Back on My Pony!

[Oldwaggy@aol.com]

Demonstrating the versatility of the Icelandic breed, 4,000 mile Remington 
has temporarily retired as an endurance horse and has instead taken up a new 
career as a therapeutic riding horse.  Last Tuesday he took his brand new 
patient, me, on our first ride of the year, century and millenium.  Since Rem 
has assumed a new identity, we will call him by his Icelandic name, Spaejari 
the Spy, for the time being.

It has been a little over three months since my New Years Eve adventure and 
the reconstructive surgery to repair my broken leg and knee joint with steel 
screws, bone grafts, etc.  After weeks of intensive physical therapy, I got 
rid of my crutches three weeks ago and now use a cane.  I saw my doctor last 
Tuesday at 4:30 in the afternoon.   Although my knee cartilage will always be 
torn up, the x-rays showed the bone to be healing nicely.

By the time our appointment was finished at approximately 5:15 pm., I was 
cleared to ride again.  I drove home, changed and drove over to the ranch 
where Remington and Skjoldur have been running with Elizabeth Haug's herd.  
Elizabeth had already separated Rem out and put him in a box stall awaiting 
my arrival.  I was in the saddle by 6:30.

Although Rem was pretty antsy at first, he settled down quickly.  Adapting 
perfectly to his disguise as a therapy horse, Spaejari the Spy actually stood 
still for once as I slowly climbed into the saddle. We walked for ten minutes 
or so and even trotted a few yards.  Spaejari was very gentle but I could 
feel the power in him.  I can still feel the power.  He stood still again 
while I climbed off.  He turned around and rubbed my shoulder with his head 
while I scratched his neck.  None of the usual pinned back ears and bites.

We led him back to the herd.  Spaejari walked away for about twenty feet and 
then turned around and came back for some more scratches.  He even tried to 
leave his buddies and go back out the gate with me.  I love this horse.  
Thanks, Boss.

John Parke
Solvang CA