Paternal Instinct

We have all heard of Mares who show such kindness to young children and babies and demonstrate their Maternal instinct.

Well...Where the Daddys at?

Laz is here to show that This ex racing gelding has a STRONG Paternal instincts and a deep kindness

He seems to understand "this tiny thing is defenseless"

My friends (below) wanted our help in photographing their yearly Holiday card with their new baby (he's 10 mths)

We thought the barn would make a great Autumn location

The images turned out amazing and I can't wait to see which they end up picking

(fyi, my Husband shot the images with my friend's (below) amazing camera)

 Here is a fun snapshot captured of Laz and I goofing around trying to make the baby laugh at Laz's smile cue

 The baby's first horse encounter...he wasn't 100% sure but intrigued none the less.

Laz snuffled him gently and then promptly kept posing for the flash.

Hmmm..camera whore anyone?

Someone missing the winner's circle?

 Then about 2 weeks ago, my friend's have two little girls that are HORSE crazy

They asked if I would mind if they brought them out.

PLEASE..if I can encourage the horse bug, I will!

We started out with grooming and talking all about the horse parts

Laz stood as still as a statue

 There were a couple of moments where my heart jumped too.

I don't have kids so I forget how FAST they move.

As in, when they are brushing your horse one minute, and then walk right under your horse the next.

THANKFULLY, Laz was stellar and didn't budge but I definitely had to tell her NEVER to do that. I don't want to have her assume that all horses are OK with that.

I didn't know Laz was lol

 The younger sister was just as horse crazy too..she squealed with delight to touch Laz

 We started our little ride.

Me leading Laz, and her Father alongside to grab her off (just in case)

That's how I roll with the Littles

 The youngest was crying to get on Laz too so after a while, Laz was being beyond calm and awesome, we decided to for a few minutes

I know...it's awful. No helmet, but I literally MADE the Dad hold her the entire time and we walked about 20 feet.

I have to admit..I was not at all secure about it BUT she wanted to sooo badly and I figured if the Parents were OK with it (even I explained what could happen if he spooked or tripped, etc) then let's do it for a quick minute.

 It turned out just fine 

(exhale)

and the sisters were in LOVE

 IN LOVE with Laz....

She talked and coo'ed to him and I walked Laz for an hour for her.

An hour!
Most kids want to ride about 10 minutes and then they are bored.

She's a future little rider for sure :)

 Then after the ride, she wanted to lead Laz and 'search for acorns' lol

So, we did (I'm still holding his lead by his chin here)

It was great seeing Laz be so gentle and sweet with the future horse loving kids!

I told my friends "Start saving now...."

Next up, my 2 yr old niece Luna. 

She is my Husband's sister's child.

Another one born with major Horse love.

She visited for her first time, this past weekend to our home

We all went to the Detroit zoo

Saw Zebras...

 And two CANTER rescue horses...

 She wanted to ride the carousel and chose this lovely horse to ride-twice.

Then it was time to meet Lazarus

 We brushed him...

 Sized him up a bit...

And tested the waters

Then she wanted to 'walk him' and 'tie him up'

We did this for about 15 minutes..it was very cute

She's bitten...

Fortunately for her, her Aunt will have LOTS of great hand me downs for her

She will be getting a little helmet as well for her next ride :)

It's great to know that Laz has such a gentle heart when needed.