I remember it well, the months preceding my acquiring Raudhetta. One day in particular stands out. My neighbor Karen and I had just gone to Wasilla and checked out an Icelandic mare named Sykra. Karen wasn’t really wanting an Icelandic, although I by then had my heart set on getting one.

Sykra was a slim black and white pinto who appeared to be very high energy. I wanted her but she was too pricey. She ended up being purchased by a teenager named Haley who was good friends with Katelyn Barnett. Katelyn eventually sold me her steady eddy horse Tinni.

Alys and Raudi

I took a few lessons with Katelyn, and while at her place watched as Haley and Sykra butted heads. Neither would listen to the other. It was a real war of wills.

Just as well I didn’t get Sykra because I then didn’t have the experience to deal with such a wild child.

I have digressed. I remember biking home from Karen’s place after checking out Sykra and thinking that what I wanted was an Icelandic horse, one that would be a good companion. I remember the exact portion of the road where I thought this – it was midway between Buffalo Mine Road and Murphy Road turnoff.

This companion, I’d take it for long walks and rides. It would in this respect be much like a dog. But then again, you can’t ride a dog. Walk and ride the horse, this is what I would do.

Raudi was a yearling when I got her. It said, “Has a strong temperament” under her photo on Virginia Crawford’s website. This turned out to be an apt descriptor. She was, and remains, very independent. For many years, walking her was a near impossibility. So I contented myself with walking our other horses, that is Tinni, Siggi, Signy, Hrimfara, and Tyra.

In time, Raudi mellowed out and became a good walking/riding companion.

I hoped for one and ended up with four horse companions. I ride when weather permits, and I walk when weather does not permit.

Today was a combination walking/riding day. The temperatures dropped again last night, and so midmorning it was 10˚F. I don’t ride unless it’s at least 0˚F. I first got Raudi out; I took her on Siggi’s trail and then walked her around the loop. Next, I walked Tinni on the same route. I then rode Hrimmi on Siggi’s Trail and around the loop. Lastly (because it was getting dark), I walked Tyra around the loop.

All were, as they always are, up for going on an outing. They’re of course all different. Tinni stops often, in hopes of getting treats. Hrimfara twirls her tongue and often grabs for the lead line. Tyra nudges for treats. And Raudi, well these days Raudi is all business. She hasn’t attempted to get away from me in years. However, should I let her off lead on the trail, she’ll run home, like she did the other day.

So, yes, I got what I dreamed about acquiring on that walk home from Karen’s place. Fortunately, I ended up with the right breed of horse for the job at hand. I recently told a friend that I could have ended up with a Quarab – a quarter horse Arab to which she said that I was lucky – such combinations are dumb and reactive. Lucky me, I once again thought.

340. 12/9/21: The Bright Lights Book Project