Please Polaris!

The bay mare nudged me, her soft nose bumping against my arm. I gave her an absent minded pat as I walked by. As usual, she followed. I'd told a few people now about the wild mare that seemed to follow me wherever i went, and they all laughed, though I thought it was sweet. She was beautiful, a rich bay coat with the most stunning markings - if there was ever a horse that I'd try to tame, it would be her. But so far my resolve had been strong. I'm sure there was someone better for her out there, and while I had enough room for her, it would break my heart to bring her home and then realise she didn't get on with my other horses. I sighed as she nudged my arm again.

She was the highlight of my walks, and with every day that passed, my resolve to not bring her home weakened. I'd never seen her amongst the herd of wild teddies, she was always out here alone, and that broke my heart a little. I had a thought, so I decided to go a different route to normal today, and she followed happily alongside, matching my pace perfectly and nickering happily as I talked nonsense to her.

I followed the edge of the ranch, taking the opportunity to check the state of the fencing as i walked, and making a little note in my sketchbook of any sections that could do with a little fixing. As I crested the hill, I heard a familiar nicker. My sweet gelding, Nico, came trotting over, as vocal as ever. He came right up to the fence and spotted the wild mare. Always friendly, he gave a low huff in greeting. The mare beside me let out an uncertain nicker in reply. My mare, Dew, ambled over next to Nico, her mane full of flowers as usual no matter how much I brushed it. She was munching some grass but watching the wild mare with interest. I stepped back, allowing the wild mare the choice, whether to turn and run, or to investigate Nico and Dew. Her ears flicked back and forth as she thought for a moment, and Nico stretched out his big head as far as his neck would let him. 

After a long, long moment, the wild mare stepped forwards, stretching out to reach towards Nico. Their muzzles touched and they both nickered softly. Dew blinked sweetly at the newcomer, and then they greeted each other too, as though theyd known each other forever. I was astonished, and beyond pleased - these two were my world and it looked like they'd be perfectly happy to have one more added to our little herd. I walked towards the three of them and gave them all a pat, before continuing to walk. The wild mare and i walked past the field (only four fence panels needed fixing) and into the valley beyond, where there was a clear blue pool that looked inviting no matter the weather. I sat next to it and laughed as I heard the THUMP made by the mare sitting beside me. I looked over at her, and her startling blue eyes looked back.

“Are you sure you wanna come with me?” The mare blinked and then stretched out her front legs, laying her head on my knee. I smiled, and then pulled out the bell ribbon that I'd braided weeks ago, when the mare had first begun following me on my daily walks. It was pink and gold, braided in a delicate plait, with a golden bell at the end. The bell ribbons were an old tradition, but at heart it was simply a way of letting the horse choose for itself whether it wanted to come home with you or not. I stroked her lovely head and then wound the bell-ribbon into her long mane, enjoying the contrast of the colours against her monochrome hair. She shook her head, the bell jingling as she did. We'd see if she still wore it in a weeks time, when the wild horses got rounded up and brought down to the stables, but I had hope. I pulled out my sketchbook and began to draw, spending a wonderful summer morning doing what I enjoyed most.