A new ranch hand

We went to feed my Grandfather's horses apples and carrots on Sunday with my Dad. We had fun, it was a little muddy, but that was to be expected. I was so excited about Kale and Nathan having the opportunity to get up close to the horses and possibly feed them. I always loved to be around horses growing up. But, when we hopped the gate, I was freaked out...hiding between trees and shielding myself with old cars and tractors that need restoration. The horses were intimidating-- much more than ever before. Having the boys there made the situation way too vulnerable for me.

Keith was like "are you okay?" "uh, yeah...wow, uh..., I think we should just look at them from the other side of the gate" I told him. He was puzzled. Just a few hours ago I was all enthusiastic and pumped up. There were too many safety issues to monitor. The horses were really pushy and nosey. Bumping into us and seeing how much they could get away with. They would nibble the boys' shirts in the wagon and sniff their hands---Kale and Nathan were more annoyed than scared and would just shove their noses away. I wish I was that brave.

Sure enough, Ace (my Dad's dog) kind of spooked one of them and she turned, then bucked and kicked a little. My reaction was "alright, seen enough, that was fun, gotta go". Kale was yelling for the horseys to come back out to the field. I told him "no, no, the horseys have to stay over there...okay?" I know that's what I brought him out there for, but I was scared. Those horses need more time with people so they can be taught manners. But, I wasn't about to teach them any. All in all, it was a good time. I've come to the conclusion that, right now, huge animals are best seen with a safe barrier between us and them.