Imagine sitting in the morning sun with a nice cuppa coffee and watching a white Arabic Stallion emerge out of the scrubs.
Just a horse, no knight or princess. Who needs them anyways?
Gently trotting along with the rising sun shimmering over his back.
A big ray of sunshine and that is his name. But that’s not all.
Not far behind, Larry follows.
Larry usually trots slower to munch on the juicy grasses.
Sunshine is out for more.
His favorite dwelling is here, around middle earth.
There is always water for animals and birds.
And he knows that bird seeds are on the menu in various locations.
These are actually intended for birdlife.
A clever Arabian thinks otherwise and this is part of their routine.
Let’s see what happens if we just stay here and look very cute and hungry.
‘Good morning Sunshine, Good morning Larry. How are we this beautiful morning?’
Bananas are their absolute favourite.
However, Sunshine and Larry are on a diet during the tasty grass bonanza in the summer months.
A fact both horses strongly disagree on, but it is the best for them.
If the human response isn’t to their liking, it’s part of plan B; the treasure hunt.
Horses have a good memory and so they trot off into the outback.
Not every time, but sometimes there are seeds or fruits placed in the ‘animal’.
Or what’s left of him.
It is quite a spectacle to watch him spinning this piñata.
Sunshine doesn’t stop until all seeds had been jiggled out of the whirling coconut.
Round and round it goes. A Kindersurprise for horses; food, fun, and a surprise.
I have accepted the heavy impact on the bower, which is a bit tragic from a creator’s point of view.
But in this case, size matters.
The bamboos are out of Sunshine’s reach for that reason.
Food dictates Sunshine’s life, most times.
As stubborn as he is, he can be quite affectionate.
Or simply relax in the afternoon sunshine.
This is the life of Riley.
Larry has other problems.
During the hot summer months, he was badly affected by the ‘Queensland Itch’.
These tiny flies nest within the skin of horses and cows, and wildlife I presume.
It is an itchy affair and poor Larry is suffering. It’s gotta be hell.
The Bohemian Trees are his absolute favorite to scratch his itch. The bark of these rustic trees feels so good.
The whole tree shakes in rhythm when all we need is some music. ‘I see you, baby, shaking that ass’!
Sunshine doesn’t get affected as badly but a good scratch goes a long way.
With cooler days and nights, the flies die off in relief for Larry.
Sunshine has been roaming the tracks and paddocks ever since.
He was left in limbo when his previous owner sold the property they lived on and moved on.
As did Sunshine.
He moved on and on and hadn’t stopped moving since.
He grew up here and everyone knows him.
He has quite a following, the stud he is.
The mares next door come down to see if the grass is greener on this side of the fence.
Looking pretty girls.
As a bright Arabian he is, Sunshine puts his good looks and charm to his advantage.
Who could blame him?
Larry belongs to the property next door. He grew up with his best friend Bridie, a female horse.
She sadly passed away about a year ago and Larry wasn’t happy, all alone on the paddock.
Sunshine of course dropped by now and then to cheer him up.
They have been friends forever. And with David’s permission, he came up with the best decision.
Larry was set ‘free’ to do what two vagabonds do.
Roaming and spreading happiness.
It was the best thing that could have happened to Larry.
And for Sunshine two.
For all of us, in fact.
These two vagabonds are made for each other. And they need each other.
Sunshine and Larry are just oversized kids looking out for mischief.
Adorable.
In a way that I can’t put into words, these two best friends are inspiring.
Looking out for each other and scratching their backs if need is be.
That’s what friendship is all about.
And so they trot off and move on to their next destination.
No doubt they will return sooner than later. For morning coffee.
Travels with Ben 