Notes from the Deuce

Hello, my name is Deuce.   My former people called me "Little Deuce Coupe", which was ok because I'm kinda a hot rod, but my mom calls me "What The Deuce".  She said it suits me better, because she asks me that several times a day.   "What the deuce were you thinking?"  "What the deuce did you do to your leg?"  "What the deuce did you spook at, there's nothing there!"

She thinks she's funny.  I let her think that.  I kinda like her, and that's special because I really don't like anyone.  But she gets me, ya know?

Mom said my sale ad said "Trail horse deluxe" and that I was "husband safe".   I still laugh about that.  I'm only a good trail horse when I want to be.  And mom's husband has sat on me a few times, but I scare him a little.  Actually, I scare a lot of people.   I have a reputation for being unpredictable.   Mom thinks it's funny.

Grady teaching me how to drag a "cow" or anything mom wants me to help her with.

I didn't know nothin when mom bought me.  She and this trainer named Grady (who is the other person I really like) took a lot of time and taught me stuff.   Apparently they knew that in addition to being rather handsome, I'm super smart and really brave and I learn fast.   Thing is, because I'm so smart, it was hard finding a barn that could take care of me the way I wanted to be taken care of.  I'm kinda picky about everything.  And I don't suffer fools gladly.   So Mom and Dad moved us all to a place where I can live with them.  I like it.   I'm now in charge of my own farm, like it should be.   I approve all new projects and let them know if things please me.   And I take good care of my herd, too.   They need a lot of bossing around.

Working cows at Southern Stockhorse

Owning the teeter totter bridge in trail class

I'm a "jack of all trades, master of none" as mom puts it.   I rope, I chase cows, I trail ride, I do something called "dressage", I love obstacle courses, I've helped mom and Grady start training young horses, I'll jump anything in front of me, and I do Ranch Horse Versatility.  That was made just for me.   Mom seems to like winning ribbons, so when I go to a show, I let the judge know I'm just there to pick those things up, and that I look nice in blue.   Sometime the judge even writes nice things about us on a score card.  That makes mom happy.  Here's a tip - happy moms feed you lots of carrots.

Not bad for a day's work.  I got lots of carrots.

Judges love me.  They should give me carrots.

I don't make life easy on anyone.  I make mom work for every single ride.  I like to make sure she's paying attention, so sometimes I have to spook, rear, spin and take off just to be sure she's sitting nice and balanced.  Bonus points if she calls me a bad name.   Sometimes I like to ignore her cues, too.  It's good for her to build patience and muscles trying to train me.  I know how to do my job.   I also know how to open gates and doors that someone forgot to latch.

Telling my dad how he should put my hay out.

My dad, he's ok.  He's trainable.  He knows I don't like being out in the rain, so he'll bring me and my buddies in if mom isn't home.   Then I can eat hay in a dry stall.   He makes sure I have clean water all the time.  And if he's outside and I want my mom, I just stand by the gate and start talking and he goes and gets her.  I bite him now and then to keep him in line, but he still likes me.

Mom took me to a training track!  I love to run!

I like my life here.  Mom takes me on adventures.  When my people feed us they scratch our necks and mom tells us that they love us and kisses our noses.   I kinda like that but I don't let on or she'll think I'm going soft.

I love running in trail classes!

They are going to let me write some entries here, because I'll tell you how things really happen.  I'm here all the time and I pay attention.   It's not easy running this place but I think I do a fine job.

So until next time, just remember - if you aren't making dust, you're eating it!

D.

Ok, so I really just love to run.  Anywhere.  For any reason.