It's not just the grass that's greener on the other side of the fence; the apple over there is better, too. That's blind Cash reaching through the fence to munch on a fresh apple on a recent morning. Every day when we put them out to graze in their paddocks, they make a mad dash to the corner where the apple trees are (they may be blind but they've mapped everything in their heads). They know a bunch of new apples have fallen off the trees overnight and dropped onto the ground, and they want to scoop them up before any of their buddies do.
It might be hard to imagine a group of blind horses making a "mad dash," but this they do. As soon as we take their halters off, they race across the paddock to the apple orchard corner. They don't gallop or do anything foolish, they just walk at a brisk pace -- although Cash will often canter over -- for the first 20 yards or so, then put their heads down to start smelling for the apples as they get closer. Even ancient Hawk, the gray Appaloosa next to Cash in the photo above, knows that if he doesn't hustle over, then Lena and Cash will help themselves to his share.
Here's what it looks like from a distance:
But of course, nothing is quite as tasty as the apples across the fence, and no one is more determined, or more adept, at retrieving them than Cash. Apple season can be hard on the fences for that reason, and just last week Kate and I had to do a lot of fence repair one morning before turning them out again. They know the apples won't be around for much longer, so right now they're all enjoying their fruit salad with breakfast.
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Still No. 3!
The current Shelter Challenge started on July 4th and ends at midnight on September 18th. Grand prize in this round is $5,000, plus $1,000 for weekly winners and $1,000 for state winners. There are also other categories ... please see the Shelter Challenge website for details.
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I can not tell you how much I love your posts and of course how much I miss them when your off (which is well deserved). thank you so so so much for sharing your and the sweet animals lives with us!
Posted by: andrea gilson | September 13, 2011 at 02:36 PM
I love this! What a treat for all the horses to get the wonderful apples. Yummy!
Welcome back!!!!
Posted by: MsFitzTX | September 13, 2011 at 02:08 PM
What a wonderful post! I love knowing that Cash and his older companions get the apple treats. Looks like they're lined up for free appitizers at happy hour. What a group of grateful grazers. It's so nice that you have mature apple trees to give them those luscious treats!
Hugs all around,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | September 13, 2011 at 03:01 AM
Welcome back from your blog break. I'm finally back too, after being gone for a couple of weeks out of state for my daughter's wedding. Wonder if you missed me lol!
I love those pictures of the horses going for the apples. They know that they want something delicious and they're going to get them for sure!
Posted by: Ann | September 13, 2011 at 12:59 AM
Too cute! Love the scenery....like Heaven on earth!
Posted by: Leila - Washington | September 12, 2011 at 10:19 PM
So who are the other two horses in the second photo?
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | September 12, 2011 at 09:29 PM
That sure brought a smile to my face. Glad you have those wonderful apples, :)
Posted by: Margaret | September 12, 2011 at 03:11 PM
Do any of the horses realize there is fruit growing overhead?? or do they only pick fallen fruit off the ground?
Posted by: Anne in FL | September 12, 2011 at 02:28 PM
Add me to the throng who are delighted to have the blog back, but happy you had a bit of time off from it as well! Happy apple eating dear equines.
Posted by: Linda Murphy | September 12, 2011 at 12:40 PM
I still remember the photo of Cash that you posted several years ago. He was a just a colt, and had a "lawnmover" effect going, as he stretched his neck under (not through, if I recall) the fence in Montana to reach the tender grass on the other side. I love your horse posts. Thank you!
Posted by: Chris | September 12, 2011 at 11:51 AM
Thanks for sharing the lovely pictures of the horses looking for apples. Still voting.
Posted by: Evelyn | September 12, 2011 at 11:41 AM
I was reading this to my husband and then said, "The blind dogs do really cool things, too." It truly is amazing how they learn and remember such details. Good for them! And as for Cash, that once little zipper-pulling foal, what a guy! I absolutely love his tenacity!
Posted by: Lisa K. - San Diego | September 12, 2011 at 10:43 AM
Welcome back! So glad you included Hawk in your post, I love that old man! You have very smart horses, this is the best time of year for apples.
Posted by: Anne in FL | September 12, 2011 at 10:33 AM
What a wonderful photo. I don't recall how much fruit you said you get from these trees. Do you pick the apples to save for the fall and winter so the horses will have them then? But how smart are they that they know where to find the apples. Amazing!
Posted by: Barb Ribinski | September 12, 2011 at 08:29 AM
And some say horses are dumb.....
Lovely view.... I wish I was out there with them!
Posted by: Glenda | September 12, 2011 at 07:07 AM
WELCOME BACK BLOG!! YIPPEE!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | September 11, 2011 at 11:11 PM
The horses say... an apple a day keeps the vet away.... mmmm, nice healthy apples.
Welcome back from your blog respite.... you were sorely missed!!!
Posted by: Penny | September 11, 2011 at 09:15 PM