Buddha & the Farrier

Horses should be checked by a farrier ( person who tends to their feet ) frequently through out the year.  I have Bud's hooves trimmed every 6 to 7 weeks to keep them in good shape.  If they get too long - horses can trip or  during the warmer weather, especially, when they are constantly stomping the ground to remove flies - the hooves crack and chunks can break off causing problems to the soles of their feet.

This one particular Saturday, I met John - my farrier - at the barn to trim the Buddha.  He and his pal - Blackjack - were loose in the pond pasture after being stalled for 3 days due to inclement weather.  Usually, I approach Bud with a treat and he happily approaches me and the halter goes on without a problem.  THIS time he took one look at me and tore across the pasture in the opposite direction kicking and bucking to his hearts content.  He was thrilled to be outside and had NO intention of returning to the barn.  After several failed attempts - I was asked if I wanted to reschedule - " he may out weigh me, but I'm smarter,  so lets try Plan B "  was my response.  John and I devised a plan where he would hide behind the open gate leading to the barn ( we had tried this before but Bud would see him and flee the other way ). So this time I approached the Buddha at an angle that would force him toward the barn and he took off in the desired direction and as soon as he crossed the fencing......John closed him in - success! 

As I began to approached my mighty steed - he slowly walked up to me acting like the last 20 minutes never happened.  You have to admire equines and their ability to assess a situation quickly and regroup.  Needless to say, he was a model student while getting his trim  - heck - he was probably exhausted from all his running around like a possessed demon!!

                    The Buddha happily (?) awaiting his  trim