Profile 6132 A Little Death

A Little Death—affectionately known as Alfie—moves with a quiet confidence and regal poise, yet his pride never tips into arrogance; instead, it fuels a steadfast loyalty that makes him a trusted companion to humans and animals alike, whether he is guiding a lost foal, standing guard during a storm, or nuzzling a trembling friend to calm them. Raised among sturdy ranch horses, Alfie inherited a dual nature from his sire, a legendary trailblazer, and his dam, a gentle mare who could calm storms: boldness tempered by nurturing patience, a combination that now serves him as a beloved ranch hand, a therapy horse for visiting children, and a competitor in the discipline of eventing.
He is peppered with endearing quirks—a playful wiggle of his left ear whenever curiosity strikes, an extra spring in his trot when parading his favourite human, a relentless nudging for a scratch behind the elbow, a sudden bolt whenever the mail‑box clinks as if to “rescue” the mailman, and a soft, melodic whinny at dawn that awakens the stable hands whether they like it or not. These characteristics sit alongside his formidable strengths: a calm, natural leadership that steadies panicked animals during fires or storms, keen emotional intelligence that lets him rest his head on a weeping child or an injured companion, an unshakable work ethic that pushes him to perfect every task and learn new tricks for riders, and a protective streak that sees him charging a threatening stranger—though he’ll pause if reminded not to eat the flowers. Yet his pride can become a flaw; stubbornness makes him refuse help even when injured, as when he limped alone after a thorn prick until coaxed into treatment, and his eagerness to support others leads to overcommitment, leaving himself exhausted. Among his fun facts, Alfie possesses a hidden talent for opening the pasture‑gate latch with his nose—a skill he once used to escape and later to let loose fellow horses—while his musical taste leans toward country and snorts at pop. Foals call him “Big Alfie,” the ranch cat curls up in his saddle when he’s stabled, and together these details paint a picture of a horse who wears his heart (and his pride) on his sleeve.