Dash spurred to action…
Sweaty and exciting?
Well it inspired more than me (and my trusty Nikon)…
Dash and TLW were also enthralled…
…
In the past year or so, Dash had lost his confidence with the entire equine community. When we first arrived at Granite Glen, he was pumped. He had a little black pony called Missy who was trustworthy and sweet and pretty. 
He loved her. And his confidence grew. And then she died.
Unexpectedly and from unknown (apparently natural) causes.
…
Then we bought a little pony who was gorgeous to look at but a little minx at heart – you know the sort. Jumpy and nervy and totally untrustworthy – if she were human you’d do your level best to keep your menfolk well clear of her. And she up-ended both TLW and Dash – into the turf. Little blessed minx. They climbed back on, but it was pivotal in their riding experiences.
…
TLW is made of stern stuff and was only a little shook up. But Dash… he took it all to heart and began shying away from the whole riding deal. Big time.
…
Another pony was borrowed and brought in to try and undo the damage. BJ. She is a divine little white princess and was much loved during her stint here. But in a more “remote” kinda way that her predecessor. Even the constant visits from cousin ‘Salina – who is possibly as horse-mad as her aunt (ahem!) was at the same age (we are talking obsessed here people) – did little to coax our Dash from his self-imposed exile from the horse-lovin’ community.
…
And even Bullseye – who was full of fun and action before his untimely departure from our hills – didn’t ease the problem.
He was a bit on the active side too, and Dash’s nerves were clearly still raw and exposed. So (after a proper mourning period) we had everything crossed and prayers were said as we chose Rob Roy to join our little family a couple of months ago.
Initially all was great. He was cute. Dash was smitten and keen to ride him and feed him and share his six-year-old dreams in his furry little ear. Do you also remember how I compared Rob Roy to a Thelwell pony?
Well folks, be very carefull what you wish for. Thelwell ponies, for the uneducated, are the ultimate Shetland: cute and fat and naughty.
And Rob Roy was all of the above, and then some.
…
He nibbled toes. Cute.
He nibbled my garden.
Less cute.
He nibbled my children.
Little buggar.
TWL sooned learned to rouse like a little fishmonger and smack him on the nose. But Rob Roy had taken quite a little chunk of Dash’s skinny shoulder in one “nip” and Dash had well, dashed away.
And the relationship was set.
Rob Roy bared his teeth – Dash backed away.
Not ideal.
…
But then this week we saw the polocrosse.
And (I suspect) one of the defining moments of this day was when Dash saw a confident seven-year-old girl wearing these…
and then she cantered went off to compete in this exciting horse sport… 
And after a small battle of wills…
(“You are NOT going to see the big horses, we are going THIS way Rob Roy!”)
Dash had a win.
Rob Roy was not exactly thrilled at this turn of events, but he got over it.
And the balance was back.
Then it was time to go faster!
“Hey look Mum…*bob, bob,bob,bob* … this is fun!”
Ah, it was a sight for sore eyes… that’s my boy!
13 Comments
jeanie
Awww – bugger, you got me in tears again and I haven’t HAD MY coffee yet!
That is so great. Will show ‘Salina this afternoon – she will be STOKED!
Alison
Way to go Dash!
I hope this is the start of a whole new more exciting, and less edible, chapter for him and Rob Roy.
Leigh
Thanks BB. I needed a smile today.
debby
I guess that shows Rob Roy who’s in charge! Yay Dash!
Jayne
Yay! Well done Dash 🙂
Andrea
Yeah for Dash!! It is so hard to get the little ones back on after a fall. My six year old is battleing that too! We got him a 21 year old horse in hopes to gain his confidence. I am happy that Dash is excited to ride again!! Way to go man!!!
Rhea
We had a shetland pony on our ranch when I was growing up, and it was very high-spirited. I think it tried to throw my mom…or someone.
Dash is adorable!
Pencil Writer
Hurray! Way to go Dash! Be the man and be in charge! Rob Roy–be good now!
BB, thanks for sharing.
Mikey
That is cutest thing I’ve ever seen!!!
I had tears too 🙂
He’s doing so good. Getting that pony in line!
Love it, love it, love it!
debby
I know it’s your blog.
I know you can do what you want.
Possibly post puppy pictures, pretty please?
dykewife
good for dash!!
i’ve always hated shetland ponies. the ones i encountered we the most evil, mean tempered demon spawn ever to walk the earth.
but i’m not bitter.
Bush Babe (of Granite Glen)
Hey all – been away so sorry for slow replies…
Jeanie – sorry. I mean it this time. I was pretty stoked too!
Alison – less edible would be good. That pony is actually an EATING MACHINE… another post soon on that very topic!!
Leigh – glad it brought some sunshine to your day and a smile to your dial! Me too…
Debby – Dash got bossy and it was good. Anyone ever use that word to describe you?? Hmmm? Puppies soon I promise!
Jayne – another voice in the cheersquad – yay!!
Andrea – glad I’m not the only one with a nervous rider. You gotta work ’em wide and let them gain confidence at their pace… I’m trying real hard not to push.
Rhea – hope your Mum was alright after her Shetland experience. And yes, I know… Dash is very cute. (If I can’t say that who can??)
PW – thanks… it’s only little stuff but big in our lives! Glad you enjoy and “get it”.
Mikey – I know!!! You guys are choking ME up now! Sheesh!! Ta
DW – you need therapy love… Shetlands are not evil, they are hairy and short and smart and hungry and bored. Not always a good combo!! In humans or horses!!!
Debby – patience is a virtue. Feeling virtuous??
PS … how lucky am I to have such lovely readers?? Nice to come home to after my 48 hours away from a computer…
Thanks!
BB
debby
Oh, yeah. Virtuous as hell. Thanks for that…
:^D