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The Tenth Walker  by Lindelea 5 Review(s)
TariReviewed Chapter: 92 on 5/24/2021
I never heard of horses or ponies eating warm mash. I can't imagine anyone taking time to heat their food.

Author Reply: p.s. Thank you for stopping to leave a good word!

TariReviewed Chapter: 92 on 5/24/2021
I never heard of horses or ponies eating warm mash. I can't imagine anyone taking time to heat their food.

Author Reply: I first heard the term in the book Black Beauty, I think. Though I never had the occasion to feed my horse a warm bran mash, I found some references to it in a web search, including this description:

Bran mashes have traditionally been provided to horses by their owners because they believe the high fiber content of bran combined with various mixtures of grains, supplements, and warm water increase water intake during cold weather and prevent colic. Or, they simply want to give their horses a warm, comforting treat.

and

Many veterinarians recommend providing horses with a bran mash once a week during cold winter months when the horses may not be drinking enough water, following stressful work, during long trailer transport across the country or following foaling. They feel that providing a bran mash supplement stimulates the horse’s intestinal tract and provides an alternate water source.
(from https://aaep.org/horsehealth/bran-mash, if you're interested in reading more)

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 92 on 4/25/2020
Finally have time to read and respond. The spacebar isn't particularly reliable on this tablet's keyboard, I find, so forgive me if things run together.

Again I find I appreciate Bill's quiet wisdom and thoughts. I doubt Pippin would be thrilled at a bran mash, and might even object to porridge. But at least the pony appreciates the sentiment if not the specific meal Pippin would prefer. And all are quiet to accommodate Frodo when he needs it. Love them all!

Author Reply: I'm so glad you have a little time for relaxation! I understand problems with spacebars and such. My laptop has a habit of throwing random full stops in here and there. The ' . ' isn't anywhere near my spacebar, so I wonder what gives?

Poor Bill, I'm sure he has no idea of what Pippin would consider a good hot meal! He does his best. I'm so glad to hear what you enjoyed in the reading.

Thanks! (((hugs))) Stay safe!

KathyGReviewed Chapter: 92 on 4/17/2020
I wonder what poor Bill's reaction is going to be, when he learns that he must make his way back to Rivendell or elsewhere alone while the rest go into the Mines of Moria. I cannot imagine that that'll be pleasant news to hear!


Author Reply: Oh gosh, it breaks my heart to think about it. The chapter about the doors of Moria was one of the most difficult I've ever written. I've had to keep my thoughts fixed firmly on the joyful reunion to come in Bree. (That terrible parting was one of the motivations behind writing "Flower Fest", which was almost ridiculously full of laughter and joy and Bill-spoiling. Whew. But he deserves all the spoiling his hobbits care to give him.)

I was glad to see the update to your story with DF this morning, though shocked and saddened by the news you shared. I was just reminiscing about febobe to someone the other day, and how her stories (and others') pulled me into the pleasures of fanfic. It was such an amazing discovery to me, to find that other people loved JRRT's world and characters so much that they didn't want the story to end, sort of like the shock I feel every time I get to the page where Sam says, "Well, I'm home." And then to realize I could even write some of my own imaginings... I still remember the wonder of those early days, gulping down chapters of fanfic as quickly as the authors could post them, and wanting more.

Thanks so much for stopping and leaving a good word.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 92 on 4/17/2020
I think it is like the gambols of young colts, playing at fighting.

That's such a sweet image. :)

Author Reply: I love to drive (or preferably walk) down a rural lane in the springtime in horse country to see the young foals playing at being big, fierce, swift, formidable steeds. They are so cute, maybe partly because they are so earnest about it all!

Thanks for stopping to share your thoughts! I hope this finds you and yours well. (((hugs)))

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