This Horse Will Self Destruct in 3, 2, 1…

Some horses just can’t stay out of trouble — like Northstar, owned by reader Lauren Ellis. In celebration of his birthday, she reflects upon some of his most epic misadventures.

Lauren explains:

Northstar is a just-turned 7-year-old Australian Stock Horse located in the southern Philadelphia area. He is terribly smart, too smart for his own good. He has a knack for letting us know when something has gone wrong in our pasture due to his curiosity of all things horse-stay-away-from. He has been known to get himself stuck in trees that have just fallen down by eating his way in and not knowing how to get back out. Luckily he has the brains to stay fairly calm in these situations — waiting for someone to come rescue him rather than panicking and trying to escape.

North was beginning his training in working equitation when we purchased him as a 4 year old. We have since started his training in polocrosse, dressage and some jumping. He has proven himself to be a dependable trail horse 99% of the time, not bothering to be worried about wild animals, cars, bikes, farm equipment, etc. But has clearly let it been known that other horses out to pasture are not his forte. He will happily show you his ability to make a 180 spin and launch to get away from those crazy horses who are busy eating grass and most likely ignoring him. At least I can say he has taught me a more balanced seat.

Editor’s note: A few of the photos below are kinda gross. That’s horse ownership, though, am I right?

The day we realized we couldn’t leave downed trees in the pasture without a fence around them. Thanks North!

The day we realized sawing tree branches out from under your horse is just as difficult as it sounds. Thanks North!

The day I learned how to rig up bandages in the most awkward places. Thanks North!

The day he promised to stand all by himself in the bucket. Thanks North!

The day we learned how far we can stretch while standing in that bucket. Thanks North!

The day we learned that holes in ligaments take a long time to heal. Thanks North!

The day we learned about puncture wounds. Thanks North!

The day we learned about wound drainage. Thanks North!

The day we learned that horses don’t actually need nostrils. Thanks North!

The THIRD day we learned that horses don’t actually need nostrils. Thanks North!

At least he is handsome.

At least he’s dependable.

He keeps us entertained with his ability to get hurt and he’s teaching me to be a vet without paying for vet school. It’s a good thing he is cute, love that baby! Happy birthday, North!

Do you have a “North” in your life? Share photos of their exploits in the comments section below!