We're gonna party like it's your Birthday

Guess whose birthday it is today?
Gabby's!!

Want to know how old she is?   Just ask her.

My horse is brilliant.  What can I say?

Gabby was one of those surprises that change your life forever.  Stacey always wanted a horse when she was in grade school.  She saved every penny and finally was able to buy the first Brichacek family horse, Babe.  Babe was the sweetest mare ever.  About 6 months after getting Babe, she started to act strange.  She wouldn't let us ride her anymore and she was getting very fat.  On May 21, 1999, I was outside helping my Dad with fencing.  He walked behind our barn to get a fence and stopped dead in his tracks.  He turned around and started yelling, "Babe had a baby!!!"  That's right, we were sold a pregnant horse and didn't even know it.  (That really puts a whole new meaning to buy one, get one free, huh?)  Gabby has been a part of this family ever since.

Once Gabby was born, we realized we had no idea what to do with a  foal.  Some of her training was a bit delayed which may account for some of her stubbornness, attitude, and (I'm going to be honest here) downright laziness at times (In the words of Kara when the vet asked if she was an active horse, "She doesn't have many hobbies.").  Despite the fact that she will not lead anywhere unless food is involved, will not pick up her back left hoof to save her life, and will hunt you down if you get between her and dinner, she has learned some nifty tricks along the way.  The one shown above is great when kids come over.  They ask Gabby to count to a certain number and solve math problems.  My dad said that I should start teaching her square roots.  Never gets old.  She is also able to "guess" which hand I have a treat hidden in and will roll her lip back to "smile" when I ask her to.

Cannot believe she has been part of our family for 15 years already.  (Am I having one of those weird "mom moments?" sorry)

Thanks for reading!