artist teddy in the meadow

It was a perfect day for pony catching, the weather was beautiful with a bright sunny sky and a soft breeze blowing the heat away from the crowd. Many had gathered in an attempt to claim one of these precious ponies for their own, to form and cherish a special bond. 

The herd of teddy cobs was gathered in a small, sunny meadow, with various colored flowers scattered around their feet. They calmly grazed as people approached them. The moment someone tried to tie their bell, the herd dispersed, causing extreme chaos amongst the crowd. 

“Watch where you're going! That's my teddy cob, I’ve already laid claim!” Alyss was shoved and pushed as others tried relentlessly to bell their pony. She stood there in awe, not really sure how exactly she would go about the situation. With the mess of ponies and people, it was hard to even single one out. Flashes of color were everywhere, not slowing down. Flower petals were floating, grass was kicked up. Eventually, one of the ponies started moving a bit slower. A small bay teddy eared mare wanted to stop for a snack. She would pause, and then pick up again as soon as someone got near. Not wanting to waste the opportunity, Alyss decided to get in on the action. She ran a bit ahead of the pony’s path, making sure to avoid other horsemen. 

“Where would a teddy cob stop for a snack?” She whispered to herself as she walked through the tall grass. There was a small fallen log, creating a hiding space. 

“Perfect!” As quickly as the ponies had ran, Alyss moved into position, crouching into the tall grass by the log. 

“Just quit already! This one is mine, I’ve been pursuing her for too long to give up.” 

“It's fair game for anyone, you know that. Whoever can bond successfully gets to claim them!” 

Alyss listened to the frustrated chatter of others, hearing their voices grow louder as the teddy made her way toward the log area. Alyss ducked down, looking at them through a small hole in the rotting wood. Multiple people were struggling to get the mare’s enthusiastic attention. They were bouncing around, trying to pet or feed her a treat. She didn’t seem interested at all. As she approached Alyss jumped out and caught her off guard. Just as she was about to tie the bell, she too was surprised. 

“I got her!!” A small child had taken advantage of the stopped mare and hopped up on her back, tying their bell and ribbon to the mare's mane. A clever catch, but disappointing. 

“I really thought I had it that time! Good job,” Alyss sighed as she congratulated them. The sun was still shining high and the amount of unclaimed ponies was dwindling. What was once a great scatter, began to slow down. It didn't seem good for her. She watched as ponies began to acclimate to the crowd, almost finding and claiming their own person to bond with willingly. She decided to take a break after the many unsuccessful attempts, finding a cool shady spot to relax.

“What a good day either way,” She smiled and set down her backpack. Taking out a small canvas, she set up a little painting easel, and grabbed some paints. With the pony herd and people in view, she began painting the scenery. Large hills with tall grass. Bright blue sky fading into a sunset. The flowers in bright shades of red, orange and yellow colors. The memory encapsulated in artwork. 

“At least I can have this wonderful moment.” She stepped back, almost bumping into a large creature who had appeared behind her. Startled she turned around and was face to face with an overo teddy eared pony. He was calmly standing there, watching her. 

“How long have you been watching me?” Alyss asked, puzzled at her inability to sense the pony in her space. He was quiet, just breathing in the cooling air. Without much thought, he moved toward the painting and smudged it with his nose, adding a little blurred silhouette to the area representing where they were standing. 

“Be careful, that's wet — ah well.” Upon inspection, Alyss could see that the nose marking looked oddly like them. A little cluster of beings in the distance from the event. 

“Wow, you enjoy painting too huh?” She looked at the black overo, finally getting a good look at his coat. His mane was faded, giving him small hints of color to compliment his extravagant white coverage. His little teddy ears swiveled as he listened to her speak. 

“Would you want to stay with me?” She patted him softly. “We could make tons more paintings together.” He looked at her puzzled at first, but then moved his head into her hands, warm and affectionate. Without hesitation, Alyss reached into her pocket and grabbed the bell and ribbon she had brought. Grabbing a clump of mane, she began to tie. However, something was missing. 

“One moment, please stay here.” She scurried into the flowers momentarily, picking out a pretty one. Upon returning, the teddy cob let out a joyous neigh, clearly approving her choice. Alyss began to tie again, this time adding the gorgeous flower to the mix, to commemorate their meeting. 

“Thank you,” She wiped tears away from her eyes. “You truly have made this moment more special than I could have imagined.” He moved his head into her arms again as she left. She didn't pick a teddy cob that day, a teddy cob picked her.