The separation of mothers and babies is hard-no question about it. But, if the horses are going to be truly domesticated it needs to happen BEFORE they are really independent. I was involved in a pen of 5 Welsh ponies where three of them had never been ridden. My Dad, his best friend and I tried hard but we never did break the three to ride dependably. The stud and dam both settled in to being ridden again but their colts never did. I was about 13 and that experience convinced me that I just wasn't cut out to be a cowboy. I hit the ground early and often (as did my Dad and his buddy).

I'm not a very good beach guy. I'm a river rat, mainly. Doesn't mean I wouldn't work my butt to the bone for fresh clams and crabs and scallops :) I just love fresh seafood.

It's quite a festival you have there. I'm really glad you get to experience it AND share it with us. Thank you.