My New Best Friend

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Mike

While riding through the countryside in search of images to feed my insatiable WordPress hunger, I came upon these two in an open field.

Like an overgrown adult child I stood 30 yards from them and made ridiculous noises in an attempt to get them to at least turn around and look at me. After 15 minutes of sounding like an idiot, the paint horse finally began to turn around some. The next thing I know, they are both approaching me rapidly.

I was completely stunned at how beautiful the paint horse was and he made his affections known by posing, nudging, and letting me touch his pretty face.

My best guess is that after listening to me making those silly noises, they decided that I probably would not shut up unless they came to see me. After a good 15 minutes of snuggling we all agreed that we should probably get on with our day and said an emotional goodbye.

The much larger brown horse stood back a few feet and watched as I bonded with our friend the paint. I think I will have to make a return visit and see if this beauty remembers me. I then proceeded to get on my own horse and continue my travels to feed my WordPress hunger.

105 thoughts on “My New Best Friend”

selah on April 26, 2012 at 8:03 am said:

love it! and I have done the same thing many times 🙂

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 8:04 am said:
  
  Thanks. I love horses, but have not spent much time with them in general.
  
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avian101 on April 26, 2012 at 8:07 am said:

The bike is the new man’s horse! Good story Mike! 🙂

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 8:10 am said:
  
  Yes, the bike is a horse in 2012. Thanks!
  
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Randy Roberts on April 26, 2012 at 8:12 am said:

That’s beautiful countryside you’re riding thru.

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 8:13 am said:
  
  Oh it absolutely is. None of it is lost on me. Thank you.
  
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Laurie Bartolo on April 26, 2012 at 8:19 am said:

What a pretty paint! It’s always nice to make new friends when you are out scouting for photographs! 🙂

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 8:31 am said:
  
  The paint was so so pretty. I can never have enough friends…..canine, horse, and human.
  Thanks!
  
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Jude on April 26, 2012 at 8:23 am said:

Oh Mike you got it all wrong! That horse wasn’t after you – he was after your bike of course. He probably thought if he gave you a few nuzzles to win you over you’d let him actually lick that motorcycle!

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 8:29 am said:
  
  Nobody licks my bike!
  
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mcolmo on April 26, 2012 at 8:23 am said:

I’m glad you made new friends in the equine department. Also, glad your horse did not get jealous and run away!
Very beautiful photos Mike.

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 8:27 am said:
  
  Thanks Marielba. My own horse waited patiently, although there was some jealousy as near as I can tell.
  
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Gracie on April 26, 2012 at 8:29 am said:

What a beautiful encounter! You’ve documented it quite well 🙂

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 8:36 am said:
  
  Thanks so much Gracie.
  
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orples on April 26, 2012 at 9:16 am said:

I bet if you take those horses some ‘maryjanes, or bit-o-honey’s, you really will have friends for life. And I can assure you, you will be remembered by them.

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 9:19 am said:
  
  Hi Marcy. Bit-o-honey’s the candy? I can feed candy to horses?
  
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niasunset on April 26, 2012 at 9:23 am said:

You are amazing… I loved so much this post… Nothing can be so beautiful than horses… I always prefer them but don’t ask me if I have ever had a horse and had an experience of a horse riding!
Thank you my dear amazing Mike, with my love, nia

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 9:25 am said:
  
  Sweet Nia, thank you for your lovely comment. I agree, horses might be the most beautiful animals alive.
  
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wolke205 on April 26, 2012 at 9:25 am said:

You have some nice friends over there 🙂 I love the color of the Paint 🙂 But your “horse” looks good as well 😀

But please no candy for horses, better carrots 😀 Or Apples. Shaman would love you for both lol

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 9:27 am said:
  
  I was hoping that this post would draw a response from you Frauke. Ok, no candy. Carrots it is. Love to Shaman.
  🙂
  
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  - wolke205 on April 26, 2012 at 9:28 am said:
    
    I got my fast w-lan back yesterday, so I finally can comment again & I loveeeeeeeeeeeeee your post 🙂
    
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  - m5son on April 26, 2012 at 9:42 am said:
    
    I have missed your comments my friend.Thank you.
    
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Mufidah Kassalias on April 26, 2012 at 10:33 am said:

Gorgeous horses, and how lovely that you got to have some snuggle time with Paint. Looks like you’ve got a gorgeous bike too 🙂

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 10:52 am said:
  
  ‘Snuggles with Paint’…..good title. I will author a children’s book about a defective adult who relates better with horses than humans.
  So nice to hear from you, one of my very first WordPress friends. Thank you.
  
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CopperLeaf Treasures on April 26, 2012 at 10:35 am said:

Loved the connection here Mike! Thank you for reminding me of the simple beauty and “friends” we have everywhere!

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 10:43 am said:
  
  Thank you very much.
  
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Tina on April 26, 2012 at 10:38 am said:

Awww Mike, what beautiful photos and a wonderful story to match! You brought back some nice memories for me. I had horses from just a wee lass up until I was 17-18 years old. They are wonderful friends indeed. Thanks for sharing your talent with us!

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 10:42 am said:
  
  Thanks Tina. Glad you liked this post!
  
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The Blissful Adventurer on April 26, 2012 at 10:55 am said:

Juliet is going to love this post. She loves animals. Great shots!

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 10:58 am said:
  
  I love prosciutto. (thanks)
  
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Alex Autin on April 26, 2012 at 11:13 am said:

You’ve out-done yourself my friend. These are gorgeous, a most impressive series. Excellent work.

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 11:14 am said:
  
  As always, I value your feedback, and appreciate your gracious comment Alex.
  
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  - Alex Autin on April 26, 2012 at 11:20 am said:
    
    I’m still staring at that top photograph. I know I’ve used this word before in describing your work, and I SO dislike repeating myself, but…it’s perfection.
    
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  - m5son on April 26, 2012 at 11:37 am said:
    
    Thanks so much Alex, your words have weight for me.
    
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artblablablablog on April 26, 2012 at 11:19 am said:

Yes, I did catch the YouTube video of you trying to get the horses attention, it’s gone viral. Nice photos, pretty horses, I love paint horses!

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 11:42 am said:
  
  Now that is funny! If someone did video me I would have to go into hiding. Kind of a witness protection program for idiots, where everyone talks to horses.
  Suggestions?
  
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anotherthousandwords on April 26, 2012 at 11:36 am said:

The horses are great, Mike…so glad you made a new friend (not as if you lack in that area!).

What grabbed me in the first shot is: they apparently live in ‘the white barn’ you featured. Happy to see the owners have given the horses the run of the land.

BTW, I admire your own horse an awful lot!

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 11:44 am said:
  
  Thank you. That white barn in the background is a different white barn. White barns everywhere!
  Yeah, my own horse has been real good to me.
  
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George Weaver on April 26, 2012 at 2:32 pm said:

The countryside there is almost too much. If there is such a thing. Your photos are like paintings, you know. I smiled at the ones of the paint “looking down your lens”. Horses are something else. Maybe you should trade that Death-Wish horse of yours for a slower model like the paint. 😉 I worry about MF screaming down the highways looking only at the scenery!!

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 2:39 pm said:
  
  If there is such a thing as being a safe driver on a motorcycle, I am it. But since there is no such thing, it doesn’t really matter. I appreciate your concern George, and hopefully I’ll be smart enough to hang it up when the time comes. Not yet.
  Thanks for the lovely comment about my photos. I am well into a short story that is meaningful to me and will be an emotional read.
  Thank you for worrying about MF 🙂
  
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  - George Weaver on April 26, 2012 at 4:11 pm said:
    
    Hey, I will be waiting for the story! You are a complex man, MF. And a multi-talented one at that. Your story will be good.
    
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  - m5son on April 26, 2012 at 4:21 pm said:
    
    I hope so, it has been festering in me for 51 years.
    
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  - seekraz on April 26, 2012 at 9:25 pm said:
    
    I’m tempted to leave the horse subject alone now that “MF” is talking about a short story, George…and sorry for the “jump-in,” but can’t pass that one up…and festering for 51 years, Mike? I can’t wait….
    
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  - m5son on April 26, 2012 at 9:32 pm said:
    
    Your comments are always welcomed Scott. Yes, festering and still painful. I managed a good bit of writing today. It won’t be a long story, but 2-3 pages seem likely. Like other stories I write, I get a sense of how and where I want to go and then I weave it from my mental outline. I hope it won’t disappoint.
    
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  - seekraz on April 26, 2012 at 9:44 pm said:
    
    Doesn’t sound like it could be a disappointment, Mike. I’ve read some of your other works that seem to come from a similar place…so no worries about that. I’m sure your heart will shine brighter than any flaws you might imagine in the writing. I will stay-tuned, my friend. Good night for now.
    
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  - m5son on April 26, 2012 at 9:46 pm said:
    
    Thanks my brother.
    
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  - seekraz on April 26, 2012 at 9:48 pm said:
    
    Most welcome…. 🙂
    
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catherinebowman on April 26, 2012 at 4:06 pm said:

Beauty, eh! Gorgeous horses and, as usual, gorgeous pics!

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 4:18 pm said:
  
  Thank you my young and talented Canadian friend!
  
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  - catherinebowman on April 26, 2012 at 4:41 pm said:
    
    Talent knows talent! 😉
    
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  - m5son on April 26, 2012 at 4:45 pm said:
    
    Hope you get to feeling better……
    
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  - catherinebowman on April 26, 2012 at 4:49 pm said:
    
    Thanks. If I behave, I should. There are some things I can’t help but… if I behave…
    
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gordon on April 26, 2012 at 4:56 pm said:

Your horse is might purty too..

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 5:00 pm said:
  
  Gordon, are you speaking Appalachian?
  
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healingpilgrim on April 26, 2012 at 5:26 pm said:

Hey MIke, I love your story and pix of the horses! Try playing some music for then next time, see if get smitten like some cows do… : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXKDu6cdXLI
🙂

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 5:39 pm said:
  
  LOL! Now that is pretty damn funny and very cool. I don’t imagine cows really get much entertainment, but they sure liked it. Thanks!
  
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Sheila T Illustrated on April 26, 2012 at 5:31 pm said:

My favorite is the first photo. The total package!

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 5:40 pm said:
  
  And I could have just posted the first photo as it’s my favorite as well, but that paint is just so pretty.
  Thanks.
  
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  - Sheila T Illustrated on April 26, 2012 at 5:54 pm said:
    
    It is wonderful it nuzzled up to you. The close-ups are great.He is handsome, as is your ride!
    
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  - m5son on April 26, 2012 at 6:14 pm said:
    
    🙂
    
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In Search of Perfect on April 26, 2012 at 7:46 pm said:

Hi Mike! Beautiful images of your new best friend 🙂 I like how you describe the “hunger” 🙂 Thank you for following!
Yulia

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 7:51 pm said:
  
  You have really nice blog. Thank you for the comment.
  
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throughenglisheyesmark on April 26, 2012 at 9:10 pm said:

Love My New Best Friend, especially the first image, the sky is fantastic…well done 🙂

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- m5son on April 27, 2012 at 5:47 am said:
  
  Thanks so much.
  
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seekraz on April 26, 2012 at 9:28 pm said:

You have a wonderful following, my friend…so many dear people commenting on you and your horses….sweet friends. 🙂

And pretty pix, too. 🙂

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- m5son on April 26, 2012 at 9:36 pm said:
  
  One day I will write about how much all this blogging has meant to me and what it has given. You are, and have been a significant part of that Scott.
  
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  - seekraz on April 26, 2012 at 9:39 pm said:
    
    You are precious, Mike…thank you…and I will await that treasure, as well. 🙂
    
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Isabella Kai on April 27, 2012 at 1:02 am said:

i love your horse!!! and great post btw 🙂

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- m5son on April 27, 2012 at 5:47 am said:
  
  Thanks so much Isabella.
  
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tearoomdelights on April 27, 2012 at 1:35 am said:

I had a similar experience with a group of donkeys last week. I was so chuffed when they finally came over to say hello. I’m hoping to see more pictures of these two in the future, they are delightful and you’ve made lots of people very happy with this beautiful post.

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- m5son on April 27, 2012 at 5:42 am said:
  
  LOL, the donkeys left you chuffed. Thanks Lorna.
  
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lexiconlover on April 27, 2012 at 4:45 am said:

handsdown Mike those two are beauties *smiles* thank you for capturing that, I am partial however to your horse with it’s chrome and leather appointments, guess it’s not my first rodeo ;–))

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- m5son on April 27, 2012 at 5:44 am said:
  
  Thanks. My horse has great utility and makes me feel good too.
  
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Anne Camille on April 27, 2012 at 4:54 am said:

Paint is a beauty and so are these photographs. I had a drive across Indiana/Ohio last weekend and I so wanted to tell my son to pull over so I could photograph all the horses I saw, but we were on a tight schedule. How lucky you were to find these two beauties and have them befriend you.

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- m5son on April 27, 2012 at 5:45 am said:
  
  I am lucky, and I am on no schedule, unless its the horse’s. Thank you.
  
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Lemony (Gr)Egghead on April 27, 2012 at 9:56 am said:

Wonderful, wonderful! Really beautiful photographs: the colors are so rich.

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- m5son on April 27, 2012 at 9:57 am said:
  
  Thank you very much. She is my love.
  
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Vincent Choong on April 27, 2012 at 11:23 am said:

First shot is beautiful Mike!

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- m5son on April 27, 2012 at 11:24 am said:
  
  Thanks Vincent.
  
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micmol on April 27, 2012 at 3:51 pm said:

I figured you in that field … and had a laugh!!!! 🙂 thank you and keep riding 😉

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- m5son on April 27, 2012 at 4:04 pm said:
  
  I will ride for as long as I can walk. Thank you.
  
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artizenimages on April 28, 2012 at 3:13 pm said:

Beautiful image, looks so serene!

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- m5son on April 28, 2012 at 3:14 pm said:
  
  Oh it was. Thank you.
  
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Sylver Blaque on April 30, 2012 at 8:08 pm said:

Beautiful! And this cracked me up! Yes, definitely go back again!

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- m5son on April 30, 2012 at 8:09 pm said:
  
  You actually are a crack up.
  
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mhdriver on May 8, 2012 at 8:03 pm said:

Thanks Mike for the thumbs up on my super moon. The horses are neat out in the field. Glad they finally warmed up to you. Good to see you back.

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- m5son on May 8, 2012 at 8:07 pm said:
  
  Dude, I never left. I post every day. Welcome back.
  
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J. A. Robinson on May 11, 2012 at 8:54 am said:

Great post with some gorgeous pictures, Mike. When befriending a horse, just don’t become the “apple” of his eye. 🙂

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- m5son on May 11, 2012 at 8:55 am said:
  
  Thanks!
  
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rprtphoto on May 13, 2012 at 6:22 pm said:

I love the first image. It reminds me of a classic painting. So pastoral…

I ride horses AND motorcycles, and the horses definitely have more personality. Though I have to admit to getting bucked off a bike a couple of times….

RPRT Photo

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- Mike on February 15, 2013 at 9:45 pm said:
  
  I just noticed that I never answered this comment. Is there a statute of limitations?
  Thank you!
  
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  - rprtphoto on February 17, 2013 at 2:23 pm said:
    
    No worries, Mike. I’ve probably skipped a comment or two over the years, despite my best efforts to answer eah and every one.
    
    No statute of limitations that I’ve ever heard of… 🙂
    
    RPRT Photo
    
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twoblackdoggies on May 19, 2012 at 2:18 pm said:

Having grown up around horses I have made those ridiculous noises thousands of times, I have also been known to swear a little when I am completely ignored and the horse runs off in a different direction, perhaps it had something to do with the bridle in my hand 🙂

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- m5son on May 19, 2012 at 2:50 pm said:
  
  I am meeting new horse friends and will post more photos soon. I think it is SO cool how they come over to see me and how sweet they are all the time.
  Thanks for the comment!
  
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  - twoblackdoggies on May 19, 2012 at 10:49 pm said:
    
    I look forward to seeing more photos, they are sweet creatures and I love the funny face they pull when you tickle their muzzle 🙂
    
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Olivia Mair on May 21, 2012 at 4:48 am said:

ha ha, glad I’m not the only one who will stand and make stupid noises at animals! lovely!

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- m5son on May 21, 2012 at 7:45 am said:
  
  Your comment is lovely as well, Olivia. Thank you.
  
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John Ferebee on May 21, 2012 at 6:45 pm said:

Bikes and horses. Love it.

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- m5son on May 21, 2012 at 6:50 pm said:
  
  Thanks.
  
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marina on May 21, 2012 at 7:22 pm said:

great post! great photos. love the horses and your bike!

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- m5son on May 21, 2012 at 7:27 pm said:
  
  Thanks Marina. I’m posting more horses this week.
  
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Newfoundland Traveller on May 22, 2012 at 1:53 am said:

We grew up with a horse or two and I just love photos of horses. Very beautiful animals! Keep on writing as well as taking pictures…and riding your horse.

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- m5son on May 22, 2012 at 6:48 am said:
  
  Thank you. Love horses. Love great comments too 🙂
  
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Minding the Minis on June 16, 2012 at 3:09 pm said:

So wonderful!!!

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- m5son on June 16, 2012 at 3:13 pm said:
  
  Thank you.
  
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