Introducing Sherlock: The Mischief Maker

There seems to always be a horse around any busy barnyard who keeps life interesting, the fences questionable, and your wheelbarrows toppled over. Around here, that horse is Sherlock, RJ’s partner-in-crime and one of the main reasons I can’t turn my back for too long.

Sherlock is a German Warmblood. He’s “technically” a dark buckskin, though you’d hardly guess it when his winter coat comes in with a unique silvery glow. But don’t let his cool hue fool you- behind that coat is a brain always working overtime to invent new ways to cause trouble.

Case in point: his latest trick is plucking the t-post protectors off the fence posts with his teeth. These t-post protectors are supposed to protect the horses from impaling themselves accidentally and also to carry the braided electric fences which delivers a mild shock if a horse leans on them to keep them off the fence- something that can be very dangerous for a horse if it gets tangled up. Problem is, Sherlock doesn’t care about danger and he knows just where to pull so he doesn’t get zapped. Once those t post toppers are gone, the electric fence shorts out. And when the fence shorts out? RJ and Sherlock get the perfect chance to lean through and sample the greener grass on the other side. It’s a two-step plan: Sherlock does the sabotage, RJ does the grazing, and both of them act completely innocent when I come come across them where they don’t belong.

It doesn’t matter how many times the fence covers are put back on, an hour later I’ll look out and Sherlock has done it again. He’s really sparking inner creativity, as I try to find ways to keep him from destroying the fence.

When he’s not masterminding fence failures, Sherlock can usually be found galloping across the fields, either trying to entice his pasture mates into a game of chase… or reminding the smaller ones who’s boss. (He claims it’s all in good fun, but the ponies may disagree.)

And yet, for all his antics, Sherlock is (usually) a complete gentleman with people. He and RJ are always the first to greet visitors at the gate, ears forward, hoping for pets- and, let’s be honest, snacks. He soaks up attention and fuss like it’s his job, making the most of every scratch before he tries to steal your hat off your head.

Sherlock may be mischievous, a little bossy, and far too clever for his own good, but he’s also the horse who keeps things lively, makes everyone laugh, and loves nothing more than human company. He may push the envelope a little too far some days, but he knows just how to weasel his way back into your heart.