Hello again, dear readers. It is time to hear about what is going on at Mercy Spring Ranch from your faithful correspondent, Gimli Black.
I begin with two letters from a brother and sister in the current session block. The boy asks, “Do you have a girlfriend?” Well now! In horse circles, that is a very personal question. But since you are a young human, I will allow it.
Yes, I do have a girlfriend, or at least I think so. I have had my eye on Ladyhawke for quite some time now. While she does not return any of my affections, I cannot help but think that she has fallen for the charms of yours truly.
I do my best to keep Connor away from her, so that all of her attention will be focused on me. And yet, I fear that she has put me into the “Friend Zone.” She says that I am like a little brother to her, which is the kiss of death to any possible romantic relationship — horse or human.
Perhaps when she hears my new CD or sees me on a future cover of Horse Quarterly, she will think differently of me. I don’t have to tell you how many unsolicited letters I receive each week from mares who follow me on Facebook. If I were to put my profile on various horse dating sites, the lines would form quickly around my paddock!
The question from the girl has multiple parts. “Do you like my brother as a rider? What do you eat, good or bad? Do you like carrots?”
Yes, I enjoy your brother as a rider. He seems very comfortable riding me. I have yet to experience a child rider that I do not enjoy. The children who visit me at the ranch make me very happy.
I love answering food questions! They make me hungry, just thinking about how I will respond. Yes, carrots are most delightful (as are apples). I enjoy the food that Miss Mo feeds me (though it is never enough), as well as what I graze upon in the pasture.
As for the bad things that I eat, I must admit that I have been known to gnaw on almost anything I can get my mouth on. I have been seen chewing on sweatshirts, straw hats, lead ropes, and even human ponytails. It is my way of exercising my jaw muscles, as well as discovering new textures and taste sensations (as I maintain my gourmet palate). If something is not food, I will quickly spit it out and move on to other more promising treats.
And speaking of enjoyable edibles, I see that the Heirloom Tomato Tasting event is fast approaching. While I am not a fan of tomatoes (except for squishing them under my hoofs), humans find them quite delightful. Save August 20th from 10am to 2pm on your calendar. Homesown Flowers will also be selling their bouquets, as well as doing table arrangements for the event. I hope to see you there!
Well, that’s all for this week. I may start to work on a new book, based on all my romantic escapades. The working title is Passion in the Paddocks. It sounds like another Gimli bestseller to me!
Happy Trails,
Gimli August 8, 2022