This morning’s big news was the coming of our farrier, Matt Ross, who we enjoy seeing and talking to.
For one thing, he is friendly and has a beautiful way with Lulu and Fanny. They were at ease with him from the start.
Matt is a man of few words, but he sometimes shares excellent stories of his adventures with horses and donkeys.
He has good ones to tell, and he tells them well.
I had to plead with Matt to come the first time, he said he’d had his fill of difficult donkeys but he finally agreed to come and meet Lulu and Fanny after I begged him a few times.
These are not difficult donkeys.
Both of them fell instantly in love with him, but I could tell that Matt loved them back. You have to love animals to be a farrier or shearer.
They both snuggle up against him while he trims their hooves and nudges him with their noses.
He says they are the nicest donkeys he’s ever seen.
Maria stands at the head of each donkey, talks to them, and scratches their noses while they’re trimmed.
They were a little overdue. Matt told us today that he saw our rescue donkey Simon the day after he was rescued, and he never thought he would live a week. He said Simon couldn’t even stand up; it was awful for him to see.
Simon had a stroke a few years ago and is buried in the pasture.
I bring in treats during shearing, but they are entirely at ease with Matt. It’s pleasant and fun, a beloved ritual of our lives on the farm.
Matt does a wonderful job, and we also like him a lot. He’s a particular human; we are grateful to know him.
Try more contrast.
Milky v. Sharp.
No, I don’t want more contrast, thanks. I have plenty if I need it..This is the way I like them.
David, thinking on your message, I have some advice for you. It’s never a good idea in my book to tell another photographer or artist to change his or her style because you don’t like it. I don’t know what kind of computer you have, but the Leica Monochrome photos are anything but milky, they are soft and light. That’s my style. You are welcome to have your own, and I wouldn’t dream of telling you to change it.
Saving Simon….one of my favorite books along with A Good Dog…..your loving efforts with these animals (as well as the ones you have now) is greatly admirable!
Thank you, Jon!