Hello All,
Watching little Bucky grow takes me back twenty odd years to when my little colts were learning how to use their legs and explore their new world. Everyday, I take Blossom and Bucky out to graze in the small pasture beside the barn. Blossom really enjoys the fresh air and grass and since it is fenced she can eat in peace while Bucky explores his new world but stays out of trouble. All was well until one hot, humid, June evening when it was time to come in.
I haltered Mama and usually Bucky walks beside us back to the stall. This night Bucky had other plans. As Mama Blossom and I walked into the stall she noted her feed bowl was full and immediately started to munch out. Bucky went right on down the aisle of the barn and into the open area just a kickin' his heels up.
First, he went over to the fence where is his daddy, Chester, was standing and they both stopped and looked at each other in silence. Guess they thought they were seeing double{:> Then little man went full speed down the fence line and all the horses starting neighing and running around. Golden Red, his grandmama, was so excited to see him I thought she would jump right over the fence. It became a little scary with all the commotion and I was no match for my long legged colt so I went back into Blossom's stall who had finished her meal with great pleasure and was oblivious to all the commotion. I asked her for her help.
Securing her haltering I walked her outside and when she realized her curly little Buckle was no where to be seen she let go of a nicker that could have been heard for miles around. Bucky popped his little curly head up down by Golden Red's paddock and looked around. You could tell he had decided this game was the most fun he had ever had. But, Mama was not impressed with his response and the horses were really stirred up. The dust was flying and every four legged creature was running around like it was a Barnum and Bailey circus.
I took Mama Blossom's halter and lead rope off and said; go get him. She took off with her long beautiful red mane flying and within what seemed like seconds Bucky came galloping back to the barn with Mama right behind. Once she caught up with him she gave him a stern push with her beautiful muzzle and a low guttural sound came from her that any good mother would recognize!
Our little Bucky was on his best behavior for the rest of the night and they both grazed peaceful standing beside me. The other horses calmed down and went back to munching on their hay and seemed to have enjoyed the evenings entertainment.
It reminded me of the many times I would take our eldest sons, Martin and Andrew to the play ground at McDonald's. Martin was the most agile little fella. I knew this even before he was born as the entire nine months I carried him were filled with practice plays for all the football and soccer he would play in his teen years. He thought it great fun to climb into the playground area with all the pretty colored balls. Then he would pleasantly ignore me as I explained it was time to go. With his little brother Andrew on my hip, not yet able to crawl, I was not able to get into the ball filled play area and many times it would take the entire group of parents to corral my sweet but naughty Martin.
Once he was safe in my hands he would get that squeeze that meant I love you with all my heart....but if you do this again I am gonna show you how my grandmama showed me love through a nice willow branch. And, the low guttural sound Blossom made..... well every mama, two legged or four, has the ability to make that same tone when their little fella needs a good talking too.
My handsome and intelligent son, Martin, is now a successful 27 year old business man. I can't wait till he is a parent sitting at McDonald's playground with his own little colts.
Angie and her Curly Circus
