At The Horses

The early spring wind caught my hair and whipped it around into tangles. I walked down the narrow strip of road, nearing the long driveway with the 'No Trespassing' sign posted above the mailbox. I prayed silently that no cars would zoom by before I was able to get off the road.

To my right, a stone wall was set just behind a line of crab-apple trees, marking the property's boundary. And beyond that, large field split into two sections by white, plastic fences.

I turned down the long driveway. Before you go accusing me of trespassing, let me continue. I turned again onto a small strip of grass between the stone wall and fences. This property is home to my favorite animal in all the world - Daisy the Haflinger pony.

I leaned on the fence watching the twelve-year-old mare ripping up bits of soggy grass from the muddy earth. I stuck my hand through the fence.

"Daisy!" I called, clicking my tongue. She lifted her head with a jerk, ears pricked forward. I called to her again. She swiveled one ear back as if checking something, then started toward me. From frontwards, I could see her round belly sticking out on the sides. I smiled and shook my head. She wasn't that fat. Besides, I'd only known her as 'plump Daisy', so it'd be strange to see her thinner. This was her normal weight to me, and I bet I'm the only one who really loves her as is - just slightly-over-weight.

My smile faded as another shape began meandering its way toward me. It was Riley - the big black quarter horse. He and Daisy had been in the same pasture since the owners moved onto my road, and Riley had always been the bully.

I rolled my eyes. I know he wants attention, but I also know that he has a bad habit of nipping my hands when I try touching him. It's never a friendly nip either.

I've grown more and more wary about slipping through the fence when Riley is near by. He chases me, knowing I'm vulnerable. I must appear like such a skittish filly to him - just another creature he can boss.

As Riley came up behind Daisy, he stretched out his neck toward her. Daisy's ears flattened and she trotted away from him - and me. And Riley continued on his way to me. I frowned at him and marched away. No way was I giving him the time of day. I peered back over my shoulder and saw him watching me leave. I almost felt bad. But then, why does he have to be so mean? His bad habits seem to get worse with the lack of attention he gets. The owner is too busy to spend much time with him. Just three years ago, I wasn't afraid of him at all. Things have changed. I feel separated from Daisy. I can never get very close to her before Riley chases her away.

But maybe it isn't Riley's fault. He has nothing to do all day. No exercise, no attention... If I could just train him, make him work off some of that energy, maybe he would respect me more. But he's the owner's personal horse. They wouldn't let me do anything with him. On the other hand, Daisy's just a paddock pal for Riley...a pet, really. Poor Daisy.

~ This is a non-fiction story ~