After arriving back at ahe barn, we untacked Skye and Reno, adorned all 3 horses with fly masks and returned them to their paddocks. Robin, for at least the 3rd time, delivered hay to all the feeders. Everyone looked happy, munching away. We noticed that in Sage's paddock, when a horse would lie down in the sun to snooze, another would stand nearby: standing watch. We observed this several times. Impressive.
There is a cool room at the barn which we retreated to for a donut and to chat a bit more about Sage. We had seen her records, which even included some teeth! Robin filled in some blanks regarding her history, previous adoptions and reasons for her returning. All were prefectly reasonable and I was again satisfied that it was not a behaviour issue which sparked the failed adoptions. But I had one more nagging doubt.
Steven had a couple doubts. He can't help but compare to what he knows of horses: mine. One of his concerns was that Sage, being so quiet and compliant, would not be able to 'turn it on', 'whoop it up' etc, as many of our rides are rather, um, er, quick? Robin explained that the mustangs are capable of many disciplines and will rise to the occasion when asked. She told of her personal experience with her own mustangs. I found that to be especially helpful. To ride one that was so quiet would naturally make one think that they were deadheads. We knew better: when we'd asked Skye to trot, she was quite willing, and I believe Steven even got her to lope ( or canter, if you must) without much effort. He likened Sage to be more like a Dazzle ( steady eddie who knows who is on him and acts accordingly) than a Caly ( very light on his feet and has a quick trigger, a bit zany and unpredictable)or Casino ( had an on switch that is always on: rode like a kite on a string). Although Steven adores Dazzle, and gets a lot out of him, he does enjoy a good challenge.
Although Robin described the abilities of a mustang very well, I just had to put my 2cents in. I explained to Steven that he has to remember that these horses are being trained and gentled for a good foundation. I added that most people are looking for a Dazzle, not a Casino or a Caly. It was a much better idea to have a quiet horse that can turn it on when asked than one that is high as a kite and can't settle down. Robin elaborated and explained about the importance of training at all speeds. Steven understood, and I could feel the hesitance waning.
Having been up since 3 am and a 5 hour drive, not to mention a very hot sunny day, we decided to go find the hotel and get a nap in before dinner. It was about 4:30pm, we had been there 7 hours, and we had learned and experienced so much, it was time to reflect and discuss the day's events. We left with a promise to phone Robin when we were done resting and meet up for dinner. The last thing we did before leaving was to see Sage. I grabbed a glazed donut, one of her favorite treats, breaking it up into pieces for Steven to feed her. This time, even without the bait of a donut, she came right to him when he entered the pen.
On the ride to the hotel we jabbered about Sage. How quiet she is, how pretty, how calm and compliant. The possibility of her being of the proper mindset and physical capability that Steven wanted, whether she would get along ok with the 2 geldings at my house, etc, the conversation interrupted intermittently by Jill, the bitch in the box, demanding that we turn.....with only 1 missed turn ( NJ has some funny laws about turning) and a "recalculating" admoishment, we arrived.
Steven got us checked in, we hauled our stuff upstairs, using the elevator as we were fading fast. I went and got some ice to cool off a couple home brews we'd brought along and then just one more trip to the office.....for an internet card. I had some research to do.
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