Sweet 16

February 18, 2011

Today is Tank’s 16th birthday, though as a registered Quarter Horse, he “officially” turned 16 on Jan. 1. Tank and Frenchy, another horse at our barn, share a birthday and we always have a special celebration for them and the horses of our friends. The birthday party will take place next week, but here are some photos from past years:

Frenchy

Tank

Yum

Glory--notice the stylish tiara

It may seem ridiculous to throw a birthday party for horses—and in the scheme of “serious life,” it is. They don’t know or care what a birthday is—but, hey, someone is handing out molasses cake and carrots, how can I get some? They’re very focused that way.


We obviously don’t celebrate the horses’ birthdays for the horses. We do it because we look for excuses to celebrate, to share food (because there is yummy food for humans at these parties, too) and laughter. It’s one of my favorite simple pleasures.

How did you celebrate today?

Happy birthday, Tank!

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12 comments

  1. TimareeFebruary 18, 2011 at 9:59 PM

    Happy Birthday Tank! He may not know it's his birthday but I bet anything he does know he's loved!

    That last photo of him is really something. He's got such a great expression.

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  2. Kathy A. JohnsonFebruary 18, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    Thanks, Timaree--I'll pass on your birthday wishes to him! He is quite spoiled, but has a very sweet and gentle personality, and what is known as a "kind eye."

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  3. KellyFebruary 18, 2011 at 11:09 PM

    Haha...I LOVE the carrot candles. We look for any excuse at all to celebrate a birthday...a horse's birthday fits the bill! (I celebrated today because the Red-winged Blackbirds flew in last night and are in our backyard now...that means SPRING is near!)

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  4. Claire MFebruary 18, 2011 at 11:25 PM

    I agree with you - this 16th birthday is something to celebrate. I love your creative cake too!! Happy Birthday!!

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  5. Kathy A. JohnsonFebruary 19, 2011 at 10:16 AM

    Kelly--Redwing blackbirds are indeed cause for a celebration!

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  6. Kathy A. JohnsonFebruary 19, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    Claire--Thanks for the birthday wishes--I'll pass them on to the birthday boy!

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  7. DanielleFebruary 19, 2011 at 2:15 PM

    What lovely animals! It may seem frivolous to celebrate a birthday like that, but really I think how a person treats an animal says a lot about the person--love and kindness and respect surely show through in other aspects of your life as well. It sounds like fun and any reason so get together and celebrate a little can only be a good thing in my book!

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  8. Kathy A. JohnsonFebruary 21, 2011 at 8:07 AM

    Thank you, Danielle. I agree--how people treat animals (and children) says a lot about their level of kindness in my book, also.

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  9. Laure FerlitaFebruary 21, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    Hmmmm, this gives new meaning to the term "party animal"....now, does it apply to you or to Tank?!!!!


    Happy day(s) to you and your boy!

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  10. Kathy A. JohnsonFebruary 21, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    Laure--Ha! I think it applies to both of us :)

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  11. KMarch 6, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    How ADORABLE! Love the cake and the "excuse" to throw a party! Happy birthday, Tank!

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  12. Kathy A. JohnsonMarch 7, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    Thanks, Krista!

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