A HORSE IS A HORSE...

The Gonzales Ranch continues to grow and change on a regular basis...

Summer (the pig) had a pleasant; peaceful 8 months on the ranch and grew to nearly 300 lbs. She became so heavy that her poor little legs developed shin splints and had difficulty walking. We had hoped to keep her around a little longer since we have barely put a dent in Hogzilla's contribution to the meat freezer. Alas, Summer has joined Hogzilla in pig heaven and we will soon be bursting with a two year supply of pork.

Not even two weeks have passed and we had to put another four legged creature in the stall...

So, last Saturday Victor woke me up at 6 a.m. to take a shower and to jump into the car with Evan, Aislyn and Allisa. We drove an hour and a half to Little Rock. There we stopped at one of Victor's co-worker's home... It is more like a ranch...

This ranch had various animals: cats; dogs; a rooster and about 7 or 8 horses.

The purpose of the trip was to "look" at horses and then later decide if we were really ready for a horse. With that said, we have talked about getting a horse for a long time. Victor knows that I really enjoy horse back riding and every trip we take we squeeze in some riding.

The kids were permitted to ride one of the horses. Victor's friend told us that the horse they were riding was for sale for $2000.... "I don't think so!" I thought to myself.

As were getting ready to leave, Victor's friend showed us another horse that had been given to him. A four year old Thorough Bread racing horse. He offered the horse to us and said that we could borrow his trailer to take her home that day. She also came with papers. He asked his wife to bring the papers out and reiterated that we could have her at no cost. We were stunned!!!!! Victor looked at me and asked if I would like her.

Well, of course! She is absolutely beautiful and you can't beat the price for this kind of horse.

So, we have a horse. Her name is Creole Spice. We call her Spice for short.

She loves apples and I give her one in the morning before work and one in the afternoon when I get home. She eats 4 lbs of oats; barley and hay in the morning and in the afternoon. She eats like a horse!!!!!!

She has a great personality and loves to be with the family. When I exercise her she wants to get really close to me and often times will walk behind me with her head over my shoulder. Instant bonding! :)

We will definitely send pictures!