There are different kind of communities.
Mushing communities.
Horse communities.
We are fortunate to belong to both.
The other morning, around 6:30 a.m., I looked up from the computer at the Wee House and saw our local Sheriff, Dan Bean, heading down our long drive with urgency.
Rustic Russ was doing chores, and had already fed the horses.
Upon Sheriff Bean’s arrival, we found out the reason for this early morning visit.
A horse was loose, down the road a bit.
Our dirt road.
Sheriff Bean was concerned it might be in danger of being hit by a passing vehicle during the early morning hours.
Our horses were all accounted for, even though the description of one fit our “Buck”.
Our friends, the Troyer’s, were on standby with their truck and horse trailer to pick up the early morning equine.
Sheriff Bean returned about a half hour later, with good news.
The horse had been trailered and hauled over to Troyers for safe keeping until the owner could be located.
Later that night, Rustic Russ and I went over to Erv and Deb Troyers to take a peek at the runaway, and to see our new horse, Comanchero.
You know you are with horse people when you pull into the Troyers.
There’s no mistaking it.
Yes, my new horse is Comanchero. He won out over that smooth, handsome black beauty, Calvin.
Plus Deb and Erv knew what I needed. A horse that would fit “me”.
Just like the girl at the Prom, pining for the handsome football star across the crowded dance floor, I quickly realized my heart truly belonged to the boy I had originally sought out.
The one with the chunk taken out of his lip from his years as a stallion on the range.
Comanchero.
Chero is a gentleman and will treat me like a lady.
And that will suit me just fine.
While visiting, and combing out Chero’s over-the-winter tangles, we heard the story of the loose horse.
And the outcome.
Erv said later in the morning a young girl stopped by their place, appearing worried, looking for a runaway horse. Keep in mind, Erv and Deb own many horses, Mustangs, as they have a riding stable located on a little used road one road over from us. Hobby Horse Riding Stable.
Erv: “What can I help you with young lady?”
Girl: “Have you seen a horse today?”
Erv: “I’ve seen a lot of horses today…” **smile**
Girl: “I mean, have you seen a horse come by here?”
Erv: “Was it a sorrel?”
Girl: “Yes…”
Erv: “With a white blaze?”
Girl: “Yes!”
Erv: “Was it wearing a red halter?”
Girl: “YES!!!”
Erv: “Sorry, haven’t seen it.”
Of course, by then the girl realized Erv was pulling her leg.
The girl and her horse were reunited and all was well in our Small Town.
A small town where the Sheriff knows your name, and the Animal Control officer stops by for coffee, and your neighbors get up at the crack of dawn and treat a horse as their own.
I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Until tomorrow ~ loving my small town life ~ God willing,
Woodswoman
