Bay

     Thank you, folks, for joining me for another interview with one of the horses who live at Friendly Horse Acres.  The plan is to eventually get this discussion added to the podcast planned for the future.  It is to be called "Talking Horses."

    Today I am having a conversation with Bay, an Arab of unregistered breeding.  She asked, in fact, demanded, to be interviewed. 

    So, Bay, thank you for talking to me today. I would like to start by asking you why you were so determined to be interviewed.

Bay

Well, you interviewed that silly little pony, Spice.  He's okay, but I am the ambassador of this place.  You really should have interviewed me first.  I'm the one people coo over, and say, "She's so pretty."  You really need to get your priorities straight.  

Bay (quietly)

Plus, I'm a princess.  

Laverne

Why do you call yourself an ambassador?  You no longer do any of the lessons.

Bay

To begin,  I'm the first one to come to the fence when new people arrive at the farm.  I'm always willing to approach people, even when they are tentative.  The pat me and say, "I like this one."  Also, let's get this straight.  I do some of the lessons.  For years I have modeled when you do the anatomy of the horse with the students.  I do get impatient towards the end of the lesson, but that is more your fault.  You can take too long.  Even you have to admit the students are losing focus by the end of the session. 

Laverne

Okay.  You do have a point.

Let's go back to the beginning, when you first joined the farm  Do you remember where you got your name?

Bay

Of course I remember.  I had only been at Friendly Horse Acres for a day or so, and I was deciding I liked it.  I was by myself in a grassy run with other horses near me on the other side of the fence.  At my old place I was stalled a lot.  They called me "Baby," but I knew that wasn't very dignified.  You came out to see me.  I was way at the other end of the run and you called "Ba-a-y..."  I lifted my head and came to you because I'm a beautiful bay color and Bay is a good name.  We agreed.

Laverne

Bay, perhaps you should explain why you live by yourself in the arena.  

Bay

As you know, that is a sad story.  I did begin at the farm as a saddle horse, but you noticed I was often distressed when I carried a rider.  Sometimes I was okay, but on other days I would give a little crow hop of protest.  I was never mean about it, and I never dumped my riders - unlike Spice.  You called the vet and he reported that I had ulcers.  Some days I was comfortable, and some days I was not.  You did start to to train me as a carriage horse so I wouldn't have weight on my back.  That was okay.  I didn't dislike the work.  However, I started to go lame.  The veterinarian said I had arthritis, and a club foot.  You also noted that I have allergies.  I break out in hives when I'm exposed to chemicals and I cough in the dust.  You give me medication in my morning mash for all those conditions.

Then there is a problem with bully horses.  I'm afraid of some of the other horses.  Dear Rain was a good friend, but Snickers picked on me, and I was terribly nervous.  A few of the other horses scared me, too.  I wouldn't come to the barn for food or water.

Also, some winters where very cold.  The ground froze in the pastures.  I was afraid to move.  You started to put me in the covered arena to feed me.  Eventually, I showed that I could be happy by myself.  I could eat and drink, and I didn't get sick so often because my stress wasn't as high.

Laverne

Don't you get lonely?

Bay

Sometimes.  A little.  You have tried me with other horses.  I was with Boudicca for a short time.  I don't know why, but she didn't like me.  She kept breaking the electric fence to get away from me.  It's a shame because I'm not afraid of ponies, and she's a petite Shetland.  Oh, well.  I understand we can't all get along.

I do enjoy when you have lessons, and extra people come.  That is when I shine.  I enjoy introducing myself.  Usually, I can convince someone to brush me.

Laverne

What is your favorite part of the lessons?

Bay

The horse treats.  Absolutely.  I demand a toll every time you go by me.  Giggle.  

Laverne

Anything else you especially like?

Bay

I'm fond of discovering you have left the grooming tools in the arena, unprotected.  I have a great time nosing them out of the caddy and spreading them on the ground.  I'll do the same thing if you leave a saddle on the mounting block.  It's fun to chuck it around.  Sometimes I even manage to find a treat or two that has been hidden.  Knocking things about is fun, and often rewarding.

Laverne

Anything you would like to add?

Bay

Can I have a treat?  And don't forget to feed me first and meal time.  I always call out to you when you step out the back door.  I don't believe an ambassador should miss any meals.

Bay (quietly)

Especially not princesses.

Laverne

Thank you for talking to me, Bay.  We appreciate you.

    And thank you, folks, for joining me for another "Talking Horses."