This morning, via the Internet, I learned that the Trickey family is selling Solfari. The daughter is now in her second year of college and no longer has the time to ride him or his herd mate Fauker.

This is big news. I know this horse and have always hoped that someday, I might own him. I met him in 2006, during my first clinic at the Icelandic Horse Farm in British Columbia. By then, Raudi was 3 and Siggi 2. I brashly told trainer Christine Schwartz that I’d bicycled the Great Divide Trail in 2002, and had then decided to eventually do this on horseback. I added that an experienced trail horse would compensate for Raudi and Siggi’s lack of experience.

She then flashed a smile and said that they had just the horse for me. “His name,” she said after pausing for effect, “is Solfari.”

Alys on Solfari

            “And what’s the English translation?” I asked.

            “Sun Traveller,” she said.

Icelandic horses are named on the basis of real or perceived traits. Christine knew this, and had at least in her head, paired me with a horse whose name indicated that he’d be a good trail companion. She then suggested that we go for a ride after lunch, to which I agreed.

It was difficult concentrating on my morning clinic lessons because I was so excited about the prospect of riding this horse. As it turned out, I was not at all disappointed. He behaved nicely while being tacked up, and was a perfect gentleman under saddle. It was, I realized, the first time in years that I felt totally at ease on a horse.

After the ride I followed Christine down to her basement office, and then asked her how much Solfari was going for. I gulped as she said that he was on consignment, and that his asking price was $10,000.00. I made no attempt to dicker because I figured that this, a well-trained horse, was worth every penny.

But just in case – I called Pete who when he heard the price, said no. We did not even get so far as talking about shipping costs.

Two months later Solfari and Faulker were purchased by the Trickeys. The Alaska Icelandic Horse Club president Susan Tilley assisted them in transporting him to Fairbanks. The following summer, I again met up with Solfari. It seemed to me that he wasn’t that fond of arena work, but even so, he did as asked.

Last year I inquired, and asked if he was for sale, for I sensed that he would be an ideal third horse. The Trickeys then said no. Now Solfari is for sale. I would like to purchase him, but well know that our taking him on would send the ark (which now has water at the gunnels) to the depths of the murky sea. So I’m not going to make the Trickey’s an offer.

But in the meantime, I’m getting the word out. I’d like for him to find a home close by, so that I can visit and occasionally ride him.

Reality (as it always does) continues to intervene. There’s a saying, the mare decides the hour and the foal decides the day. Signy and Hrimfari are biding their time – there have been no significant changes. We had a nice walk this morning – the sun’s shining brightly. I’m now sticking close to home, and trying to get work done. Got photography class this evening.

132. 4/19/12: Generator X