Most people don't think of a horse as a pet, but I do. I have a stallion who is a cross between a Clydesdale and a Great Dane. The first time I saw him was back in February. There was a wild Mustang adoption at the local fair grounds and a friend of mine talked me into going. As a horse trainer I was more than skeptical, but I thought I should go just so I knew what was going on with a part of my American heritage. This horse stood out from all the other horses. He was in a pen with a dozen dark chestnuts and bays. They all looked pretty much alike with one exception. Off in the corner, chased away by the other geldings, was a blue-eyed blonde. Nothing looks quite as odd to me as a horse with blue eyes. They always seem to be squinting. Perhaps they need sun glasses as much as I do.

This horse whom I called Blue was dirty and thin. The information packet said he was a two year old stallion, an albino. I looked at him. He watched the other horses warily, afraid they would attack him again. I could see why. His near hock was swollen. I leaned against the fence and shook my head. That poor horse would never get adopted. Yet as I stood there, a strange thing happened. Blue lowered his head and ambled over. He wasn't afraid of me. He didn't play the stallion games. There was no nip or kick in him.

The more I looked at him, the more I liked what I saw. He didn't limp on that hock. The wrangler said it was an old injury and he was never lame on it. His rump was round and powerful. His back was well muscled. I envisioned him with more weight and a little fat to fill in the gaps. I thought what another year or two would add to his build. When they began the drawing of names for the adoption raffle, I threw my name in. He was the only horse in the whole shipment worth having.

Butterflies filled my stomach. I suddenly wanted this horse with all the yearning I remembered from my childhood. I didn't know adults could want something so desperately. With every fiber of my being I waited until my turn came up. I watched as number after number was written under the adopted sign. Blue was still available when my turn came. I paid my $125 and signed the papers. It didn't take me long to run home for my trailer and get him loaded.

I thought about many fancy names for my new horse and settled on Native Son. I still call him Blue, or Blondie if he's acting brainless. Blue settled in to his new home rapidly. I could see the pounds pour on him almost as fast as he could eat. And he ate like he didn't know what food was. He learned to walk like a gentleman, with a halter and lead. His warriness toward other horses faded and it was time for the vet to come do his thing.

That night when I went for chores, I took Blue on a walk. He was a calm and loving horse. His blue eyes didn't bother me so much any more and we were beginning to bond. He was always friendly. When I put him back in his paddock and turned toward the feed room, I had a surprise. My fences are nearly 6 feet high. Blue cleared his from nearly a standstill and came trotting over to me. He was very proud of himself and wanted me to pet him for a job well done. I couldn't believe my eyes. Here was my wild Mustang jumping out of his paddock to be with me! I hadn't even owned him a whole month yet. Then my mind churned to other things. What if he jumped out and ran away?

I need not have worried. Blue is still with me, though he occaisionally jumps out of his paddock to come to me. He's a stallion and I always warn my clients that they are an unpredictable lot, but he's my pet. His first foal is due in April, and I am getting more inquiries about him all the time. Today, I turned my back to him and he gave me a nice back rub with his lips. As a trainer, I call it grooming behavior. As his owner, I call it affection. Still, I've never found a dog that can do that!

Deborah Andoetoe January 1998