Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Welcome Hemi

We had a new arrival over the weekend. Hemi joined us from Florida this weekend but we're going to have to try to not get too attached. Hemi's stay will only be temporary as he enjoys a few months of R&R to recover from an injury. Normally we only accept horses for retirement but we have made an exception before when Henry spent a few months with us. Henry had the same owner as Sebastian, and Hemi has the same owner as our resident Elfin.

Hemi is an Oldenburg gelding by Hall of Fame and he was supposed to be a pinto. As you can see from the pictures and video below he doesn't have a white hair anywhere on him. My comment when I first saw him was that Hemi is proof that a plain bay can be truly stunning. He has quite a presence as he is a big boy measuring in at 17.2 hands, and on top of that he is a beautiful mover. When I see him do a relaxed trot or canter he simply floats across the ground.

Hemi seems to be blissfully content after his first few days with us. His mom came with him over the weekend and I think she is worried that Hemi is not going to be happy at all when the time comes for him to leave and go back to work. Hemi seems to be especially fascinated by The Don (the rooster). He tries hard to be friends with him but The Don just leads him on for a bit before trying to get away from Hemi. He has also found the goats to be fascinating as well. I have no doubt Hemi will have a grand time while he is here. He hasn't even gotten to experience the "good" parts of life here yet, he doesn't realize that it is only going to get better! Welcome Hemi!

Hemi cantering in the paddock (video taken by his mom - thanks mom for doing our job for us!)

Hemi chasing The Don around in the pasture (video taken by his mom and not us - thank you again mom!)

Hemi streeeeeetching over his stall door watching The Don
Hemi has a beautiful head
Hemi says there are so many interesting critters to watch around here, goats, roosters, cats, dogs and horses!

Striking a pose in the paddock
Taking part in the favorite pastime around here - grazing.

11 comments:

Lauren said...

OMG- Hemi following The Don around is HILARIOUS.

amy324 said...

Welcome, beautiful Hemi! I hope you are feeling better soon. Your friends are not going to believe your tales of adventure when you get back.

Rising Rainbow said...

Hemi and a rooster, whodda thunk! LOL

Anonymous said...

He is a beautiful boy!

LuLo Designs/Blue Eyed Tango said...

Hemi is quite handsome! Glad he gets some R&R at your place. Wow, your stalls are so nice!

Laura said...

Love that video of him following The Don around! How cute!

Hope he can relax and recover from his injuries. Sure sounds like a great place for a horse to be!

Stacey said...

Thanks Melissa :) I was really missing Hemi and feeling sorry for myself when I got home yesterday, but seeing your post today totally brightened my day and put a smile on my face. Give him a big kiss for me!

phaedra96 said...

He is gorgeous in pictures. I cannot imagine what he looks like "in person". He is beautiful. (and I am totally in love with "plain' horses--the less white the better for me!

raphycassens said...

That is one gorgeous horse!!!! What a great spa vacation for a him.

RuckusButt said...

What a lucky boy! I can't imagine a better place for a horse to recover, though it makes sense you wouldn't want to do it too often. It's so nice that his owner was cheered up with your post!

Vivian, Apollo's Mom said...

Hemi's Mom, Stacey, and I knew each other years ago- she used to ride Apollo for me before I could ride him very well. It was a pleasant surprise when she retired Elfin where Apollo was. I hope Hemi recovers well- he is in the right place- and enjoys his time is lovely Tennessee!