My world is becoming beautiful with miracles of resurrection and new growth. There are sweet, fresh blossoms popping up everywhere. Red and green leaf buds have formed on tree limbs and are ready to burst open. Daffodils are smiling in the sun, whispering, “It’s Spring!” to everyone who will listen.
I feel like a restless Palomino mare, ready to pounce out of the stables and go for a gallop around the yard. I want to stop at all my favorite trees and bushes, and check out my cherished grassy patches. I want to breathe in that fresh spring air.
I confess I’ve never ridden a horse except in my imagination. It’s not that I don’t like them. It’s just that I have allergies to grasses, hay and particularly to the timothy they love to eat.
My Hubby chuckles every time we reach the fourth hole of our golf course. Out comes the Kleenex and I calmly tell whoever is playing with us that there’s a horse farm nearby. They always look around, trying to find it. I tell them to trust me, I know it’s there; the faucet drips from my nose are testament enough. This continues for three holes and then I’m fine again.
And for those doubters reading this, my Hubby and I did check it out. We drove around the back of the golf course. There hidden behind some fir trees and overgrown bushes was this beautiful horse farm. It lined up perfectly with the fifth hole. Sniff, sniff. Achoo!
***
Charli Mills’ Carrot Ranch February 24th Flash Fiction Challenge was to write a story in 99 words (no more, no less) about galloping. Here is my contribution.
Zenia galloped around the field, the man light as feather on her back. He was brimming with happiness, with his hair blowing in the wind, his back held high. Expertly he spurred her on. Her saddle bell jingled softly.
Heather and Jennie watched from the stables.
“He’s just like a young stallion himself, riding that horse,” Heather said.
“In his heart he is,” replied Jennie. “I can see why Gramps likes coming here.”
Zenia changed direction and headed toward the maple grove in the distance.
“Nooo! Heather! Do something!”
“No worries. Zenia knows he’s blind. He’s safe with her.”
Eloquently Kate 
This is a beautiful story, and to think it shows so clearly the bond between horse and rider from a writer who’s never ridden makes it all the more touching. The way you revealed the characters, little by little, was just gorgeous. You have to love Gramps.
I’m sorry to hear about your allergies. How frightfully inconvenient!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some animals, be they dogs or horses are just naturally gifted with some super sensing ability that makes them ideal for therapy or for supporting human limitations. I believe the bonds between these animals and the person they are looking after are truly magical. I’m glad you enjoyed the piece. Hah… yes, those allergies are ‘frightfully inconvenient.’ – love that phrase – it’s so true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes though bonds are magical – for both parties.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Formed a proper little ‘oh’ with my mouth at the end and it brought tears to my eyes. People who don’t know animals just have no idea. This is lovely 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Lisa – it’s exactly the sentiment I was hoping my little story would create. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Beautiful story! My first horse went blind and used to walk in circles to find his way among the cattle. A mule we had became his guide. They really do know. Trusting a horse is a beautiful thing and I feel that in your flash. But, aw, sorry about the allergies! I have one daughter and her eyes swell shut near a horse. Enjoy your unfolding of spring. We just received spring snow (or white rain).
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are two sides to this: a blind horse or the person riding it. Both build trust and bonds to keep going. We’ve been having lots of rainy days, I mean days with liquid sunshine. It makes those actual dry sunny ones all the more special around here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Liquid sunshine! We have lovely gray light today! Come summer my eyes will have to adjust to blue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahhh Spring. I wish. It’s snowing again here.
Lovely story. I love horses too, but alas am also allergic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
While your singing ‘Snow, snow go away”, we’re singing “Rain, rain go away.” We’re having a particularly wet spring this year. It doesn’t stop the blooms and whenever the sun comes out we try to get out there and enjoy it! Glad you liked the story. 🙂 Thanks!
LikeLike
Oh, love the ending. And happy that your world is beautiful (aside from the allergies). 🌳❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
The spring blooms are lovely and add so much color. I love horses and we have quite a few around here – I live in a semi-rural area. Hah, I suppose I could even go and ride one – as I long as I met it on the trail and got off of it before it returned to the stables.
LikeLiked by 1 person