Some of us are blessed to have at one point, had the horse that felt like it was made for us. I am lucky enough to have that be my little mustang, Pablo. He is game for anything (and I really mean, anything). So, first and foremost: Meet Pablo
I got him 2 years ago, as a 4-year-old, very lightly broke Mustang and since then he’s become quite a fixture around my hometown. He likes to frequent a lot of the same places that I also enjoy going and throughout his travels he’s formed some very strong opinions, so he wanted to make sure that I passed them along. This way, should you ever run into us out and about, you’ll be prepared to treat him like the king that he is.
His very first outing was to our local ice cream stand, where he determined that he does not love Raspberry Chocolate Chip as much as I do.
Likes: Getting a bite of whatever I’m eating
Dislikes: Ice cream
His next adventure was to our lake, toting my non-horse husband aboard where we learned that he’s happy to trot about in water. However, Pablo isn’t very big, so of the two of us, the rider is the one that has to be brave around any angry swans.
Likes: Water
Dislikes: Swans
After the lake outing, we got really brave and took him down the road to our local park with his bike gang. My sister aboard this time.
Dislikes: Lines in the road and trotting on pavement
Likes: Cars stopping to gawk at him on the way
The same weekend, emboldened by our successful bike adventure, my sister and I took him to the market.
Likes: Free carrots from the cashiers at the market
Dislikes: Having to carry the groceries home strapped to the saddle
That is when we decided to test what this little guy was really made of. We took him to our local winery.
Likes: “A horse walks into a bar” jokes
Dislikes: Wine of any variety
Not long after, it was Father’s Day. And what’s Father’s Day without a Father’s Day Cookout at my place? Of course, Pablo was the star of the show.
Likes: Craft beers and Dads
Dislikes: Hotdogs
Hungry yet? Despite being turned out all day with plenty of free-choice hay, so is Pablo. After his first stop at the local deli, he’s requested many more for the yummy sandwich selection.
Dislikes: Mustard
Likes: Carbs and cheese
No English saddle (or membership), no problem. Pablo crashes a Hunter Pace at Myopia Hunt Club.
Likes: Being the hero who opens all the gates
Dislikes: Draft crosses judging him when the jumps look too big
Next up, beach ride! If he liked the lake, what’s not to like about the beach? Is there anything this little horse can’t do? (Yes, galloping through deep sand is where he draws the line.)
Likes: Strangers giving him pats
Dislikes: Cantering in deep sand
Well, he didn’t love the sandy summer beach, but when winter came we had to try some snow adventures. After all, ‘twas the season! Fortunately, he liked snow more than he likes sand.
Dislikes: No green grass snacks to be had
Likes: Jingle bells on the saddle so he feels like a reindeer
New Years Eve. Babysit the kids? No problem, the ball drop didn’t really appeal to Pablo anyways and he did a great job hanging in there all the way until the wee hours.
Likes: Small hands and kids who drop lots of carrots
Dislikes: Being kept up until midnight
After a winter of snow adventures, it was time to test Pablo’s patience again and revisit the ice cream thing. We visited the local cow farm, and once again sampled some ice cream.
Likes: Warmer weather and new adventures
Dislikes: Watermelon Sherbet and being told to use a spoon
If Pablo was going to star at Father’s Day, it was only fair that we let him shine on Mother’s Day, too. This time, he really bloomed at the Mother’s Day family party.
Likes: Mom’s homemade raisin cookies and not being asked to go any faster than a slow crawl
Dislikes: Nothing! What’s not to like?
Its 5 o’clock somewhere. Pablo attended the Kentucky Derby Party at the local winery by invitation. Pablo was, as always, the guest of honor.
Likes: Being treated like a champion Thoroughbred by people who have had a couple of drinks
Dislikes: People asking if he’s a pony
For now, the sun is setting on our adventure travel blog. We hope you enjoyed and maybe got some inspiration for your next adventure!
Likes: Romantic sunsets
Dislikes: Dinner being served later than 5 pm
Leave a Reply