Back from our little trip already despite it feeling like we were gone for half a lifetime! We were victims of Pearson airport, resulting in us actually being away from home for a week rather than the 5 days we’d planned. The trip hangover is hitting extra hard.
Your obligatory Toronto tourist photo |
I hadn’t actually been to the GTA before, or even to the province of Ontario, despite a good part of my family being from there. So that was fun. We fit in a truly mind boggling amount of adventures and sights in the 4 full days we had - I think we put 600km on the rental car in one day and my legs are still aching from all the walking we did. But, the part you’re of course interested in is our visit to see Mr Trademark!
He went to a show the day before - look how cute he was! |
I think at this point I need to give a giant shoutout to my husband (G) for making it happen. He is a big tall guy and the SUV I rented was neither big nor tall. When I saw the navigation system display what more resembled bowls of spaghetti noodles than a route out of the city I may or may not have had a little meltdown. So the poor guy ended up cramming himself in the worlds tiniest SUV to drive me on a 3 plus hour road trip to see some ponies. I have no idea why I get so uptight about maybe taking a wrong exit or whatever in a new to me place. It’s not like I couldn’t find my way back! But it is what it is and basically he was voluntary chauffeur and therefore the hero for the day.
The better drivers will laugh at me, but my immediate thought on even just seeing the route to get out of airport was “nope!” |
It wasn’t all a big sacrifice for him though, because it’s not like he totally dislikes horses. And who could resist foals? The mares and foals were all out in a big field together and we were almost immediately swarmed by many inquisitive and gorgeous babies. Like a puppy party, but ponies. G thought it was the best thing ever, because of course it was. I lost track of who was who and how many there actually were.
All the pictures we attempted are variations of this |
The hilarious thing was that the only one who wasn’t completely desperate to be our friend was the one we actually bought. He just wasn’t too sure about us and after a quick investigation he wandered off for a nap in the sunshine. He had a bit of a horse show hangover, after all. So, not the immediate connection you’d have hoped for, but life is not the movies. Jen, the breeder and farm owner, was saying his sire is similar…perfectly nice and polite but a bit reserved. She’s noticing the difference between his foals and the ones from her other stallion, who tend towards over the top in your face friendly and goofy :) Momma is a chestnut mare and she’s feeling a little overprotective of him, so I think that’s also contributing to him being a little stand-offish - the poor guy has a lot of rules to follow and not talking to strangers seems to be one!
Was tired |
Looks wise he is very sporty and elegant. Maybe not the typiest you’ve ever seen by breed standards, but that’s not what I wanted - I love my little Bridget tank but wanted something a little more modern and athletic. So, while my inner little girl admittedly wanted us to be BFFs immediately, from an objective standpoint I’m feeling good about my pick.
That being said, I did drive home with a couple of his little friends my wish list, because my goodness does Jen have a nice group of mares and some stunning foals still available. There is another one there I would have been equally happy with. And our little guy needs a friend to play with, right?
The barn name contemplation continues. First impression I don’t think our two top picks of Reggie or Logo (both reader suggestions - you guys are the best!) suit him - he needs something serious or maybe even a bit dignified. So, back to the drawing board there. I have a name in mind that sounds serious but G and I actually think is hilarious in an inside joke kind of way. But I need to give it a minute and make sure it’s *actually* suitable and not a result of 4am zero sleep airport conversation hilarity before I make it official.
My goodness he is cute. Don’t worry about him being reserved. Horses like that tend to bond really strongly when they do connect. True story- I rented a car at Pearson and saw that same picture. But because of the concrete it wasn’t really tracking me. In the end I just picked a route to get out and then pulled into a parking lot to get oriented.
ReplyDeleteThat seems like a wise choice! I feel like we weren't the first in history to struggle, because there is a hidden alternate route out of the first loop around the parking if you miss the first and fail to commit to any further choices (ask me how I know lol)
DeleteHe seemed a lot more relaxed with the people he knew, so I have hopes that you're right and he'll bond strongly with us.
Trademark is so beautifully balanced, I really like him. And look at the good life experiences he is getting! He's gonna be awesome.
ReplyDeleteThey change so quickly, but he seems to consistently stay balanced. I'm sure he'll go through more than a few awkward stages. It was so nice he got see a bit of the world and experience all things show prep....I've had a couple of young horses arrive nearly feral so I'm extra grateful she's taking the time with them now!
DeleteWhat a neat visit! How fun to do a meet and greet with all the foals together. And how cool that you've met your new horse's mother. I've seen photos of some of my horses' sires, but I think it would be fascinating to actually meet a sire or dam in person. By the way- My horse, Bear, was quite reserved with me throughout the 17 years he lived with me. Nonetheless, he was an awesome horse to ride and we had so many fun adventures together. I hope all that is in store for you and your new guy too!
ReplyDeleteIt was so cool to see all the mares and the stallions. Definitely gave me an idea of what I might expect in the future. Bridget is a pretty reserved girl, and Sophie is over the top in every way. I wouldn't mind something in the middle lol
DeleteI read Reggie and Logo and immediately went LEGO and then continued reading and saw "serious and dignified" sooooo. Says the girl who named her pony Nacho.
ReplyDeleteThere's about zero hope for me, like Lego would have been a thing for sure...l was already calling him LogoPogo in my head, then I met him and he's about 0% goofy. If I start at a good place it might at least take me a while to get to the ridiculous. It took 4 years but we've gone from Sovanna to Sophie, to the current Sofa Lofa, or The Loaf, somehow :D Nacho seems very dignified in comparison lol
DeleteHe is so cute! And yeah for supportive husbands-they are the best!
ReplyDeleteHe's decided he wants a foal too, so I'd say he's too supportive at the moment lol
Deletethis made me guffaw out loud!
DeleteHe is adorable whatever you name him. And honestly you got enough personality plus in the two you already have so it is okay if he is a bit reserved :) HA! I love his mom too such a nice build. So excited!
ReplyDeleteI really wouldn't mind a 'boring' personality. Sophie's got enough for a lifetime, and then of course we have Bridget :D All the mares were just gorgeous, I think I would have been happy with any of the babies to be honest!
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