A bit of added excitement

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On Sunday, my partner and I, together with Little One, went for a walk to explore some ‘green lanes’ - narrow, unsurfaced lanes used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. We were strolling along under shady trees, enjoying the peaceful surroundings, listening to the birds singing and looking out for any interesting wildlife when suddenly there was the sound of hooves and a horse came careering around the bend ahead of us. I called out ‘runaway horse!’ and my partner grabbed Little One and jumped behind a tree on the bank at the edge of the path. My first thought was to do the same - but my second thought was that that wouldn’t really be very helpful - what if the horse ran into a road? - and perhaps I should try and do something to catch it instead. Luckily the horse was still about 20 yards away. I stepped out into the middle of the path and stretched my arms out to try and look as though I was blocking the way. I admit my heart was beating harder than usual and if it didn’t work I was prepared to jump back behind the tree! But luckily the horse looked a bit surprised, slowed to a trot, and finally stopped a couple of yards ahead. We just stood there looking at each other for a few minutes while I talked quietly, then I was able to reach out, let the horse sniff my outstretched hand, and then eventually take hold of his headcollar. Then we waited for some lost human to turn up! After a while I started to think that the people responsible for him might be a long way off, or perhaps even lying injured in a field somewhere, but fortunately after a few more minutes two people hurried round the bend and were very happy to see their horse standing quietly there with me stroking his velvety neck. So that was my good deed for the day, and a bit of added excitement on our little walk! Photo shows random other horses, which may or not run away on occasion! All rights reserved. © Text and image copyright Fleur 2021.