Right from the start, it was obvious that our first born filly Isolde yar’Arwen was not like “ordinary” horses. Unlike Kalahari and foals in general, she was instinctively drawn to humans, and always tried harder to copy human behavior than equine. At first, we did not think so much about it (after all, everyone is different!) but then the other day, we did a spectacular discovery when Isolde perchance decided to demonstrate her artistic side!…

While the other horses share a group siesta in the shade, Isolde lies by herself in the sun.

She is working on a canvas in the sand, using her snout to achieve the intended result.

“Over here, it need a little more adjustment!”

And voilà - a hoof in the sand, snoutdrawn by a barb filly. Not bad for a six-month-old!

Once her painting is done, she leans back and studies her work.

Pleased with the result, she compliments herself by hugging her achievements and at the same time, makes sure to erase any evidence of her wonderful talents. Some talents are best kept secret!

She lies down and reflects on her upcoming project. What shall she work on next? A feeding bowl? A saddle? A stallion to replace beautiful Illami whom she still misses?

In the meantime, let me do my google research and see if there are any equine art classes available for horses in West Africa!