I looked out my window this morning to see a deer running at top speed through the pasture. Thinking the worst – a coyote or dog was on the chase – I looked in the direction the deer had come from only to see, Heaven forbid….Harley in hot pursuit! Luckily the deer leaped over the fence and even luckier, Harley stopped before doing the same, looking a bit perturbed that the game was over already. I shook my head and uttered something on the line of “problem child” and wondered if a horse chasing deer equates to wild game harassment! 
My son, Kyle had also viewed the chase and just said, “Mom, you are going to have a lot of fun with him!” That statement sent me on a nightmare journey with visions of flushing deer on our rides and Harley, like a super hyper bird dog, taking up pursuit with me hanging on for the ride. I’m sure Kyle’s thought pattern followed more on the lines of “I wonder if Mom will let me ride him during hunting season? Sure would beat walking and trying to find the deer!”
Harley must have enjoyed the pursuit as he watched intently as any deer neared throughout the day. The deer must not have shared the same warm feelings however, as tonight was one of the first nights they did not come to my yard to feed!
Yes, Harley is definitely a horse who desires amusement and stimulation. Fresh snow or the sight of my camera and a minimal command from me prompts a fast run just to feel the wind in his mane and snow fly under his feet. My poor cat Fester is also fair game when she dares venture into the pasture. I’m wondering what will happen when my geese return in the spring as most generally, geese are not amused at being bothered and chased by pesky animals! Harley may just meet his match there!
Harley loves his treats and will wrap his lips around each tasty morsel along with your fingers and half your hand as he hovers up any stray crumbs, luckily he knows better than to use his teeth. He also has a soft spot for my Dad (who has a matching soft spot for his equine grandson!) and frequently knickers at “Grandpa” – something he has yet to do for me much to my chagrin! Harley chews over his thoughts as I teach him new things, his little jaw and mouth working overtime and his eyes squinting at me with questions as he absorbs a lesson. As long as I’m patient enough to let him figure things out, he will do as I ask…in his own time. And yes, Harley does have his mellow moments. A good hard scratch will cause his eyes to close in pleasure and a warm barn or sunbeam will entice Harley to lounge in the soft straw and take a good long nap.
Harley and I are anxious for spring – a time when weather will allow the lessons to progress at a hopefully daily pace. We’re dreaming of chasing up the deer and rabbits along long hilly trails in pursuit of a new partnership under saddle. I just hope the deer, cat and I survive the ride!
That was a wonderful story. I really enjoyed it. I love Harley already – he’s my kind of horse, always looking for adventure. I think he is going to give you lost of laughs along the way.
Marie
Comment by Marie — February 7, 2010 @ 9:40 am
Laughs and gray hair right about now Marie – Harley and his buddies went for a “joy ride” during the night and after about an hour of looking, we found them at the neighbors visiting their horses! Deer are very thick in our pasture and tear down the fence as they jump it plus deep snow is covering the fence in places….we’ll be fixing fence today before they get turned out again!
Comment by Dawn — February 7, 2010 @ 10:23 am