I have spent much time with Sabio.

Author: * Ruaidri Cruithni - 5 Posts on this thread out of 204 Posts sitewide.
Date: May 16, 2007 - 21:35

He is such a beautiful horse, I am determined that he will not be permanently crippled by that broken shoe.

He is patient, and stands quietly when I lift his foot. I removed the broken shoe, and examine it, while Sabio seems relieved to be rid of it. It is obvious to me that the shoe was inferior to begin with, and even on the smoothest road it would have broken.

I toss it aside, and lift Sabio's foot again to examine the hoof. I heave a sigh of relief as I poke and prod the foot. It is not seriously damaged. It will be necessary to leave him unshod for a day or two to allow for healing. In which case, I must remove the other shoes. I apply a salve to the injured foot, smooth the hoof enough to prevent further injury, and get to work removing the other shoes.

I am surprised when Sabio actually seems to sigh in relief, just as a man would. I laugh and stroke his nose, and lead him to a stall with a thick layer of straw on the floor. I leave him there with hay to eat and some water to drink, and get to work on making a complete set of shoes, as I don't trust the ones I removed.

After another hour or so of work, I decide I need to eat, so I head over to Mac's for some fried chicken. He packs it for me to carry home, and there I settle down to eat. Just as I pick up a chicken leg I hear someone calling my name. With a huge sigh, I put the leg down and walk out to the forge to see Una peering in.

I smile, and tell her Sabio will be fine in a couple of days, and receive a huge, beautiful smile in return.