A gift just arrived to the sanctuary, and especially to Pegasus. I had promised her that when we got to our new home, I would find her a horse friend her size. She likes her herd (the three donkeys and the five sheep), but a spark has been missing in her since her beloved donkey soul mate, Gabriel, died. On December 1, I saw that spark return.
In the usual synchrony of arrivals to the sanctuary, Pegasus was sent the perfect companion. It was love at first sight. She squealed wildly when this miniature white horse that looks just like her (aside from blue eyes instead of black) walked up to her, and she continued squealing all that day and into the night.
From that first moment, they have not left each other’s sides. The morning after he arrived, I had to close a stall door between them to give Pegasus her mash. They both got upset, her squealing and him pawing the ground. I opened the door enough for them to see each other, and they touched noses. Having reassured themselves that they were not to be separated, they both went back to eating their breakfast. (I’m not referring to our newest animal messenger by name because I’m waiting for his name to arrive.)
Pegasus is clearly ecstatic, and this new energy is turning her into a young horse
again. Thank you, Universe, for sending Pegasus another soul mate.
Meanwhile, the other animals have adjusted to the new arrival. It was amazing to witness the flurry of activity that greeted his entrance. The donkeys, the sheep, and the new horse took off running–all around the property. It didn’t appear that anyone was chasing anyone. They were all just running. And there was Chloe the elder arthritic sheep running with them! I hadn’t seen her move like that in quite a while and presumed she would be sore the next day, but she was fine. It seems everyone has gotten a new lease on life!
Pegasus didn’t join in this initial gallop. She was enjoying her dinner and appeared not to have noticed the newcomer. You would think she would wonder what all the running was about, but she placidly chewed on until the little horse stopped his running and walked up to her. Perhaps he had just noticed her too. The connection was immediate and electric–Pegasus doing all that squealing, along with stamping a front foot, then turning around to kick up her heels at him. She could have connected those kicks if she wanted, but she kicked the air in front of his face instead. He stayed right with her throughout this display and then they went off together, him exploring the property and her squealing. At first I thought the squealing was a display of dominance, letting him know who was in charge. There may have been some of that, but it soon became clear that the squeals were utter attraction and invitation. The only other time I’ve heard her squeal like that was when she first came to my place and met the full-size gelding living there. She let out that high-pitched squeal, dancing in front of the gelding. His companion, a full-size mare, promptly bit Pegasus on the head–back off!
Now it’s a frosty morning in the foothills and I am blessed by the sudden sight of Pegasus and her new soul mate walking by in front of my writing studio window. They want their breakfast and I am late getting out to the barn.
A final note: I missed the chance to photograph the twins in all their white-coated glory, for now anyway. On arrival day, both were glowingly white, but that night it rained and they clearly enjoyed rolling in the wet dirt. I may not get a chance for a while to capture their fluffy white coats (let’s hope so–we need the rain).