The Wishbone

Cowboys love their horses.

My son is no exception.  He has been mounted on a Shetland Cross pony for several years.  As you can see, Champ (more often known as Chump) is thoroughly impressed by this arrangement.

C takes a great deal of pride in his pony.  Several weeks ago, he led rather than rode Champ a mile to the barn to be unsaddled, because he had an “injury.”  Thankfully, it was only a minor scrape.  C’s grave concern for his pony’s  well-being was touching to witness.

This pony is anything but bored.  Champ has found his niche in life, he is much happier as a boy’s horse than he ever was working for a living.  Gone is the snorty, little bronc we tolerated for twelve years.  With C, he is a different animal.  They are a good pair. 

C is immensely proud of his “string” of one.  His little chest swells up with pride, when he is horseback, sporting rawhide reins his father braided and shining stirrups crafted by his grandfather.  Champ must sense this pride, because he is happy to perform for his boy.

Despite his love of this pony, C expressed interest in adding a horse to his string.  His desire for more horses, is rooted in a real concern.  How is he supposed to keep up with Dad this summer,  if he only has one horse?

Over a recent chicken dinner, the issue came to the fore once again.  I served my family, a home-cooked Montana Hutterite chicken; beaming with pride, because I knew where our dinner originated.  C, on the other hand,was more concerned with the location wishbone than finishing his meal.

“Why?,” we inquired.

“Because, I need to make a new wish.”  I need to note, that his very first wishbone wish had something to do with a television in his bedroom.  Not going to happen in this household, the futility must be apparent, because C has moved on.

“For what?,” we asked.

“I wish Buster was in Idaho.  I need two horses.”

We’re still waiting for the wishbone to cure, I’ll let you know how it all turns out.