Forest Hills #2
Our second sit took us to Forest Hills, a quiet farm with a wide, open feel. We cared for three horses, a steer, two dogs and a cat — each one adding its own rhythm to the days. This was the sit where I began learning more about horses: feeding them, watching their habits, and slowly understanding their gentle ways. The steer was steady and curious, always keeping an eye on what we were doing.
Out the back was a small dam, a favorite spot for almost everyone. Ducks drifted across the water, calm and unhurried. The dogs loved it most — swimming, splashing, and racing each other along the edge. The horses often wandered down too, standing quietly near the water as if they were part of the landscape.
There was an aviary full of birds, each with its own sound and personality. Their chatter added a soft background to the mornings, a kind of music that made the farm feel alive. And almost every day, the kookaburras arrived. They came close, waiting for a little treat, laughing their big, happy laugh as if they were saying hello. Those moments felt special — simple, friendly, and full of character.
Forest Hills was amazing. It taught us more, slowed us down, and wrapped us in the gentle company of animals who trusted us. It was a sit full of small joys, and it stayed with us long after we left.
To the Left
🐴 Moon — the Boss Mare
One of the horses at Forest Hills was Moon. She was the boss of the herd, and she made sure everyone knew it. When it came to feeding time, Moon was always the first to step forward, trying to get in ahead of the others with that confident, determined way she had.
Even with her strong personality, Moon was a happy girl. There was a calmness in her once she had her food, almost like she was pleased with herself. She was also the largest of the three horses — tall, solid, and full of presence. You could feel her leadership just by watching how the other horses moved around her.
Moon added a lot of character to the sit. She was bold, she was gentle, and she carried herself like she owned the place.
To the Right
🐴 Bay — the Gentle, Shy Mare
Bay was the pregnant mare at Forest Hills, and she carried herself with a quiet, gentle nature. She was shy at first, always taking a moment to decide if she felt comfortable, but once she settled, her softness really showed. There was something calm and steady about her, a peaceful way she moved that made you slow down too.
Bay spent most of her time with Patchy. The two of them were best friends, always standing close together as if they were sharing their own little world. Wherever Patchy went, Bay wasn’t far behind. They grazed side‑by‑side, rested side‑by‑side, and seemed to find comfort in each other’s company.
Watching Bay and Patchy together added a lovely feeling to the sit — a quiet friendship, simple and natural, that made the farm feel even more peaceful. Bay is at the back
🐴 Patchy — the Sweet Little Show‑Off
Patchy was the girl who loved to be noticed. She had a gentle nature, but she also enjoyed being right in the middle of things. If there was a moment to be seen, Patchy was already there. Grant always joked that she was a photo‑bomber, because every time the camera came out, Patchy somehow found her way into the frame.
She wasn’t pushy — just quietly curious and always wanting to be part of whatever was happening. And she adored Bay. The two of them were almost never apart, standing together like best friends who understood each other without needing a sound. Wherever Bay wandered, Patchy followed, and wherever Patchy stopped, Bay settled beside her.
Patchy added a light, playful feeling to the sit. She brought a little sparkle to the paddock, always ready to be seen, always gentle, always close to her best friend. Patchy in the front
To Left is
🐮 Winston — the Old Gentleman
Winston was the old steer at Forest Hills, and he carried himself with a calm, friendly nature. He liked company and was always happy for a pat. There was something steady about him — an old soul who had seen plenty and didn’t rush for anything.
But when it came to food, Winston had his limits. If one of the horses tried to push in on his meal, he stood his ground. Not aggressive, just firm. A quiet reminder that even the gentlest animals have their boundaries.
Winston added a peaceful feeling to the farm. He was soft, patient, and easy to be around — a real gentleman of the paddock.
🐕 Nicky — the Energetic Morning Helper
Nicky was the active young dog of the farm, always ready to start the day before anyone else. Every morning he was excited to help feed the horses and Winston, running ahead as if she knew exactly what needed to be done. After the chores, she loved racing down to the dam for a swim. The water was his favorite place — splashing, diving, and enjoying every moment. Nicky brought a lively, happy energy to the sit, always moving, always ready for the next adventure.
🐕 Lexi — the Gentle Old Girl
Lexi was older and much quieter. She didn’t rush like Nicky. Instead, she walked at her own pace, sometimes beside us, sometimes wandering off to do her own thing. She had a calm presence, the kind that made you slow down a little just by being near her. Lexi added a soft, peaceful balance to the farm — steady, gentle, and happy in her own quiet way.
🐈 The Cat — The Quiet Observer
And then there was the cat, always watching everything with that calm, knowing look cats have. She moved around the house and yard like she owned the place, checking in on us from time to time. Not demanding, just present. She added a small but comforting touch to the sit, a little shadow that drifted in and out of the days.
🌾 Conclusion — Forest Hills
Forest Hills was a sit filled with learning, calm routines, and the kind of small moments that stay with you. The three horses each brought their own personality to the days — Moon with her confident, boss‑mare presence, Bay with her shy and gentle nature, and Patchy with her sweet habit of slipping into every photo. Together they created a peaceful rhythm in the paddock.
Winston, the old steer, added his steady calm. He loved a pat and moved through the days with quiet friendliness, but he always stood his ground when it came to his food. He was a true gentleman of the farm.
Nicky and Lexi balanced each other perfectly — Nicky full of energy, racing to the dam and eager to help with the morning feed, while Lexi moved at her own pace, soft and steady, choosing her own path. The cat drifted in and out of the days, watching everything with quiet curiosity.
The aviary birds filled the air with gentle chatter, and the kookaburras arrived almost every morning, laughing their big happy laugh as they came in for a treat. Their visits made the farm feel alive in a way only kookaburras can.
Forest Hills was more than just a sit. It was a place of learning, friendship, and simple joys — a farm full of personalities that welcomed us in and made the days feel peaceful and complete.
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