[Makeover 2025] Phase #1 - First Impressions

      Dear Diary,

Today marks the first day of the 2025 Loshenka Makeover. About two hours ago Kass and I picked up our new project pony. This gorgeous, big, black stallion with a rapunzel tail and a stripe. The same man from last year was still working the front desk, still running haggard as ever. But he’d smiled when he’d seen us, which was something! He’d even congratulated us on our progress with Dragon, since I’d sent him our instagram page with updates. He’d commented that our drawing this year seemed a little less angry. Kass had breathed a sigh of relief at that. Part of me is still annoyed that she still has little to no faith in me. But I know she’s just protective. As usual…

Anyway, it was the same set up as last time, so Kass and I were able to watch him move in the paddock a little before loading him up. I’d brought my watercolor markers and pens so I thought I’d try and doodle him in here, as a way of keeping up on his progress. I’d perched myself up on the top rung of the paddock and he’d immediately come to say hello. He even dribbled on the corner of the page, but I didn’t mind. Kass read out his backstory, while a worker from the rescue came round with some tack. Said he was instructed to saddle our pony up to give a little preview of what it was we were in for. Dante, the nickname the rescue had pinned our stallion with, stood like an angel while getting tacked, which was a great start to say the least. But 30 seconds into a gentle trot, he sticks his head down and bounces around. Not seriously trying to get the guy off his back. But enough to warrant some attention at least.

“Does this every time,” the guy had said. “We’re not sure why.”

The pain in the stallion’s face was clear; he didn’t want to cause trouble or anything. At least not intentionally. There was something getting looked over; something that wasn’t listed in his file or history. And I was determined to figure it out. Heck, it was so clear to me there was an underlying issue that it made it easier to recreate it in watercolor on the page over. With Dragon there was anger there, frustration at not being able to do it right. But with Dante? All I see is fear, and pain. Which almost feels worse in a way. I don’t care what Kass will think, I’m helping this boy. 

After untacking, the man left the halter with us and took off, seemingly all too happy to leave Dante in our charge.The sweet stallion meandered over after I fished out a strawberry treat. Gave me a few moments to sketch him super quick in the upper right corner, looking peaceful and serene. He seemed sound just walking around in the paddock, and even loading onto the trailer. Kass had commented that ‘at least he’s easier to transport’, tacking on her signature scoff. I tried to poke back at her but part of me was nervous. I mean Dragon had been difficult but there was also a stroke of luck. Beginner’s luck. But second time around would we be so lucky? I’m not so sure anymore…

Dante is currently rolling in his stall; he’d unloaded nicely, quiet but interested in his new home. Kass had put Sunny in the stall next door. She was our ‘go-to’ friendly face, and she’d happily greeted Dante upon arrival. Thankfully, Dante was friendly right back. Even bumped his nose against hers before Sunny squealed. Kass had closed him into his stall, leaving his halter on and the top dutch door open. I set up my little wooden stool in the corner, starting this diary entry while watching him. He’d seemed so calm, so relaxed even in this ‘new, scary place.’ But there was a falter in his step. A twinge maybe? Or a limp? I hadn’t seen him move enough. And of course Kass was better at spotting soundness. Or lack thereof. Then again, after moving around and rolling in fresh bedding, Dante had seemed fine. He’d tried to say hello to Sunny again, but she was being loud and fussy. Mostly just excited but it was too much for him apparently. So he’d sought comfort in me. I’d been so excited I had to hold back my own squeal of excitement, but it had come out as a high pitched squeak. Something Dante was not a fan of. Tomorrow we’d work with him in the arena; try and figure out what was going on. And hopefully, start Dante on his journey to a happy life.