Kindred Corral Spirits

We never grew up owning one, single mare in my entire childhood.  Every male on the ranch preached time and time again about what a pain in the hind parts they were to have on the place. 

Of course I was always slightly offended by these nonsensical statements.  Mares, in my opinion, were always far superior in the looks department, and yes, that theory was entirely based on the fact that I was in fact a female.  So naturally, it only seemed right to learn to identify with the female animals that were allowed in the family outfitting business, and that just so happened to be some of our mules. 

Mules are a hybrid and are also sterile, which means they are slightly less sensitive to the reproductive nature that horses are.

My uncle owns a jenny mule named Helga, and although she was about four-years-old when he bought her, and her historical details are a little blurry to me, I developed a fondness for Helga. Here's why... Side note: Now, I will just say right off the bat that it takes a rather brave woman to compare herself to a mule. I may have just admitted to a whole new level of insanity, so there is that.

Like me, I believe Helga must be a Gemini.  No, I don't buy into all that astrological jazz but I find it entertaining. 

Neither Helga nor I care if you don't like our personalities, because there are usually several more to choose from. 

Paranoia comes easy to both of us; i.e. I don't like to walk in the woods alone and neither does she because every stump takes on the form of a dad gum grizzly bear. 

Both of us require friends with tough skin and a good sense of humor. We lack the ability to sugar coat our current moods or thoughts and tend to lash out or freely express our emotions at any given moment. 

We both like change and really hate monotony. 

If you don't change the scenery, we will change it for you.

Helga and I both prefer a shorter walk to the feed bunk. Some things just shouldn't be so much work. 

We both have "curves" and lack the desire to change much about that.  But, if you have a stitch of couth, you will not refer to us as "thick" or "husky".  Dude, you will get kicked.

Generally, we both like attention and you can reel us in with cookies. We like cookies. But, we also generally like to be left alone by the male species; that is of course unless they are of the handsome horse variety. 

We go gaga over good looking and smart horses that lead us safely down the trails and over mountain passes. 

Helga works hard and rocks an awesome pack going down the trail, and that's because Helga loves her job.  More people could learn from Helga's work ethic and her attitude about it. 

And like Helga, I believe in earning your pay honestly.  There's nothing like a good day's work of physical labor that leaves you satisfied at the end of the day.

So, thank you, Helga, for giving me another female to whole-heartedly identify with in this life.  I admire the heck outta ya girl and you're beautiful to boot!

~Happy Trails~

Heather