Vassal Magic Jump

It rained yesterday.  Now the country and forest are illuminated by the many small lakes reverberating the sun  The air is vividly enhanced by a rich mix of smells from drying plants and leaves,  Evaporating waters create irregular visions dancing in this early morning.

Vassal the new horse arrived yesterday and took possession of his large, East-orientated house.  His beige pelage is shining as he watched me approaching.  What a nice horse and a great day, let us go together for a promenade in the woods!

Vassal seemingly agree with the program as he almost help me to dress up saddle and reins, "let us happen to know each other" we both feel as we walk out of the house and stop in front of the central fountain.  One second later, I am up, and we combine into a new single bicephalous animal, feeling the warmth and pulse of each other.

Vassal and myself are calm, forward, and straight, as we leisurely take the pathway to the nearby forest.   As the sun is raising, the woods are penetrated by multiple rays of light, the atmosphere becomes warmer and the waters on the grounds glitter as trays of diamonds.  

Vassal and myself were just thinking to start a trot or, why not, a canter, when a large plash of water appeared in front of us, covering the trail for several meters.  As we maintain our walking allure and approach the obstacle, I didn't detect any tense in Vassal actions.  About a meter before Vassal's feet reach the water, we both fly into the air in a smooth but irresistible jump.  No muscle preparation or otherwise muscle warning demand seem to have occurred as we land in a perfectly proper manner on the other side of the many meters plash.

I cannot believe the event, no other horses I rode before have even approached this extraordinary degree of strength and agility, this is totally beyond my experiences, knowledges and abilities.  Though I enjoyed it immensely, I also decided to calmly pursue with walking only.  With Vassal, cantering or even trotting might be more than what I could afford!

Vassal did not seem disturbed by my decision and kindly accepted my behavior, we walked together for well over an hour, then came back safe to the stables.  As I stepped down, I stayed with this magical moment which is still deeply moving me fifty years later.  I cheerfully kissed the front of Vassal and even today remember the warm smell of his nose skin.  Vassal had been such a great horse!

Alley d'Ama, La Cloche Naturetum

BUHI!!

Once upon a time, when winter wishes to rest and spring appears hesitatingly, someone gets nose problems. He put his nose in the air as there are so much fragrances. He puts his nose in the earth, as there are many movements undergrounds. He is very busy to sniff and to send fresh air into the earth.
Sky is blue, petals dance with wind, he is diligent.
When he puts up his face from the earth after ploughing for a long time, he sees tow thin petals flying to him. He fascinatedly watches them. What a nice delicate little UFO!! What a pleasure to see them so near!!
He looks them breathtakingly. They are coming soon!! Here they are!!
"Buhi!!, I cannot breathe!!"
Suddenly he feels stiffing and he moves his body haphazardly. He cannot see around well as tears drop from his eyes. "What is happening?" His voice is feeble.
Then, wind blows strongly.
"Don't worry baby." Something moves very fast in front of him and fresh air comes into his nose with so many fragrances of spring breathes. Tears are blown away by the motion, and he opens his eyes as much as he can.
In front of him, there is a bird who is holding her wings slowly. Behind her, there are many petals flying here and there. She smiled and said elegantly.
"Better not close your nice nose with flower petals. Your nose turns the earth, the earth raises various creatures, they give us our life. Thank you baby"
"I must say thank you for saving me from suffocation. But if I can say, I am not a baby. I am a respectable adult wild boar. May I ask your name?"
"Oh, Excuse me. I am a crane supposed to live for one thousand years, and do live"
"BUHI!!"

a lonely boar is visiting the horse paddock, La Cloche Naturetum