Toes

Here's Toes, another Caledonia farm retiree.

He's a hotshot Hanoverian with a canter like BUTTAH. Really, it's like riding in a limo. It's a perfect three beat--undoubtedly the smoooooooooooooooothest canter I have ever ridden.

When I rode Toes, he actually made me feel like an Equestrian.

His full name is Amaretto, and he used to live at the barn I worked at. Toes taught many a budding dressage student and Toes knows his stuff--up to fourth level. To those who don't know dressage jargon it means that Toes knows how to do some fancy, gorgeous equine dance moves.

And Toes is a Big Boy--17 hh. He was such a joy to watch and ride. So balanced...so elegant...

A couple of years ago, he could also put "cow pony" on his fancy pants resume. Ask my brother and Caledonia farmer about THAT one.

Half pass, flying changes, canter pirouette-- Toes can do it. Well, he COULD do it in his heyday. Arthritis crept into his joints, so now the only thing he needs to do is graze and play all day.

What a life.

P.S. Note Cavan in the far left corner of pic. Note cows on the right doing what cows do best-- lyin' down and chewin' some cud. Yup. Life is good.