Duck!

We are returning from our ride in the state forest, Sabina on Tornado, me on foot. We're back in our paddock, slowly meandering down the hill. When suddenly. Duck! There, on the ground. It looks like it has just gone for a snooze. Sabina is very curious, "why is it there mama? what is it doing mama?". "It's sleeping", I respond, "it is going to sleep for a long time".

Later that day we return to take another look at the duck. Sabina has brought a stick - she has been told she cannot touch it with her hand. It lies peacefully still in the grass. Intact. Sabina gently touches the beak with the stick. "Why is it not moving mama?". "It's asleep". "When will it wake up?" "It won't wake up for a very long time". "Why does it sleep in the day? Will it wake up when it's night? Why is it sleeping? Can we roll it over?". "Yes". On the other side, it's also intact. Almost. There is a small dark red crusty spot where the bullet entered. "What's that mama?" "It's an 'auw-wa' (a point where he's been hurt)". "Ah-ha. Why is there an auw-wa there? Why is he asleep? When will he wake up? Why is he not moving mama?". "He will be asleep for a very long time. Come, we should go now". "I will stroke him, maybe he will feel better and wake up sooner", Sabina gently strokes the duck with the stick. "Yes, I am sure the stroking feels very nice". We take one last look and retreat.

The Ride

We've passed the last gate into the state forest. Sabina is on Tornado, and I'm leading them on foot. We chat that Tornado is a good boy, and about the forest and the trees. "There's my house", cries out Sabina when our house comes into view. "And there's Papa", she spots the man standing in front of the house, waving madly. "Hello Papa!". We ride further than last time, and Sabina is very sorry that we need to turn around.

On the way back, I suggest that maybe next time we will take a picnic lunch, and stop to eat, and Papa can join us by bike. Sabina is delighted. When we return home she runs inside and announces "Papa, we will take lunch and you come by bike".

Baby Ba's

Sabina rides out on Tornado. I am leading them on foot. We head out towards the state forest, and as we close the last gate, I spot a couple of young feeding lambs. "Look, Sabina! Look at the lambs! They are drinking milk from their mama." I smile at her. But hang on ... OMG! "Sabina!!! Look! Those lambs have just been born! Look they are still dirty. Mama is licking them. She's going to lick them clean. This is the first time they have stood up and drank milk. Oh, look, that one hasn't even found the milk yet!" On and on I go. Mesmerised by the gift of life. Sabina stares with content, but I don't think she quite realises the significance of the moment.

Let's ride

It's Sabina's idea. To ride Tornado. She insists that about three lead ropes need to be attached - two to act as the reins, and one for mama. She grabs the mane and tries to jump on like a red indian. I give her a gentle shove. We're off. "To the gate" she says. "How about through the paddock, to the top of the hill", I suggest. "Yes, to see the Ba's" (the sheep). Tornado powers up the hill, and Sabina sits there, solid as a rock, proud as pie. The "Ba's" are there, their huge rounded horns, and their, well, sheepish faces, staring at us. Sabina is thrilled.

We go through the gates and into the state forest. From the track I point out our house. "There's my house!", comes the little voice, followed by "Tornado is a very good boy". The little girl is very happy, and only my third gentle suggestion about turning back is accepted. At the turn around Sabina jumps off and decides to lead Tornado. She runs forwards a bit, then slows right down. The rope drags on the ground half the time. Sabina is in danger of tripping, and Tornado may well get wrapped in it. What a mess. Even Tornado gets a bit frustrated. I stop the whole show, and do some minor explaining. Just gently. The outcome is that I lead Tornado (with the three lead ropes), and Sabina walks along holding my hand.

Back at the farm, Sabina wants to let him go. She takes him into the paddock, and he's so keen to get back to his horsey friends, he pretty much trots off. Headstall and leadrope still attached. Oops. We catch him and get the gear off. Of course, the said headstall and asoorted lead ropes are now going back into the house, to be applied to indoor horse. Just turn a blind eye to the dirt.

Come on up

Sabina and I go out to feed the horses. Sabina stands on the hill and calls out to them "Come on up! Tornado! Come on up!" The little voice sings out over the mountains like a long forgotten ballad. I progress into the shed to make the feed. At one point I see Sabina duck around the corner of the shed. Then I hear the horses hooves. "She wouldn't go into the paddock by herself, would she?". I bolt out of the shed, scoop still in hand.

There is Sabina, in the paddock, together with the four horses and a pony, while the fifth horse is galloping straight at her. He stops right in front of her, and does a little buck. Fear rises in my throat and panic grips me. I look at the horses - no fear, no panic. Peace. To them, Sabina has just joined the herd, and they're happy to have her.

I calm myself - the situation will only become dangerous if I show any anxiety. I smile, walk up to the fence and ask Sabina to come out. "But I want to get Tornado, mama". "I know, but we need to get his headstall first". "Oh", she comes up to the fence and clambers out. I sigh relief.