"He shared another apple with the stallion the next morning, and then climbed through the fence with a rope in his hand. Most of the Tooks were eating early breakfast, if they were up at all, and so he had a good bit of time when they ought not to be disturbed. He used the rope, tossing it towards the pony’s hindquarters, to push the stallion in the direction he wanted the beast to go, keeping him moving, keeping him guessing, never giving him time to think... it wasn’t long before he had the pony turning when he told him to turn, stopping, listening, watching for direction rather than opportunity.
When they came to a good stopping place..."
I absolutely love this chapter. This is the best way to start a horse. Exactly as you say, 'it teaches them to look for direction rather than opportunity', and that is exactly what you want in a horse. Lovely descriptions! This was the chapter that made me love Ferdi originally. How an animal is treated by it's master is a good judge for his character. Kudos!
Author's reply
Thanks so much!
When I originally bought my mare, though I'd been riding for years, I didn't know much about dealing with a horse that had been abused. In fact, I didn't know enough to realize she'd been abused! But another owner at our stables recognized the signs and recommended a trainer to help me with my mare's "quirks", and my mare and I both learned so much from her... A lot of Ferdi's (and his father's and uncle's before him) skill with ponies reflects the knowledge my trainer Barbara so effectively applied and generously shared with me. (I also got help from others in the fanfic community who knew the proper words to describe the process since I'd learned by first observing and then applying rather than reading about it.)
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and encouragement!
PSW
· 22 April 2025
· Chapter 54: A New Day
Another lovely chapter! What a great end to this tale. ❤️
I enjoyed it, and getting to know Ferdi a bit. I’m glad he has a chance at happiness w his new family.
Thx for sharing! I think I’ll pop over to Flames next…
Author's reply
I missed seeing these reviews, though it's all too likely you mentioned reading this story and I forgot. But thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts! I will be reading over reviews over the next few days (if all goes well and RL cooperates), and I'll be enjoying hearing your take on the story as it progresses!
I hope this note finds you well if you run across it in future. (((hugs)))
PSW
· 22 April 2025
· Chapter 53: After the Drought, a Deluge
What a wonderful chapter!! My favorite in the story - I love seeing everyone happy and Gimli and all the lovely gifts!
PSW
· 22 April 2025
· Chapter 52: About a Year Later
😮 Really??
PSW
· 22 April 2025
· Chapter 51: Of Ruin and Redemption
Aw - love the It’s a Wonderful Life ending of this chapter! I knew the folk would come through for him - people appreciate honesty about these types of things.
PSW
· 22 April 2025
· Chapter 50: Truth Be Told
Ha! Once the truth is out there will be nothing but gossip! His is just the beginning!
PSW
· 22 April 2025
· Chapter 49: Tea and Talk and Mouths to Feed
Good grief! I’d say ‘what else can go wrong’ … but it’s generally bad to ask things like that. Pippin is doing a good job though - or at least the best he could be doing. His decision to tell the truth is good, regardless of how it turns out.
PSW
· 22 April 2025
· Chapter 46: Unexpected Turn
Oh wait - that was Friend, wasn’t it?? 🤣
Author's reply
It was Friend, indeed!
Thanks!
PSW
· 22 April 2025
· Chapter 46: Unexpected Turn
Oh yikes - that’s unfortunate. And things had gone so well! I understand why rules like that are made, but it’s hard when nobody knows about them…
PSW
· 22 April 2025
· Chapter 39: Slipping the Surly Bonds
That’s a wonderful idea! So glad he will be able to leave the Smials! And after so long…
PSW
· 22 April 2025
· Chapter 38: By Any Other Name
‘Unhobbity’ is a funny word… :-D
So glad Ferdi is starting to feel better. Here’s hoping he’s up for the race!
PSW
· 22 April 2025
· Chapter 35: Clearing the Air
Good for Pippin! So glad to see him growing - into himself, into this new role.
PSW
· 22 April 2025
· Chapter 33: In the Bargain
Well, maybe this will at least teach Pippin to think before he rattles out judgements he’ll later regret. It really did seem extraordinarily harsh over a pony he had ordered killed anyway - I’ve been troubled over that whole thing since it happened. I know Pippin is doing what he thinks is expected as Thain, but perhaps this is something he needs to work on…
PSW
· 22 April 2025
· Chapter 23: Needle in a Haystack
I’m happy that Dapple didn’t die! And hopefully she will be all right. Now if only they can find Ferdi…
PSW
· 21 April 2025
· Chapter 22: Worrying Business
Ohhh - no, Dapple! That’s so sad. 😞 I’m glad the stallions showed up to save him though!
PSW
· 21 April 2025
· Chapter 13: The Challenge
Stallions are going to do these things … it seems hard to kill him because he’s acting the way stallions act. Still, it’s understandable that Pippin has had a fright. Hopefully he will change his mind.
PSW
· 21 April 2025
· Chapter 10: Where Are Ye Goin' on this Merry Day?
What a lovely chapter, and a lovely time they were having right up until the end. I hope whatever’s happening with the sheep is not as serious as it sounds…
PSW
· 21 April 2025
· Chapter 9: Trapping a Fox
Its hard to tell the Gamgees ‘no’…
Author's reply
Oh, those big, pleading eyes... Somehow in my mind's eye, I can see the little ones with the wide eyes listening to Bilbo telling stories in the Fellowship movie. Imagine being surrounded by a mob of curly-haired, wide-eyed Gamgee children!
(Thanks!)
PSW
· 21 April 2025
· Chapter 8: A Tangible Expression of Gratitude
Ha! Loved the turnabout at the end! And it was a good ask too - Sam won’t be able to turn him down.
I’m enjoying this so far! So glad Ferdinand has been able to work with the stallion and get him under control - both for the horse’s sake and for Goldi’s…
Author's reply
So glad you've enjoyed these first few chapters!
It was lots of fun to turn the tables on Sam. He really is a good Mayor! (Though he's perhaps a little too humble to admit it... yet.)
Thanks!
PSW
· 20 April 2025
· Chapter 1: A Kingly Gift
The start of a new story! What a great place to be…
I wonder what this pony’s story is - perhaps he does owe his existence to Socks ;-), but surely Eomer had to have something else in mind than send him an unmanageable pony as a gift for this kind of occasion. I wonder if something else that the groom’s illness happened along the way… Guess we shall find out!
Eirinn Leigh
· 18 November 2015
· Chapter 53: After the Drought, a Deluge
You have always worked literary references into your stories but your hobbitty parallel of Hrothgar's golden hall defies words. Oh Pip! Oh Ferdi!
...
As for the rest of the story, you have held me spellbound.
Author's reply
Belated thanks for this review, which I saw only just now as I was checking a few details while writing a new story connected to this one. Now I am going to look up Hrothgar's golden hall... What fun!
I appreciate your coming along on the journey and stopping by to leave an encouraging word.
Nienor Niniel
· 22 August 2006
· Chapter 54: A New Day
Oh, great! The problem with the Took's economical situation is a great idea, and I like how you solved it, and also how you showed Pippin's development over it.
And I also enjoyed the fact that there is a lot of Ferdibrand in this fic, and that he and Pippin worked on their friendship in a way.
And the Gamgee's children are really precious!
Nienor
Author's reply
Thank you for "hitting the high points" in what you liked about the story. It is always a pleasure to be able to catch a glimpse through someone else's eyes.
Endaewen
· 1 October 2005
· Chapter 54: A New Day
Another incredible story. Not posted on FFN, right. Otherwise I can't see how I missed it there.
Author's reply
Didn't I answer this review? I can't believe I missed thanking you for leaving feedback.
Well, thank you now, anyhow.
Author Reply: p.s. I got rather frustrated with ff.net a year or two ago and stopped updating there. Will have to go back and see if it's become any more user friendly than it wasn't, then.
Anso the Hobbit
· 23 September 2004
· Chapter 54: A New Day
Happy ending! *dancews around with all the Tooks sqeeling with glee*
And Yay for Farry finding the treasure hoard. i was sure theere wans`t any treasure and that Pip had to work it all up from scratch again. And yay for Pip being well again and Gimli with all the gifts for him. And Ferdi is happy with Nell and everything is all right. :)
Author's reply
Goodness, I missed this review! Was so glad to find it just now. Thanks!
Anso the Hobbit
· 20 September 2004
· Chapter 41: On to Michel Delving
I had to laugh when I read about the treasure hoards. Treasure indeed! :) Won´t the Tooks and the rest of the Shire be surprised when or if they find out. Pip is a good Thain I think, for all that he still has to grow up some and rein his temper. He is generous and kind and even takes his own sheep to sell so that hobbits must not freeze during winter. I hope he finds a solution to help that farm-family too.
The pony-sling to carry injured was a genial idea! I loved that.
It´s good Ferdi and Pip had their troubles sorted out. Pippin is learning by the day and hopefully Ferdi will not take as large risks in the future, but I think I`m hoping in vain here. His actions does make a good story.
Will read more later, I do have to work now, but it`s so quiet here that I stole away some time to read a little.