Can’t Catch Me

Thundering hooves echoed through the early mist morning, soft rays of light sneaking through the trees opening. A shadow of light brown fur with cream hair came barreling down the hill, answering the call of other ponies throughout the fields. With the winter months approaching there were plenty of ponies without bells braided into their hair. There stood Evelyn Keaton, eagerly waiting until she can enter the meadows, basically pacing back and forth along the fence line. Staring out past the hills, imagining what ponies await her on the other side. With just a few minutes left until she can begin her adventure, she radiated with anticipation. Finally able to open the cold lock- pushing the gate open, she set foot into the field. Taking a deep breath, Evelyn gripped firmly on the ribbon with a small golden bell attached. Shaky steps trudged through dew covered grass, glistening worn rubber boots.

What felt like hours later, Evelyn situated herself near a thin tree, resting her backpack against it for a small break. Rummaging through her things, she pulled out a water bottle and some snacks. The faint crinkle noises echoed throughout the hills- catching the attention of some wandering ponies nearby. Placing her belongings back into her backpack, Evelyn was ready to continue her journey- already fumbling with the idea of camping out overnight if needed. Taking one last sip of her water, she threw the pack over her shoulders and readjusted herself. Quickly turning around, Evelyn froze; a curious creature had snuck her nose out to smell this new person. Practically holding her breath, Evelyn stood as still as she possibly could, not wanting to spook the horse.

The chocolate pony slowly inched closer, curiosity getting the better of her. Sticking out her hand, she wanted to come across as least threatening as possible. A loud snort exhaled from the mares nostrils, her head shot up and her front hoof slammed against the ground. Shit, Evelyn thought, but the mare didn’t run, didn’t even move backwards. Her withers twitched as she stepped closer, eared pricked forward with an interested gaze. Painstaking minutes later, Evelyn was able to slowly approach the mare with gentle pats. Cooing softly, Evelyn quietly brought out the pink ribbon with a small gold bell attached. While the mare grazed, she was able to braid the silk fabric into the clean cream tail, trying to make sure it would stay on during the winter.

SNAP.

Another pony must have stepped on a dead stick, spooking the entire herd with the chocolate mare included. Finally able to breathe, Evelyn patted her hands together, and started her journey back to the stables.