My husband and I have had an on-going conversation recently about the animals in our life. Specifically, the horses and dogs that are just a notch above the rest. Those pets that cross the line and become part of our family. The horses that we trust with our small children and our own reliable old mounts. Those horses that we find ourselves turning to when we need to get the job done.

And our dogs. The ones who wriggle their way into our hearts. Like this big guy. Jake is our very large Australian Shepherd who has become everyone’s favorite around here. He’s big and tough, enjoys working cattle and following us if we are horseback all day. Jake is the favorite among the kids because he will run after them on their bikes, wrestle with them in the front yard or just be their pillow when they both need a rest.

Jake has also figured out how to live happily with our cats. We often find him napping with two or three cats curled up around him. Strangely enough, he is also happy to share his food with his feline friends.

Yep, they’re all part of my family.

It’s hot. And it seems to be getting hotter each day. We had to sort cows yesterday and didn’t want to subject the cattle or horses (or me and the kids!) to the hottest part of the day, so we caught horses before the sun was up.

We were done before noon. The cattle wandered to the creek, the kids ran for the kitchen (“Breakfast was hours ago Mom!”). The horses were content to line out and walk out to their pasture, tails a-swishing.

Meet Dryer. He’s a three year old colt with three stocking legs. Around my house it is common knowledge that if you’ve lost a sock the dryer must have eaten it. Hence the cute colt with the odd name.

Dryer is my oldest son’s first colt. They’ve shared many miles this summer. They are both learning from each other. Dryer is learning a few manners and not to be spooked by the antics of a twelve year old boy. My son is learning patience and trying not to spook his horse.

12 year old boy + 3 year old colt = Perfect Match

Watching my children interact with our various animals is one of my favorite parts of living on the ranch. My daughter is developing a love for horses. She is learning to appreciate their beauty and strength while learning how to care for them. She spends time each day grooming her horse, feeding him a handful of oats, and riding him through the field.

My youngest son likes to ride his horse (as long as he is trotting!) but his spare time this summer is spent with the dogs. He helps feed and water all of the dogs, however his favorite dog is our big Aussie, Jake. The two of them spend hours together splashing in the creek or digging in the dirt or laying in the shade. They’re inseparable.
A perfect match.