Jake came by last evening about bedtime. He was looking for his horse that jumps fences and breaks bridle reins when tied. The lost horse is a gray with dapples and sure is a fine looking animal. Beware of him because his name is not to be trusted. Jake named him Sugar when he bought him from a dealer in New Mexico who said the horse had manners like a darling child.
Jake begged me to go with him, so I dressed warm and climbed into his truck. We must have driven a hundred miles before we spotted Sugar in the ditch. He was grazing and waiting for his master to come haul him home. I sure was glad to see him. You know how a white horse or cow shows up in the pickup lights and I was relieved.
The old pony stood perfectly still as Jake put the halter on him and then loaded like he was the best horse in the county. He had not one scratch or mark on his body, and Jake was sure tickled to get him back. The why is something I can't understand.
Sure, the delightful Sugar is a wonder when handling and working. He can turn on a dime, has a lot of cow sense and does not throw his head or wring his tail. I have been told this horse will stand quiet and still while shoes are attached to his hooves, never offers to bite or kick and lets kids ride double or triple. But the good parts are only good if he happens to be where you put him. Bridle reins are pretty expensive and, when tied, a horse should be exactly where you left him when you return.
I was tired and didn't make much talk as we headed home. Jake was talking about the ropings he was going to the next few weeks. I like to hear him talk and, so, I sat still and quiet. I was entertained and happy to be going home. The blown tire was loud as it exploded and made the truck veer across the yellow line and then into the ditch. Jake controlled it pretty well, but I was shook up pretty good.
The trailer hitch held and Sugar was alright. We had a spare tire in the bed of the truck and a jack somewhere amongst the junk. The ground was damp and soft and it is not easy to jack up a pickup with the jack sinking into the dirt. Only took two hours to get the tire changed and head back down the road.
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, a friend and neighbor does whatever a feller friend and neighbor asks of him. I am glad Jake thought of me to help him. I don't hesitate to try to assist when needed. I sure wish things like loose horses and prowling skunks would occur in the daylight so I could get the rest I need. Dragging in at breakfast time is for young fellers, not middle-aged ones like me.
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 12/14/2016