Just wanted to share because it made my heart so full!

I own a 5yo mare (had her since she was a late yearling) and a few months ago I started taking care of this sweet 17yo-ish gelding who’s been abandoned at our facility for about two years. His owner (who used to be a friend of mine) had stopped coming to the barn (I’m assuming she lost interest) but didn’t want to sell him, so her mother has been paying board this whole time but he’s been sitting around in the paddock for the past two years.

These past few months I’ve been taking him out every day to groom and handwalk him, and we also go for the occasional hack. He’s a giant puppy dog! Sweetest thing I’ve ever met. My mare who hates most horses is surprisingly chill with him.

I’ve been very ill for a month now, and this past week was the worst it had ever been. I had to go to the ER a couple days ago but now I feel a lot better, so yesterday I went to the barn after almost a week away. My mare has always had a habit of walking up to me to greet me as soon as I arrive, or when I call her name. Yesterday when I went in the paddock, both my mare AND the gelding left the herd and rushed up to me! Almost as if asking, “mum, where have you been!” I hugged both of them and it felt amazing. I’m so grateful for my new bond with this sweet boy and I’m so happy he feels comfortable around me and seeks my company. We had so much fun yesterday! Can’t wait to go back today. :)