July horses: Jasmine

One of my friends is looking for a family pony, something that's cute, fun and absolutely, positively child safe. She found a Fjord mare that seemed to fit the bill perfectly.

There was only one problem: My friend lives in California, but Jasmine is in Colorado. She got in touch with me to see if I would consider meeting Jasmine in her place. Of course, I was delighted to do that, so last Sunday I drove to the Black Forest area of Colorado Springs to meet Jasmine.

It's a tough life.

Happily, Jasmine proved to be everything her ad promised. 

Her trainer put her through her paces. Then I climbed aboard and did the same.

Despite being quite out of shape, I found her to be a cheerful, well trained, fun horse to ride.

She's definitely really cute,

really fun, 

and really, really, really safe.

Will she be the right pony for my friend? Only time will tell, but I'm rooting for her.

Either way, I'm glad I got to meet her!

July horses: Mikey and Mozelle

After I rode Mozelle, we turned her out in the paddock to let her roll and decompress.

A few minutes later, Susan released Mikey into the adjoining paddock. 

Mikey took one look at beautiful Mozelle and fell deeply in love.

So strong were his emotions, he completely forgot that he was A) gelded and B) twenty six years old.

He proceeded to put on a show for Mozelle that would have put most young stallions to shame.

Go, Mikey, go!

Mozelle played hard to get for a while, but eventually his persistence was rewarded. 

She came over to the fence...

and a beautiful love story began.

Go, Mikey, go!

Zoo day

It's not just model horse shows that I'm avoiding. Since the pandemic started, I have given up all forms of indoor socializing. Curbside pickup, driveway visits and take out meals have become a way of life. I miss doing things the old way, but right now, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Fortunately, outdoor activities carry less risk. I go to the barn several times a week, and earlier this month, Mary Jo and I visited the Denver Zoo.

The zoo was closed during the early months of the pandemic and only recently reopened with lots of new safety measures in place.

Tickets are sold in advance to members only, and visitor entry is carefully metered to prevent large crowds.

Masks are required...

and social distancing signs are everywhere.

This one is for Sandra.

Popular viewing areas had additional signs...

and were broken up with straw bales.

Visitor compliance was monitored throughout the zoo by employees seated on life guard chairs. These were donated by Water World, which is closed for the year.

Although most of the extra attractions, like the train and carousel, are closed, refreshments are available throughout the zoo.

Mary Jo and I did enjoy a nice, socially distanced drink.

All the tables have signs that let you know if they're safe to use.

I really appreciate all the work the Denver Zoo has done to keep its visitors - and inhabitants - safe. There aren't a lot of places I am willing to go right now, but I would happily visit the zoo again and again!

P.S. I actually took some animal pictures, too!