Talon Looks "Official": Tales From Talon, the Gypsy Cob

Well folks, it’s happened. Talon got his harness this week, and let me tell you—he looks official. I mean, if there were a DMV for horses, this boy would be standing in line with his paperwork filled out, waiting to get his equine license and a vanity plate that says HOOFINIT. He’s gone from pasture ornament to professional, and he knows it.

It’s wild to think how far he’s come. After that slow (and slightly dramatic) start—you remember, the whole “sensitive” thing, which involved him hiding behind the trainer, then behind a rock, then trying to make himself invisible—he’s finally decided he might not die from wearing tack. In fact, I think he’s realized that the harness actually makes him look rather dashing. He’s now ground driving like a champ, stepping smartly, reins draped over his rump, blinders on, head high, giving off serious “Yes, peasant, I am majestic” energy.

Tomorrow I get to go visit, and I’m bringing his cart this time to replace the trainer’s practice one. The trainer says he might be ready to hitch up in another week. No promises, but I’m cautiously optimistic and wildly giddy all at once. Honestly, I’m not sure who’s more excited—me or Talon. Actually, scratch that. It’s definitely me. Talon’s still deciding if the cart is a friend, a foe, or possibly a mobile snack bar.

I’m also gearing up to start learning to drive him myself, which should be an adventure. Hopefully it involves fewer bruises than learning to ride did—and fewer moments of me yelling, “I’m not ready for this level of horsepower!”

Seriously though—doesn’t he look like an old pro? I’m beyond proud. He’s traded in shy guy for show-off, and honestly, it suits him perfectly. From timid to talented, Talon’s turning into exactly what I always knew he could be—a total rock star in harness.

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©2010 Sandy Davis | American Way Farm