Shadowfax
Borias has had the privilege to meet more than a few actors and performers in his life (or, are they privileged to have met him?) Sometimes they have more than two feet. “Lassie”, a few years ago. An icon I grew up with, being a dog-crazy kid. And now recently, the four legged thespian came in equine form. “Shadowfax”, from the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
That was a thrill for me, because not only is he gorgeous, I’m a big fan of the films. I remember seeing this with Borias, and him watching scenes with horses in them with interest. Horses fascinate him. He’s not quite sure what to think of them. The horse’s name in real life is Blanco, and he’s now 21 years old. And, as his human said, very opinionated.
I had to laugh at that, because alas, that’s all too familiar. Blanco seemed to have a ton of personality, just as my lovely boy has. I could tell that he was incredibly intelligent, as well. I could swear that with some of the folks who came up to pose with him for a photo, he would actually lean in, as if he was thinking “cheeese”, though in a sarcastic way. He gets cranky with people wanting to pet him all the time, and it’s only ok if he initiates it, and reaches for you. Luck was with me, and I got to touch his muzzle. And Borias nosed him.
Also cool, is how his human, Cynthia Royal trains him. Using positive reinforcement, and no coercion. It’s all about relationship, motivation and communication. I would love to go take more photos of him, and maybe even do a painting.
Here’s a couple I took at this event, the Blessing of the Animals in Old Town San Diego.
