Hoofprints ~ A Love Story

They met one day at the Equi-center, a large boarding stable and show ring. A second home for some of its residents and a place where they could strut their stuff when the time was right. Some of them thoroughbreds, and some were merely scrubby ponies. But when they are in the ring, strutting their stuff, aren’t they all fine Arabians? As they successfully clear each jump, their confidence increases, daring the bar to be put higher and higher. How high will the bar be raised before one of these creatures doesn’t quite clear it and is hurt? Perhaps catching the pole with just the skin of its hoof, but enough to rattle that pole off its moorings. But they aren’t concerned with the thought of pain at this time, they are just enjoying the euphoria of the show and the ride.They were both fantastic creatures. Strong and good looking.
He was impressive with his dark coat and deep brown eyes, withers that twitched with muscle and sinew. He was wrapped in an older blue cape. Even though it was worn and had been repaired many a time, it still served its purpose. So he hung on to the blue wrap like an old friend.
She had a lighter coat, and wasn’t as strong. She wasn’t quite as sure of herself at making some of the high jumps. She had been in the ring a few times now and although she always enjoyed the experience, her last jump had come to a crashing halt and she had been badly hurt. When he met her, she was well on her way to recovering, but was still a little shy of taking that first leap. One day, she knew she would jump again, but she refused to have the bar set lower. If she were going to jump, it would be the biggest hurdle she had tried yet.
They became acquainted and soon that acquaintance grew into more. Although, they were advised not to rush into things, it was already too late. Advice went unheeded and they went into the ring again. He encouraged her, and let it be known how proud he was of her. There were several weeks of elation as they made jump after jump successfully. Each one supporting the other, proud to be seen together. They were boarded in neighboring stalls. So they saw a lot of each other. He gave her lots of attention. Nipped at her through the rails and couldn’t resist nuzzling her soft neck.
She soon became strong enough to go into the ring and jump the highest bar. She once again was becoming her old capable self. No longer frightened of the hurdles. He had enjoyed feeling she needed him. He had been happy to be her hero. Helping her attain heights she had never imagined. She was grateful for all his encouragement. She had leaned on his strength for a while and appreciated the support he had given her during her painful recovery. But now she was jumping cleanly. She needed no encouragement. She was leaping the hurdles independently, and was hoping he would be happy to see her strides and achievements. He was extremely proud of her. He told her that when she jumped he could almost see her angels carrying her over the gate. But somewhere in his heart, he began to feel less needed.
One rainy evening, misfortune came their way. He was bitten by surprise. Out of the darkness he was shaken up and his poor blue coat was damaged beyond repair. He limped along for a few days, missing his old blue wrap but keeping his eye open for a replacement. Eventually, he found a new wrap that was to his liking, one that suited him. It was shiny and black, and he looked oh so good in it. She was impressed with his new acquisition. He strode around the stable to let all the others see how good he looked in his new coat. He was very proud of himself. She was happy for him.He began to spend more time with the other stallions, and less time with her. He was feeling so good about himself these days. More sure of himself and of what he could achieve in the ring. She could feel him backing off, slipping away. But she was the kind of filly that needed the sort of attention he had been giving her before. She started feeling a little jealous. He seemed to have become more distant. He wanted to slow things down, but she couldn’t go backwards, refused to.
So, both happy for having tasted love, they parted ways. She was sad to see him leave in his shiny new black wrap. But knew it was time to move on. She was strong now, and she would always love him for the help he gave her in getting back her strength and confidence. He had given her a taste of passion and a zest for life that she would take with her wherever life leads. She wished him only the best things in life and hopes he knows that he will always be a blue ribbon champion in her heart.

There are two sets of comments below related to this post. I had to republish it in order to load the photos. Blogger was frustrating me today. Anyways, now I was able to load the photos, but couldn't transfer the comments. I am still learning my way around Blog*spot. There is so much to learn, but I am getting there. Having fun along the way.