One of the most fascinating mythical figures in Welch literature was that of a Celtic Shaman, we all know as the Wizard called Merlin. He was a force to be reckoned with, a man with a magical touch, and extraordinary powers. Even the mighty King Arthur’s crown came about because of Merlin’s prowess. He was powerful, fueled with the knowledge to make the impossible happen. Therefore when it came time to give our Rocky Mountain Songbird a new name it just had to be RMS Magical Merlin.

Merlin’s first sighting happened on an early 2009 spring day in the wild and rugged desert lands of south eastern Montana. As soon as the three year old gelding discovered company had come to his homeland without hesitation he came on a ground devouring run thru the rocks, into gullies and up the other side, leaping over prickly pear cactus absolutely leaving the rest of the herd in his dust cloud. His purpose was to be the first to greet his visitors and see what goodies they had brought. Still sporting a shaggy long haired brown winter coat he was a fit and handsome young man. And so it came to pass that the newly named Merlin would be spending his next winters as an Idaho resident.

That fall Merlin started his driving career and by the time he arrived on the Camas Prairie he was coming along nicely. At fifty-nine inches he’ll be the tallest in the hitch.

Here is how it looked as Janelle, his breeder and trainer, Kristi and Merlin embarked on our first drive.