The orphan

We went to visit Red tonight at Whispering Winds Ranch. First off, I had the priviledge of feeding Gary and Darlene's new orphan buckskin, Sparky. He's their pride and joy.

Their sorrow is that they lost his mother in delivery. She was the mother of Gary's primary buckskin stallion. They are still grieving at her loss. Sparky seems to be doing well, though, needing to be fed every hour. He has "Leo" on one side and "Rugged Lark" on the other so he should be impressive.

The other babies were just as neat. There's one more mare to deliver and I hope it goes well.

Red is still a bit feisty. Gary had him lunging. When he had to do more than a few laps, he'd buck and act up, but Gary would just make him work harder. Then he'd settle and Gary would "whoa" him and bring him to a nice stop. He's hesitant to move the forequarters and midsection, but Gary hopes to have a response to a very light touch eventually.

Bob took the lead rope and tried a few things, then it was my turn. I hate to admit it, but I am still petrified of him. He nibbled my hand when I tried to move him over and all I could remember was the day he bit my arm. I need to work more with Sparkler to build my confidence before I am going to be able to handle Red. Either that or he's going to need 6 more months with Gary!!