Smudge!

Equine Business Management Student, Katie Ballard, chose to write about Smudge for her blog post.

In every barn, no matter what the intention of the owners or the purpose of the horses that dwell within its stalls, there is always that one horse.  The horse that is used to baby-sit the younger ones or the newer ones or the ones that just need a hint of calm. The baby-sitter. In the St. Andrews Hunt Seat barn, that horse is Smudge. This elderly Thoroughbred has been a staple in the SAU barn for some years, first as a lesson horse and then as a companion. Though, it wasn’t always Smudge’s job. Barn managers at SAU did try and find him a home where he could be happy to live out his days. However, like in all good things, this did not come right away. After multiple failed placements, the staff decided that the best place for Smudge to be was in the SAU barns and there he has remained, happy as he could be.

In addition to his current duty as the lesson barn babysitter is to be the perfect stable management horse, which he does very well, Smudge is always there with a kind eye and a willing ear. When new horses arrive, Smudge goes to the isolation area with them, spending making their first two weeks of separation from the herd much easier. Keeping them company and showing them how to do things the right way and providing a calming influence.  

In my personal experience, every barn needs a horse like Smudge is for us at SAU.  Some horses need that extra bit of calm that an old timer like Smudge provides.  I know that when I need to hug a neck or pet a warm velvety nose, Smudge is always there for me to go to. Smudge is a sweet heart and, despite the fact that his lesson and competition days are behind him, he is a very important part of the St. Andrews family and one of my favorite horses.

All pictures were taken by Jordan Belanger and used with permission.

 



Smudge enjoying the sunshine



Smudge with Jordan his Stable Management Lab student Fall 2014



Smudge on Final Horse Presentation Day