>>> Orri is like Teev, he is outspoken.
I adore Teev, but he definitely has his opinions. When he first arrived here the first time, two years ago, I didn't really care for him, because he was so grumpy. But, looking back, that's part of what I love about him. It would not have been as easy to find his problems had he been less communicative. He's not really grumpy - he's just like some people: very direct in their way of expressing things, calling a spade a spade, not mincing words, and not sugar-coating things. He's very straightforward...so when he's sweet, you KNOW he means it. That makes it all the more special when you can see him enjoying himself - he won't lie to you, or hide his feelings. >>> My Jas, and now Trausti are the opposite. and when Jas acts bad its very >>> very subtle. >>> but I know him so well I see it and most of the time it actually tickles me >>> cause he >>> thinks he is acting soooo bad and its so nothing compared to most horses. >>> But one >>> thing he does, if there is some grass or he is enjoying the turnout, and I >>> go get >>> him, he will see me coming and turn and stride away, tail swishing for >>> about ten >>> yards, then stop. Tail swishing. and wait for me to come halter him :) My Sundance was like that to an extreme, so meek and mild in his "badness" that is was funny. I bought him to be a guest horse, one that I could put Emily's little friends on to ride and not worry. But, after he was here a month or two, I totally fell for him. When I first got him, he was soooo bad, that when I got on him, and he didn't want to go, he'd just stand there - imagine. A couple of times, he was even worse - he stomped his foot and backed two steps. I honestly believe he considered that act of defiance to be on par of a bolt! I'm not sure if he started falling for me first, or I started falling for him, but within a few weeks, he started going forward the instant I asked, then...he'd trot the second I asked, and the next thing I knew, we were doing more things (low-level dressage, even a little backyard barrel racing) than I'd ever had the nerve to do, Maybe he just needed those few weeks to settle in here, and to get to know us. It was fun for both of us - the gentle "kid's horse" remained trustworthy the rest of his days, but he had a fun side that he didn't reveal easily, not to just everyone. It's funny - those safe and boring horses sometimes aren't so boring after all, if you win their confidence and treat them with love and respect. I think you've got Trausti pegged to a "t". He's one of those quiet, dependable types who doesn't appear to want to waste any effort, but when you give him a little space to get to know you, he can be as willing a partner as about any horse. :) Karen Thomas, NC
