Notorious B.U.L.L.Y.

After a church luncheon today I went to the barn, planning to give PJ a bath and much needed hair cut after I rode. I made my rounds chatting with the girls and went to catch PJ. As I was walking towards the tack room with him one of the other boarders and his wife looked at me like they've got something to say so I paused and glanced toward them. The husband said, "Is that the mean old horse out there that's always wearing a blanket?" I looked back at PJ. He had a goofy look on his face and was inspecting me for treats thinking I was holding out on him. In an effort to maintain barn harmony I did everything in my power not to laugh in their faces. I'm the only one out there that blankets so I knew they were referring to him.

His remark hinted of that old horseman mannerism to refer to every horse as a "mean old," "ornery," or something along those lines. I smiled and said "Not anymore, too warm these days." Then the wife piped up. She was not as light hearted in her words as she told me how she was just haltering her horse and PJ came out of nowhere and kicked her horse, leaving her precious utterly stunned. I could hardly imagine him making a run across the pasture to kick her horse, but the mental picture amused me and it became harder not to laugh. I looked away hoping my expressions would not give me away only to find PJ still in search of snacks. His timing, is impeccable.

I could see what they were getting at, and I wasn't going to give them what they wanted. "Huh, that doesn't sound like him. He's definitely the herd boss but he's pretty diplomatic about it. Usually not the type to rule by force." I could see the gears turning in the mind of the misses.

The husband then changed the topic and asked why I blanket. "I've never blanketed a horse and they seem to weather just fine." Another attempt at a dig, to prove he's more a more hearty mountain horseman than I. Ignoring strike two I explained that he hairs up less, so he doesn't get super sweaty and require an hour of cool down after a ride, and it keeps him dry.

Next the wife made a comment about him having come through the winter a good weight, and lamented her horse's thinness. "He's an easy keeper," I replied, "he just looks at food and gets fat." Naturally the husband replied, "Well he sure gets his share of food running everyone around."

Eventually they gave up and praised his good looks. I thanked them and quickly scurried away.

In the tack room I told the girls what went down and there was a lot of laughter. I really think they wanted an apology and it amused me to no end. That's horses for you. Don't like it? Pay extra and put your horse in a private pen, they are available. Missy suggested I go out there and give him a stern talking to. Perhaps even ground him for a few days.

I spent the rest of the afternoon telling PJ if he's going to steal the other horse's lunch money he could at least use it to pay board and calling him the Notorious PJ. In an inspired moment I started singing, "Noo, noooo, nooootorious!!!" The nicknames will never end for that poor horse.

On the upside a little 4 year old girl that was there for lessons fed him a good 4-5 apples and was totally thrilled to sit on his back. I don't even think PJ minded that she was calling him a girl, and the "He looks like a racehorse" comment went straight to his head.