Toot-a-loo, Tiffany...

I write this post with mixed emotions: guilt, humility, relief, and happiness. I have made the decision to sell Tiffany (a.k.a. the Sassy Belgian or Miss Thang). While I am not a religious person, I believe that everything and everyone in this world is connected, I believe that we all have a destiny, that we all have a place, and that we all belong somewhere. I believe that if we do all we can, offer ourselves and our intent to the Universe, and let things play out, that everything will be okay in the end.

“No matter how scared, or tired, or ill you are; no matter how lost, or confused, or desperate you become; no matter how lonely, depressed or cranky you feel…if you just do what you can, with what you have, from right where you are, it will always be enough.” - The Law Of Relevance,” the Universe of Mike Dooley

Today's Tiffany is not the horse I bought in July. She was mellow, sweet, and did everything she was suppose to when I bought her. I was very wary of getting a horse that I couldn't handle, and her previous owner let me drive her several times, ride her, and come by his barn during the week to get her out and brush her. I think the major factors in the change in her behavior are: a) she has always lived in a large herd of horses, but when she and Jubilee moved to our farm, Tiff became the "alpha" horse for the first time (and she liked it), b) she started testing me from day one, and sometimes I was slow to respond--she sensed a weakness in me early on, and continued to test it.

I have never made the choice not to keep an animal that I have adopted or bought. If you bring that animal into your life, it's your responsibility to look after its health and well being. On the other hand, I've never had a pet that tested my range of experience like this mare. She gave me a reality check on my ability to handle a large, spirited, confident, and intelligent animal. I have years of experience around horses, but having never owned one before, I have been amazed at how challenging it can be. When you ride other people's horses, you get leave at the end of the day, and the owner/trainer is left to deal with any issues that may arise. When they're yours, you are responsible for the animal's actions and how those actions may affect other beings.

Tiffany is not a mean horse. However, she has always had the intent of having things her way, which created a few issues for an inexperienced owner like me (and Jubilee). The girl's got personality, but she needs a more experienced owner that can handle her attitude.

I felt a huge rush of relief and happiness when our neighbor called and offered to take her to his place. Relief that I wouldn't have to deal with mood swings, and happy that the selling process was taking a baby step forward. Happiness that I would be able to find another horse that would be a good fit for our farm.

For the time being, Tiffany will be staying with her former owner and draft-horse-expert neighbor. He will be working with her to get her ready to sell.

Tiffany has taught me a lot-- a lot that I would not have learned from a mellow old gelding. These lessons have helped me become a better horse-woman, and helped me learn my limitations.