coming to the end of Larch season. Use to be , at this time of year, Larch Fever would hit, usually on Wednesdays. A day off to go hiking if the weather was fair and the crowds would be less.
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The larches were sure pretty. We had to look them up to find out what they were.
Rebecca
Yes, people not familiar would think them dead or diseased trees.
My favorite time of year, the last few weeks
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We were familiar with conifers with needles that change color and shed in the fall, as there are cedars in South Carolina that do that. So we didnât make any assumptions. They look far different from our beetle killed pines in Colorado. Plus they turn such a pretty color.
Rebecca
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I love the larch, ours are just now really starting to pop. Beautiful on these late fall days, they just glow when the sun hits them.
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If those horses get the winter off, they might feel a lot better by spring. As long as whoever has them is feeding them for winter.
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I think itâs the feeding part thatâs going to cause change to happen for these horses. Itâs one thing to have them hanging out in a pasture, costing the horse keeper virtually nothing. But feeding, even if hay is plentiful and relatively cheap there, may be the trigger point where they say, âhey, youâve got to do something about your horses. If you donât, I will.â And, of course, thatâs not the best time of year to sell horses.
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Though I would like to think that there are some who are aware of the horses and where they are. Is this true? If so, I hope they have made clear that when the time comes, the horses have a safe landing.
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Assuming that is so, and Iâm thinking that is a safe assumption, the horses should be settled somewhere much better not too far into winter. 
We here all know that those horses could be re-homed in a hot minute, even if they cost a little something, but priced in the range of someone who can take good care of them.
If heâs paying board â or not paying, is my guess â he may still be dreaming of the $10xxxxâs he will make as soon as they sell. So he holds out. I wonder if heâs getting any calls from people with more money than sense?
I hope some good soul isnât believing him saying âIâll pay you as soon as they sellâ.
Maybe get them appraised by an auctioneer. And go for a stablemanâs lien.
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Sorry to resurrect this thread but I came across this piece today and thought what a contrast it was to cerealâs abomination of a ride.
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What a contrast, indeed. Patrick Sullivan rode bridleless, in contrast to a wire bit upside down and backwards, had someone following with a trailer and host farms set up, in contrast to unplanned route and random stops, carried panels to make a 20â x 20â pen for the horses, in contrast to tying horses to forklifts, road signs, playground swings, etc. He also stopped at non-profits for children and the mentally ill along the way, as opposed to cadging beer and Clif bars.
Oh, and he likes his horses and is keeping them.
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I thought the same thing when I saw it, such a contrast.
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I was really hoping the new posts would be an update on those poor horses
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Was wondering the same. Is anybody in the area keeping track of how they are doing? Especially worried about Ole Pete, since he is an older horse.
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Quoting this just because it is worth repeating.
I have never worked with Arabians, until one came up at a barn that I work with and she and I work together, as it were.
I started off with her thinking that she was fussy, over-reactive, over-noticing of things that were not her business, the biggest pill, the most annoying friend, the one who never quits talking about herself.
And sheâs extortionate about bridling since some former owner agreed that a bit of grain goes in her mouth with the bit. No grain, then no bit, and no negotiation or persuasion.
But I have come around to her side and now I see why people put up with these horses and become so passionate about them. Once you learn how she likes things done, and you show her that you are fair, she becomes on side and committed. She can be the worst ride of your life if sheâs unhappy, but if you just give her some basics, sheâll be the best.
There is nothing she wonât do for any rider who is fair with her. She comes on side quickly. It really doesnât matter to her if the rider is a beginner or an expert, sheâll take care of them. Point her at the task, show her what you want, and sheâll get it done with no quit in her.
I get it now. I never before wanted an Arabian, but I could do it now. 
Sorry to go off track with Pete & Falcon! Those two also gave and gave, and deserved everything in return. It didnât have to be the cluster that it became for them.
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I had no experience of Arabians until I learned to drive with my trainerâs lovely Arabian. That horse was a saint. He taught me a lot, put up with my mistakes, and was very forgiving. He was part of a matched pair; the other horse was his full sister. I never drove her, but they were both gorgeous.
Rebecca
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Before I met an Arabian, my experience was that when I asked a horse to do something, the answer was either Yes, boss, or No. This horse was Why should I? Not with attitude, but sincerely. And I better give a good answer!
What a fun horse! Taught me so much about being in a partnership with a horse, not just a âbossâ relationship.
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My mom had the cutest Polish Arab mare as her glorified pet and sometimes trail horse. It was a little gray mare. Her name was Mouse. I would happily have an Arab like that for myself. The using/working types are not only beautiful to look at, but seem to have a good brain and a very personable temperament.
As for Pete and Falcon, my hunch is that they, like Cereal Box himself, have settled into obscurity. I hope the horses have a happy ending. Cereal? Not so much. I hope the karma he earned on his selfish escapade haunts him for quite some time.
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