From the Publisher

Feral barn-kitty Belfie has been living with his little herd for more than five years. In the beginning, he’d show up for a few days, eating and sleeping, and then be gone for three or four days. I knew he was an unneutered male so I purchased a trap and he got the

full treatment — neuter, deworm, vaccinations, blood test for diseases. He no longer leaves for days at a time to fulfill his biological mandate to reproduce. Instead, he’s with his little herd of Miniature horses day and night. He’s with them when they graze, when they rest, as they wander about in their pasture . . . he’s always with them (unless it’s pouring rain). It’s a beautiful friendship.

I’ll never get to pat him, and yet I get so much joy just observing him. Belfie’s not ready to turn in his feral card, so to speak, letting me know when I put out his food that he’s still one tough dude with his hisses and growls. Yet, Belfie and the horses bring me so much peace and happiness. They’ve made up their own family and I’m so very lucky to witness it.

Today is a perfect late summer day — crisp air, blue sky, and a breeze to keep away the bugs. I’m heading out the door to pull carrots, some for me and some for my ponies.

Be sure to visit us at Equine Affaire November 11 to 14 in West Springfield, Massachusetts. This year we’re in booth 805 in the Better Living Center across from the seminar stage. We’ll have a few back issues available and discounted subscriptions to Community Horse. Stop by and tell us what you’d like to see in these pages and how you think we’re doing. Or let’s just talk horses!

Enjoy this lovely season and we’ll see you at Equine Affaire!

Pequeniño, Little Rasta Man, Peanut, and Belfie.

Maddie Fortin

A & B INSURANCE GROUP