As spring approaches the one thing that all of the horses want is the new grass emerging. This, however, is also the one thing that their fields are lacking. Instead they squelch and slip through mud, nibbling on small shoots of green; or shoving their heads into the hedges hoping for a morsel.
Therefore, this is the time I often allow The Horse to have a munch on the verge, where there is grass of passable quality, but to any equine tastes like heaven after a winter of haylage.
The Horse and I were waiting for the vet to visit, and with time to kill, I decided to take him out for some grass. On the way to the car park, around which are grassy edges, I realised I hadn’t eaten since breakfast and I wouldn’t be home until the early evening. Luckily I had chucked a cereal bar in my car.
“Where are we going?”
“To my car, horse.”
“Ooo what’s in there? Can I see?”
“Horse, get your head out.”
I quickly grabbed my snack and took the horse to the grass where he tucked in happily.
Right I thought now I can eat. I opened the packet.
“What that?”
“No horse, this is mine.”
“Is it food?”
“Not for you.”
“I want some.”
“No.”
“Pweeeease.”
“Eat the grass.”
“But your food smells so yummy.”
“I’m hungry and you’ve been eating all day.”
“Pwitty please…?”
And because I’m a sucker for his ‘Puss-in-Boots face’ I give him half.
“Omg hooman, that is amazing foods! Can I have the rest?”
I shove the rest of the cereal bar in my mouth before I get mugged again “No, all gone.”
“Sure?”
I show him my hands so The Horse can inspect. Satisfied that the food is gone he returns to eating grass. As I watch him my belly rumbles sadly and I wish I had more food.
However the sacrifices equestrians make for a happy-horsey-face are certainly worth it.