How does a blind horse travel?
I don't think I have ever told this story — One hot summer afternoon my mother decided to go calling on a neighbor who lived a few miles down the road. She dressed her two little daughters, then hitched up the blind mare to the buggy. Dad was probably out in the fields and she was lonesome to see another adult human being.
Anyway, away we went down the road, everything fine. The little girls were able to hang on to the slick leather seat — no seat belts, you know. Remember this mare was blind! I still wonder how you direct a blind horse down the road.
Just as we drove into the neighbor's yard, nearby there was a pen of horses, some mares with young colts. They started to whinny. Just then all hell broke loose (no other way to describe it!). Our mare started leaping and rearing in a violent way. We hadn't even gotten out of the buggy.
Mother managed to turn the horse toward home, as she just remembered the mare had a young colt back home and hearing those others had reminded her. I'll bet she could have won the Kentucky Derby at the speed she flew toward home.
I still don't know how a blind horse can follow a road.
I have some grandchildren who love horses and own some. They like to ride and go on trail rides. I know they are worried about this Nile virus.
Back in the '20s, tent shows came every summer and stayed a week, with a new drama every night. What fun that was. We thought they were just wonderful and we girls always fell in love with the hero. Of course, the more sophisticated attended the Chautauqua ten programs. We went to those, too. There we heard speakers and musicians.
I really enjoyed Matt's article about his engagement. Congratulations, Matt!
— NORMA HANNAFORD
