heard Walter say to his human travelling companion - “So, we are here.”

There was much activity to get us unloaded from the trailer. Lights were turned on and we could see several red coloured buildings close by. There was also a nice looking sandy ring just in front of some of the buildings.

We were both being led there. It was heavenly to finally stretch - no running around at this time of night. It was time for a very good roll in the sand. That did feel nice. Both Fatima and I looked more relaxed after a very short time in the ring.

Now we were being led in separate directions. I began to call to her but this made no difference - we were to be separated.

I was led into a nice stall with shavings on the floor and a small amount of hay was soon passed to me. There was a water dish right in front of my nose so I took a very long drink. My I was thirsty.

I was very tired now and I really needed to get some sleep. Soon all the lights were turned out in the barn. This is when the horses began to talk with each other.

My name is…
My name is Abra or maybe I should say my name was Abra. I do not know what my new mom may want to name me.

Other news passed my way very quickly.

“So she is in Bishop’s old stall.”

“Who was this Bishop fellow?” I asked my new barn mates.

“Bishop was Vicki’s horse. He got sick and went away and never came back. We heard that he had to be put to sleep. The horses and the people at the barn were all very sad. That was his stall but now you have come to live there.” This was explained by my friendly barn mate living across the hall from me.

After those comments, my ears drooped a bit and I knew I would have to particularly nice to my new mom. So when was I to meet her? Maybe tomorrow?

*****

The next morning I was offered some hay for breakfast but nothing else. I heard the barn staff talking - no grain for this new horse right now. She is somewhat overweight.

Some time later this Walter fellow tied my up in the hallway and another smaller person began to brush me. It felt so nice. I had been neglected for some time. I stood quietly for them.

Then the fun part began. The saddle and bridle had to be made to fit. Now I know who had worn them before - that horse named Bishop. I suspect he was a different size and shape than me.

After some time the bridle was adjusted; the saddle was quite comfy on my back; the girth was done up with some difficulty. Some comment were made about the size of my tummy. I was almost embarrassed. Did I hear Walter mention that I needed to lose 300 pounds?

Then I was taken out to the front ring where I had such a nice roll the night before. Where was my friend Fatima? I started to call for her.

I was gently patted and talked to and then this smaller person got on me. It was different than when I was used to but I tried to do what I was told.

Walter on the ground and this smaller person on me looked to be quite happy. I was happy too. I think this was going to be a fun place to live. There were lots of horses around and people and they all seemed to be very friendly. But what about meeting my new mom?

After the ride, I was safely tucked into my stall after being given a couple of carrots as a treat. I certainly knew what those were all about.

*****

I could begin to see a routine in this new home - hay was delivered at certain time of the day. There was still no grain for me.

The second night passed much as the first night. The next morning there was breakfast and the other horses began to leave for turnout in the fields - that is what they told me. Where was I to go?

I did not have long to wait. The young female barn staff put on my nice blue halter and attached a lead shank. She began to walk me towards that nice sandy front ring. Someone was walking towards me and she looked to be very interested. The barn staff said - Vicki, this is your new horse. Vicki said hello and patted me and looked me over.

So this is how I met my new mom.
I may tell you about some more of my life adventures with my new mom - once I have had some time to have some adventures.

Love and hugs

Abracadabra (Vicki did keep my name!!)