Loose Horses

22. Feb, 2009 9 Comments

I am fifteen.
My family and I are traveling the winding country roads of our county, returning home after some trip into town.
It’s very late and the mist is uncommonly dense and low.
The usual amiable chat, though my father is driving with unaccustomed care. As I stare out the windshield, a form gathers from the mist.
Slowly.
Just as it begins to come together, the last of it disappears into the brume, but I catch a glimpse of a tail.
Loose horses! On the road.
STOP!
You: grab the flares from the trunk.
You: take one and go forward in the road as far and as fast as you can get.
You: take another and go back–far.

Six crazed and terrified thoroughbreds, pacing through the fog, leaping from banks into and out of the country road and the creek that runs alongside it. The fog and the horses and the people holding their breath against impending disaster. We search, call, crouch in silence, wait for a horse to approach. Retreat. Grasp, miss. Try again.

Hours later, success.
All caught, warbridled and laboriously walked down the lane to the shocked and grateful owner’s barn.

Exhausted and fog-soaked family returns home just before sunrise for hot chocolate to recount their stories to one another.

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9 Responses to “Loose Horses”

  1. Geri Dunn Reply 22. Feb, 2009 at 3:59 pm

    That is a fabulous story! wow!!!

  2. billie Reply 22. Feb, 2009 at 5:16 pm

    Whew – glad you were able to get them in safely. I loved the way you ‘reported’ the story! :)

  3. enlightenedhorsemanship Reply 22. Feb, 2009 at 5:26 pm

    Geri
    Welcome. I don’t think I’ve seen you here before.
    I tried (probably unsuccessfully) to convey the sense of mystery and excitement I felt at the time. Horses were not an active part of my life and they seemed so, well, fragile and dangerous at the same time.

  4. enlightenedhorsemanship Reply 22. Feb, 2009 at 5:27 pm

    billie
    early years as a reporter.
    blech.
    glad you liked the story. :)

  5. enlightenedhorsemanship Reply 22. Feb, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    Geri
    I wanted to contact you but the link on your site is broken.
    Can you please email me?
    Thanks,
    Kim

  6. Sarah Kos Reply 24. Feb, 2009 at 6:43 pm

    How exciting! beautifully described. I could see it all as I read through it. Wonderful!

  7. enlightenedhorsemanship Reply 24. Feb, 2009 at 7:14 pm

    sarah
    thank you. what a stunning talent you have.
    would you mind if I linked to you and borrowed a photo to post for my next available Wordless Wednesday?
    i love your work.

  8. Sarah Kos Reply 24. Feb, 2009 at 7:28 pm

    Thanks!
    I would not mind at all. :)

  9. enlightenedhorsemanship Reply 25. Feb, 2009 at 11:43 am

    sarah
    Thank you. Look for a post about your work on March 25.
    kim

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