Horse daddy

Before he met me, Seth's life was completely horse-free.

He was pretty sure he'd touched a horse at least once - probably at the American Royal - but he'd never  sat on one or spent any real time in their presence. I found that completely unacceptable, so almost immediately, I took him to the barn, took him to a horse show and took him riding. 

on Sadie, 2009

Seth has had a lot of horse time in the years since then. 

with Santana, 2015

In truth, it's probably more than he ever wanted, but - like Carol - he adapted.

on Tom, 2019

In November 2021, I finally got a horse of my own.

Within a month, Seth let me know that Olive was his horse, too.

He didn't have any interest in riding her.

Theirs was a relationship built on leading,

feeding...

and construction projects.

Every so often, he'd send me selfies of him and Olive while I was at work.

"What are you doing at the barn without me?" I'd ask.

His answer: "I'm visiting my horse."

Olive was a lot of horse, but Seth wasn't afraid of her...

even when he probably should have been!

Olive died in December 2024. 

Six months later, Sage joined the Buxton family.

Sage is a much easier horse than Olive.

Still, for whatever reason, Seth is not as confident with her.

It's okay. These things take time.

Time and repeat exposure.

Seth came to last Sunday's barn party to take pictures of Sage and me. 

After we'd worked our way through the most difficult obstacles, I tossed him the lead rope and said it was his turn.

"I'm not wearing the right shoes," he protested. "What if she runs over me?"

"This isn't Olive," I reminded him. "Your feet are safe."

And they were!

Sage was mildly concerned about the Bozo the Clown punching bag.

But being Sage, she got over it quickly.

Seth's feet were never in danger.

"Hold it up higher!"

"As high as you can go!"

Just a man, his new pony and Bozo the Clown.

Happy Father's Day, Seth! Your wife and your one thousand pound daughter sure do appreciate you!