Lessons Learned

"Lesson Learned", 8 by 10 inch watercolor on paper ©Maria T Reichert

OK, Now I have spent many years in school, elementary, junior high and high school, 4 years of undergrad in New Hampshire and 4 years of Vet School.  I must confess, as I approach mid life, I struggle more and more remembering what I spent a lot of time, not to mention money to learn.

But, I had a theriogenology (animal reproductive biology) teacher who taught us something the very first day of class, which comes to mind often, if not daily.   His first words of wisdom to his students, on the very first day of class.....

"Never trust an intact male of any species"

Now mind you, he did get a lecture hall full of giggles and many jokes, but I did find these words to live by in vet school. (My apologies to any men following this blog).  I thought of this as this city girl encountered bulls, boars and of course stallions in our clinical rotations, you think of these animals differently and you are more likely not to get hurt.

Well, that said, there is another thing I learned in vet school,

"There is an exception to every rule"

(Ok, another I loved was "When you hear hoofbeats, don't look for zebras," but that is a story for another day.)

This grey horse was the exception to the (first) rule.   He is a young quarter horse stallion and a beauty to watch, he was also a perfect gentleman.  Could show in the show arena with other horses and mares, and stand quietly in cross ties with other horses close by.   I was most impressed by his white eyelashes and dark eyes, he stole my heart and I enjoyed watching his owner show him this year.  And of course I had to have some pictures, in case I decided to paint him.