… Kinda a scary name for a post, eh? Let me explain.
A few weekends ago I got to spend a very relaxing day+a bit out at my aunt and uncle’s place in Riverfalls, WI working on art projects, watching football, eating great food and breaking TVs. I also got to spend some quality time with Carol and her very first horse, Mai who is now 29. He is the first horse I rode and the first horse I remember and I have always had a special spot in my heart for him because of his gentle nature and beauty. He started out as a jumping horse then changed careers to be a dressage horse and finally became a trail horse. In his retirement he has become a “pasture ornament” at Carols and seems to have found a fond liking to oats. The only really intimidating thing I can think of about him (besides his size) is his name. Mai, which is short for Maimasara, is a translation of My Victim. It sounds so serious and tough and all around terrifying should you meet this horse in a battle or on a racetrack.
Their relationship was really fun to watch and after 26 years of spending lots of time together, they do know each other well. When I asked Carol if there was anything she would like me to focus on when I took photos she gave me a short list of her favorites…
First – when Mai drinks water he sticks out his tongue while swallowing. Carol said in all the horses she has encountered in her life, she has never seen another drink like that. Aside from it being a funny thing he does, I am in love with this style of shot! With pretty much any animal, I find the ‘up-the-nose’ photo to be a great one, but with horses? That nose is so much more exciting!
Second – When you scratch his back, he sticks out his face and his big lips start to tremble. It distinctly reminded me of a dog the way they lean into you when you’ve found “the spot.”
Mai was a great horse to work with yet similar to a cat in his mannerisms or lack there of. He thoroughly enjoyed standing around being fed oats while having his back scratched and his photo taken.
Can’t wait to get back there and do some more photos of Ahni – the pup! And who knows, one of these days I might manage to get updated photos of my apartment on here. I am thrilled with how it is turning out! I love art.
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