Charm offensive

Disarmed again, by Mr Max and his mysterious ways. That pony has a way of setting my world to rights and hushing my hectics thoughts, quieting my unquiet mind and pulling my focus in tight, on him.

I have to learn to get a bit less fraught about Fridays. I always feel like I should have all the time in the world to get what needs doing done, but it never turns out that way. Early morning shift at the yard, race through it, race home, feed cats, clean litter box, shower, change, grab something to eat and off to the office job, where I spend a relentless three or four hours barely coming up for air. Then high tail it to the yard to make sure Max has something to eat before I go and forage for supplies at the local supermarket, then home, feed cats, unpack groceries, change, grab something to eat and race back to the yard with a "To do" list in my head of what must be done there, and then when I get home.

I arrive at the yard whipped into a self-induced frenzy, telling myself I should chill out before I handle my lovely horse, because he doesn't need to eat my stress.

I arrived back today and Max was tied up outside while his box was being mucked out.

Got out of the car to open the gate and Max turned to look at me, and gave me a lusty whuffle of welcome. Got back in my car to park up, then back to close the gate. Another whuffle, eager and beckoning.

Walked over to Max and got the vibrating nostrils with tiny little whuffles "Good to see you. Why so stressy? Peaceful here, and I'm happy to see you, my friend. "

And... relax!

He fixed his big eyes on me and gave me a kind, assessing stare. He ruffled my hair and offered his nose, he breathed short little tickly breaths in my ear and nudged me fondly. He lifted all his feet when asked for a clean out and reminded me why I do all the mad rushing round, so I can have these moments of stillness with my Max.