Please welcome AJ to Whispering Oaks.  I had pretty much stopped looking for a companion for Cora after Fall started.  I really didn’t want to bring in a new horse going into winter, but things change.

Lori Blatter of KMK Paint Horses in York , Nebraska offered AJ( Ajax ) to me after I had inquired about him in late October.  At the time, he was not for sale so I asked to be notified when and if he ever did go up for sale.  Well, mid November, Lori emails me and says he’s up for sale and for me to come and take a look at him.  I really didn’t want to start with a weanling, but after talking to a few people, I decided at least to go and look at him.  I haven’t been disappointed yet.  Yes, I won’t be able to ride him for a few more years, but his personality alone makes up for that.  Mike, who isn’t really into horses, really likes AJ and can’t get over how friendly and in your pocket he is.

Cora on the other hand did NOT like AJ at all for the first few days.  I kept him in the paddock and her out in the pasture during the day for the first 2 weeks so they could get to know each other over the fence.  I also am stalling AJ at night so he doesn’t become totally attached to her.  After the 2^nd week, I tried letting AJ out with Cora.  He walks right by her and out into the pasture.  Cora follows him out and they started their bonding out there. 

Cora has accepted AJ and is pretty easy with him.  She allows him to get away with many things that she wouldn't allow an adult horse to do.  She allows him to share her hay and stall.  I am very happy that things are going well with them.

We had a lot of firsts for AJ in 2005.  He is a very quick learner and should become an excellent trail horse.  We've taken many walks in the woods and allowed him to explore at his own pace.  We've checked out the mailbox, round bales in the alfalfa field, 4-wheeler and many more objects.

Enjoy the slideshow of AJ's first year.