My friend, Lynda and I visit two horses and a donkey on most Thursdays. Lynda grew up on a ranch in Colorado. Rode her first horse at the age of 2. Was an Olympic quality horse woman by her teens.  But chose an academic career instead. But as she's gotten older her interest is mainly in hanging out with Smokey, Jed and Cleo the donkey, belonging to friends of hers. I, on the other hand grew up in an urban environment (Houston Texas) with little equine contact.

They are big animals and I had a fear of them most my life. Hanging out with these three characters has opened me to the wonder, intelligence and sweetness of these mammals. So for a year we've brought these equines apples and brushed them and laughed at their antics. Smokey we refer to jokingly as a 'lap horse'. And indeed if he could he'd climb into our laps and cuddle. Jed, on the other hand has been very standoffish until recently now allowing some brushing and love. Cleo is another story. If you quit brushing her before she's ready she'll untie you shoe, or in some way let you know she's not finished. what a fine threesome and how wonderful to open to the  wonder of equines.

Cleo

Smokey

Jed and Cleo being brushed by Lynda