Like owner, like horse.....

Like owner, like horse...

I have just recovered from hysterics at my first sight of Faith having a roll. Judging by the state of her when she comes in from the field, particularly when we have had a bit of rain, I knew she liked to have a good roll.

However, today was the first time I have actually seen her doing it. At first I thought she was having a fit, then I thought she had been stung by the electric fence, then I realised that she was just making completely sure that she was covering herself with as much mud as is physically possible. She is a pretty grubby little filly at the best of times, despite being groomed every day and plastered with mane and tail conditioner. However, I think today she is putting in an extra special effort as we are expecting a guest this evening. This guest happens to be the proud owner of an Andalucian mare who is never anything other than immaculately groomed and turned out. The owner herself is a total glamour puss, and never goes near the stables without a full face of stunningly artistic makeup, a brand new set of nails, and top to toe designer equestrian gear, she even manages to smell glamorous for Pete’s sake!

Despite my best efforts, I have never been blessed with the ability to remain even vaguely smart or clean near horses. I had an absolutely tortuous childhood being forced to do every single tack and turnout class that myself and my motley ponies could be entered for, and I think I have been scarred for life. But it would appear that despite warning Faith that she needed to be as clean as possible for our visitor who is just ‘dying’ to meet her, my instructions have clearly been ignored. I think my best bet now is to go straight out into the field and have a roll around in the mud myself, and hope it acts as a kind of camouflage, so that my glamorous visitor fails to find me. Particularly if I stand next to my grubby filly!