Wednesday Whinnies - Vidock's Gotcha Day!

Vidock: Three years ago today, #1's life changed forever when she came into my field and met me. She had lost sweet Yuu-Chan just a couple of weeks before and was still very, very sad. But she looked into my eyes and there she saw the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to have a horse. The deal was done that very day! And look how I have grown since that day:

THEN

NOW!

Yes, I have gone from being a a half-grown foal to a big (handsome!) stallion. In February 2012, I got my approval papers from the French Percheron Stud Book Commission as a breeding stallion:

But one thing that has not changed, according to #1, is the sweetness of my character.

Two months after she bought me:

Two weeks ago!

For the first two years after I joined the Poupounette Gang, I continued to live where I was born, along with my parents and siblings. For much of that time, I shared a stall and a paddock with my big brother Tom de Prainville:

When Ms. S and Mr. E stopped boarding horses at the end of last year, I moved to my current home, where I am looked after by Ms. C, Mr. L and young Miss N. Here is a pic of me with Mr. L. taken in May:

But Ms. S still come to see me regularly!

One of the most exciting things that happened recently was when #1 rode me on her birthday in August!

But then she hurt her knee and hasn't been able to ride me again. I am told, however, that Mr. L will soon start to teach me how to pull a vehicle!

I am so glad I was gotcha'ed by #1, and she says that she feels the same. She says she can't remember what life was like before I (and later, Violette) came into her life. Now, we are crossing hooves, paws and fingers that her knee will be all healed soon and she can get back to enjoying us 100%!

Here's looking at you, kids!

PS: For anyone still wondering about my colour... Like all Percherons, I was born black, but I was destined to be grey right from the start. So, I am gradually growing lighter, going through a process called "dappling" where I am beginning to develop lighter spots (dapples) on my grey coat. Eventually, one day, I will be white. Lots to look forward to!