El Cid and Babieca!

Here is a statute of El Cid and Babieca in Burgos, Spain, along the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage trail. Here's a brief sketch of El Cid and Babieca's tale! In the 11th century, a small boy was raised near Burgos by monks. His name was Rodrigo Diaz de Bivar. His godfather, a monk named Pedro El Grande (because he was fat), let him choose a horse from a beautiful herd of Andalusians. Rodrigo chose poorly, or so the monks thought. They thought he chose a frail, poorly, sick creature and so named his choice Babieca which means "My Stupid One."

Well, you know how it goes! Babieca was obedient, nimble, courageous, generous of spirit, large of heart! Powerful! Noble!! He lived for 40 years and served his master well. He fought for over 30 years in battles with his master. And his master worked hard to push the Moors out of Spain. His Arabic enemies named him El Cid Campeador "My Lord, Champion of Warriors!"

In a major battle outside of Valencia, El Cid was mortally wounded. He was brought into the city and perished. And the Spaniards, fearful that the Moors would attack in droves, thirsty with their success at killing El Cid, tied El Cid's corpse to Babieca and drove him bravely into the front of the soldiers, pressing onto battle the next morning.

The Moors fled in supernatural terror, sure that El Cid had arisen from the grave and ridden Babieca to their destruction.

El Cid wanted to be buried with Babieca and his wife, Ximenes at Cardena. But they moved their bodies after the Peninsular Wars, so now El Cid, his wife, and Babieca rest together outside the cathedral in Burgos. I hope someday to walk along that section of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrim's trail to say a few words over the grave of that very sweet horse.

You can read more about this dynamic duo at the following links:
http://www.artbycrane.com/thesupremewarhorseofspain.html
or
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Cid
or
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babieca

Breaking News! Cautious Optimism for my girl!

Two weeks ago, Barbie, Tom and Sandy were working to breed my Hailee, the Saturday and Sunday over Mother's Day. Today Barbie called and said she was with Dr. Burns and there was reason to be cautiously optimistic that Hailee is in foal. They can see the little egg, though her blood isn't going to show the hormonal change yet. So, in another 4 days, he'll check again for the definitive word! Cautiously Optimistic! Here's what I've learned about cautious optimism! Last year, around this time, I was leaving for a pilgrimage in Spain with my Aunt Anita. The best trip ever. The night before we were going to walk our last distance to Santiago de Compostela, we stopped at a pension in Rua. A lovely pension where we stayed in a converted stable in a most welcoming room! So, we check into the pension, and I take a peek out my window and BOOM, I see mares and foals right outside my bedroom window a few feet from where I'll sleep. God's way of giving blessings to me the night before I complete the pilgrimage. But, you know me. I'm a "high spirited" lady and by night time instead of being grateful for my big Valentine of a blessing, I was instead a bit concerned that the mares wouldn't have enough water, given that the water tubs were rather low and it's hot, dry Spanish weather. So, I am laying in the dark, listening to the foals and mares, and wondering about their thirst. And then, suddenly, I hear a truck drive up, and the farmer steps out into the dark night to busy himself with filling the water troughs to the mares' whinnying satisfaction. I fell asleep so satisfied with my small place in the universe and so grateful to be completing the pilgrimage with my aunt. I knew that night that Hailee would have big adventures and that Violet would join our family! So, I think that cautious optimism is a wonderful thing. So, that's a long cryptic story to say that Hailee may be in foal! After Barbie and Tom's careful work, she may become a mom! We'll know for sure next week! Namaste and Buen Camino to you all. Hugs.

Sassy Spanish Pony in Sarria

Here we are on our pilgrimage. This was the only day we got officially lost, but we found ourselves in a lovely country town, with lots of other pilgrims, and were able to have our cafes and treats. On the way to our destination, we met this very sassy, very adorable, very willing to glad-hoof the crowds pony! I love this pony!

The Horse Fountain outside the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

In May and June, 2006, my Aunt Anita and I went to Spain. On part of our trip, we went on pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. We started by visiting the Cathedral in Leon, but then walked from Ponferrada to Santiago. This photo was taken the day after we arrived. It's right outside the Cathedral, and it's called The Horse Fountain. Beautiful. You can't see it in this photo, but there's a beautiful woman holding a torch on this statue too. In front of me, are steps leading to the Cathedral and right inside the door is a stone-carved monument showing Santiago freeing enslaved women. He was a feminist for his time! It was a happy day to lounge about that Horse Fountain in a beautiful medieval city, after a gorgeaus 2-week walk through Spanish countryside!! Hailee had just moved to Kentucky and Violet was in my dreams, getting ready to join my family!