Friday, May 22, 2009

birthday boy


Ollie is two years old today!



'who, me?'

As you can see, he still needs to grow into his large ears and giant head, but it'll come.  The time has gone so quickly....it seems only yesterday that he was born.  Here he is,  just hours after his birth (Sadie is still covered in sweat after all of her exertions).  



Sadie has been such a great momma to Ollie.  She has really turned out to be a most excellent horse.  Ollie has inherited her even-tempered disposition and general unflappability.  He has been a pretty easy horse to train, especially for two novices (o.k., one novice- my husband and our wonderful friend Ed did the training, I mostly watched, with my breath held, and my knickers in a twist).  



My job was caretaker and official spoiler and smoocher.  (Note to self: do not let people take pictures of me while wearing pyjama bottoms and a bun in my hair).



Ollie has always been treated with kindness, and he is a very open, friendly,trusting horse.



It's actually dificult to take photos of him in the pasture, because before you know it ....



he's practically sitting on my lap.  



'Mwah'!  here's your kiss, please don't eat my camera.  My husband has been taking him for some trail rides with the other horses, and he has done very well, so far.  I'll probably wait another, oh, I don't know, five years before I ride him (I'm that chicken of a rider).



Happy birthday little Ollie.  Stay sweet.

11 comments:

LadyFi said...

That picture of sweet sweet Ollie kissing the camera is priceless!

Happy birthday!

natasha the exile on Mom Street said...

How sweet!

BTW your arms look fab-u-lous in that photo. Great definition!

Maria said...

Aaah, how precious, Happy Birthday Ollie. The pictorial presentation was wonderful even the pic with the pajama pants, I wish I looked that good just out in the pasture.
He does look like such a sweetheart.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely boy! I love the slight curl at the tips of his ears. He looks like he's growing well. Lovely color too - for some reason I've never owned a chestnut. It's so nice that you've been able to raise him yourself and always know how he's being treated - most of the "issues" my horses have are due to things that happened before I got them.

Far Side of Fifty said...

Happy Birthday Ollie! What a great group of photos, love the one where he is all knobby knees and legs! And of course the one of him smootching with the camera! He must be very special to you, having been there since he was born and watching him grow and change..much trust is built that way between a horse and his rider..I think it is wonderful!
I wear my hair the same way..LOL..it is done in a flash! :)

Mary Olson said...

Boy, I'm glad no one takes photos of me in some of the getups I wear out to the barn in the morning. You look darn good though. Ollie was such a cute foal and is now an impressive 2 year old. Happy Birthday Ollie!

Unknown said...

Ollie looks darling! I love the pics of him as a foal...they are the cutest! I was thinking the same thing about your arms..they look really good! Note to self...work with weights today!

Unknown said...

Aww Happy birthday Ollie! He was such a cute foal! I love that last photo!

b&g girl said...

what an amazing connection...love the pics love the words.

Bekah said...

aww happy bday ollie!!

C-ingspots said...

Happy Birthday Ollie!! He's beautiful, and so is his momma. You're right about how when they're always raised with love and treated with kindness, they turn into very loving and trusting horses. Just like us!! I'm sure he would carry you with loving care and do his best to never let you get hurt. Trust him, as he trusts you.