Please Come Home

The local paper had its annual ad up, “Szívelova Winter Fest”. That time of the year where a handful of cob-like ponies were brought out for the public to look over before winter. While there won’t be any snow on the ground, the shift in temperature brings out the energy in all of the ponies.

Karter had been waiting for this day, marked on the calendar— circled a million times over. Their alarm was set bright and early, 05:00. Reluctant at first, but filled with excitement as she remembered what day it was. Quietly getting ready to make sure not to wake up the rest of their family. The sun had yet to peak over the tree line. Karter’s car started with a loud rumble, before she finally began her drive off. The drive to the location was a good two hours at least, Karter desperately wanting to make sure to get there as soon as the gates open to look over the prospects.

Pulling up the gravel driveway to park in the lot. Small trembles of anxiety began to slowly arise in Karter’s stomach. With a deep exhale, she exited her car and walked towards the stable. Several stalls were lined with charts, including the basic information of each pony. Although Karter arrived as soon as it opened, there were several other people looking through the charts.

Karter was looking for their next project, something with a basic foundation but not much beyond. There were countless ponies that caught her eye— but one in particular really stood out. The chart read “Jake, 11h Collared Liver Chestnut Stallion.” He was small, a lot smaller than what Karter had wanted. But something about him, maybe it was his cute face or calm but positive demeanor.

Opening the latch, Karter slowly walked into the stall. “Hey there,” she spoke calmly.  Gently rubbing her hand against his forehead, then down his neck and to his back. Making sure he had no signs of tenderness or shyness. They took a step back to inspect the pony, a large grin beginning to develop on her face. “I think you and I would make a good team,” softly patting his neck.

Karter left the stall, there were some other ponies she wanted to inspect before they were put to pasture. This stable had quite the arrangement of horses, from creams to bays, large to small, heavily patterned to plain. Karter picked up the chart of another pony. “Valkyrie, 12.3hh Silver Lavender Bay Mare.” Her purple-grey hued coat was beautiful. Much more “unique” looking versus the chestnut she looked at earlier. Repeating the same process, rubbing the mares body, checking her legs, and giving her a small treat.

An announcement spoke of the horses being transferred to the pasture in five minutes. The prospective customers left the stable with a small piece of paper and numbers of each horse they were interested in. Karter made their way towards part of the fence, peering through the opened barn doors to see if any pony was there. Another announcement went off, saying that they were about to be separated into pens. She made her way towards the chestnut pony. They were given colored ribbons with their name and number embroidered into it.

Karter opened the gate, making sure to close it securely behind her. “Hey boy, long time no see.” She ran her hand down his neck again, patting him sporadically. Karter stood to the left of the pony, gently grabbing a chunk of mane to try to braid the ribbon in. Making sure not to pull on his hair yet keep it sturdy enough to last the winter. The ribbon and bell hung from his mane, quite flashing, honestly. Taking one more glance before they exited the pen. She still had a few ribbons left, but contemplated whether or not any of the others really spoke to her.

The drive home was silent, the radio playing softly and the windows partially rolled down. By the time Karter arrived home it was a little after noon. Walking through the door, they were greeted by their family.

“How did it go, hun? Any of them speak to you?” Her mom spoke excitedly, as if she was the one waiting for a horse.

Karter smiled, “a few of them did, yeah. There was this one chestnut that really caught my eye. I made sure to head over to him first to braid in my ribbon.”

“Did you get any pictures? How long does this usually take before they’re brought back?” And just like that the floodgate of questions was pried open.

Karter and her mom sat on the couch for what felt like hours, talking back and forth about the ponies there, what their plan was, and if they were excited. The pair talked for quite a bit longer before Karter had some chores to finish before the day was over.