Wednesday, October 23, 2024

My donkey Pimmy looks better every day. She’s lost weight, and her Cushing’s Disease has done a number on her coat. What had been a “harsh donkey” coat has softened into a touch-inviting plush velvet.

Yesterday, I introduced Pimmy to a grazing muzzle. I led her on a short walk, but that was inadequate preparation for her to follow her horse friends freely and comfortably. I would be riding horseback that afternoon, and experience has taught that Pimmy would follow her horses but also nonstop try to rub off the muzzle. She needed more practice in the muzzle, so she stayed home. As her friends passed by en route to the horse trailer, Pimmy objected noisily.

My friend Anna and I had an enjoyable ride. She was on Rosie, and I was on Sunni, with my dogs running alongside. The horses hadn’t been ridden for a while and started off slightly jiggy. Anna rides beautifully, and soon, Rosie was moving quietly. My Sunni is easy to get along with, and her walk quickly became pleasant.

I’ve been too busy with various demands to work enough with the horses. That must change because great horses deserve proper exercise. I will make time to lunge and ride them and also work with Pimmy.

A surprise visitor arrived while I was out in the evening darkness to give the horses a last feeding. I wasn’t pleased about the happy visitor—my dog, Chase! After making yet another escape!

Dear Friends: On horseback and the dogs running alongside…a super outing. Diana