A Horse Is A Horse

We live out in the country, and our neighbors to the south of us have horses. When I first moved here, there were around twelve in total. They slowly dwindled in numbers until there was one left. The people moved out, leaving the horse on its own. We saw the owner come once a week to ensure the horse had water and food. At least I was hoping that was what he was doing.

We Have A Horse

Fall turned into winter and, in turn, caused worry over the horse next door. He did have a small shelter to get relief from the wind, thank God. But what about his water? How is he drinking if it’s frozen? My husband Gary and I saw him pawing in the ice to break it so he could drink. We couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.

So, every morning we bought a pail of water for him. He came by the name of horse; when I called, he would trot over. Soon every morning, he was at the fence line waiting patiently for his water. The water turned into water and food; we didn’t know if he was eating or had food to eat, so we went to Fleet Farm and bought supplies. He let me pet him after a month or so. He tried nipping at me, but thankfully, I had enough clothing on and he did not hurt me. It wasn’t long before he came running, and I didn’t have to call him. He’d drink his water and eat the food. We had a conversation, just him and me. I talked to him, and he listened. We forged a bond. 

Where Are His Owners

Winter turned into spring and then summer. We continued to feed him; the flies in the summertime were relentless. Covering his face and in his eyes. He needed a face mask, but he technically was not our horse, so we did the next best thing. We bought a spray that was supposed to keep flies off him. The first time we sprayed him, he bolted. Deciding that wasn’t going to work, we spread some of the stuff on a rag and patted it on his face. He had a keen sense of smell and didn’t like it, so we did our best. 

Two Years

One year turned into two, and he was still over there. During summer, the field between us and the horse had corn planted; the horse wasn’t allowed on it. We were a field apart now, and I got my exercise trekking across the area to his pasture on the opposite side. He was always glad to see me, greeting me with a head shake and a whinny.

It’s fall now; he is back over by us and stands and waits. Two years have gone by, and he has been my silent yet steady companion. We are close. He lets me rub his nose and his ears. We spoke to the guy who owned him. He told us never to go into the field with him because he is unpredictable; he is a wild stallion. My husband and I had already been in the area alone with him, and he was fine. The owner also told us he was looking to sell him because he was selling the farm. My fondest wish, of course, was to take him and let him live out his life with us. Unfortunately, we do not have the land or shelter for him. It was a sad but certain realization.

Where Did He Go

I went to work one day in the fall after feeding the horse; when I returned home, he was gone. I asked my husband if he had seen him, and he told me he saw people loading him into a trailer, and off they went. I didn’t get to say goodbye.

People Will Be People

I spoke to his previous owner, and he told me his friends, the Williams, took the horse to a woman who had a horse farm in the neighboring town. I found out where the Williams lived, and my husband and I drove to their house. I spoke to a woman who came to the door and explained my situation to her. If I could see him one more time to say goodbye, I’d be good. She told me, “it’s not your horse!” Knowing I wouldn’t get any further with her, we left. 

My husband, bless his heart, drove me around the next town many times looking for the horse. We never did find him. I still think of him and wonder where he is and if he’s happy. 

To get through the day, I believe he is by other horses and living his dream life. Any different scenario is not acceptable.

Some people choose to help others decide to be difficult because they can.

‍