There are immutable laws in life. Like … I don’t know. Lots. Don’t pin me down to one. I suffer enough flooding as it is.
Since – judging by the last paragraph – my keyboard is stuck on the letter L let’s say: Loyalty.
Loyalty – in my book – is one of the cardinal virtues. Obviously not to the point of lawlessness. But, say, to a friend. Sick and sin. It’s what I liked about Sundance Kid and Paul Newman. You are in it. You’ll be shot. Together.
Yes, friendship. Forged in so many ways. In unlikely ways. There are friendships which remind me of taking a horse to the blacksmith. Not for nothing is the horseshoe a symbol of good luck.
U
Bitch on the Blog 
Beware he horseshoe. Hang it upside down )open end down) and all the luck will fall out. Howvere should you hang it the right way up then it forms a swing for witches……. And when someone throws one over their shoulder …..DUCK!
Comment by magpie11 — April 21, 2014 @ 17:38 |
Yes, where would be without a bit of folklore. Where I come from horseshoes do bring luck, regardless. And one day I was actually lucky enough to see a blacksmith in action. It’s an art. That I didn’t fall in love with the blacksmith and his fire is a miracle.
Come to think of it, as an aside: It is strange that horses’ hooves are so tender they need that metal. I know little about horses. One of my sisters, my two nieces, assorted other people are horse crazy. I never was. Can’t stand riding. I like to have reasonable control over the next accident waiting to happen. I also don’t like dominating an animal. And then there is all that brushing, and waxing of saddles. And hay. What I do like is Jane Austen’s Darcy on a charger. So dashing. Or cowboys on horseback. I once did a voltage – on a pony. I hated every minute of it. Only did it as a favour to my friend (we were twelve). And then there is “the sack of potatoes”. This goes for men since women clearly do bond with horses in a most becoming way, if not me. It’s is why it pays to live in Jane Austen times: Put a man on a horse. See how he holds himself. Far more important than his title or his mansion.
U
Comment by bitchontheblog — April 22, 2014 @ 03:48 |
Aged six I was allowed to quench, with my little seaside bucket, the red hot iron tyre that the blacksmith had placed around a cartwheel. A wonderful experience and possibly my first Physics lesson. few real balcksmiths around these days, peripatetic farrirers but few balcksmiths.
As for Horses…. I only ever rode a horse twice in my life…once aged five or six I was taken aloft on top of a huge cart horse and then I let myself be persuaded to ride one Sunday at College with the nag being led. They made it trot withoput warning. Next up was my friend Bill who had ridden. A stirrup leather broke and the damned animal bolted. Close shave. Never again.
Having said all that I have seen the wonderful “empathy” that a horse can show towards humans. This with very damaged, mentally sick people. I can be amazing.
As for horses hooves: Toe nails do need trimming and horses did not evolve to carry loads upon their backs over tarmacadamed roads.
Comment by magpie11 — April 22, 2014 @ 11:58 |
Reflecting on what you said in your last paragraph: “Taming of the Shrew” does come to mind. An ordeal so many animals are subject to. Donkeys’ lot: Round and round the well. Leaving their height aside one thing I don’t like about the use of horses how they are beaten into submission. But then it’s man’s will against ‘beast’. Whether a rodeo or a bull fight. I have never attended either. Though do recommend Hemingway’s “Death in the Afternoon”. So very well written.
The Angel took up riding (age 8 or so). How that came about no idea. It certainly wasn’t mine. He was very good, excellent posture, stylish. Naturally, my hair stood on their normal end (my father lost a tooth riding during his time at the Navy – why did they ride in the Navy? Will ask him next time I speak to him). However, and it was very strange – every time, after a lesson, the Angel came away with a blazing headache. I bought him a made to measure riding helmet. Made no difference. Awful to watch him in so much pain. He gave up riding. Took up skateboarding instead. No headaches. Odd how the body works.
As you say animals can have an amazingly healing impact on people. Stroking a pet apparently lowering blood pressure. Mine is low by nature. So, no excuse to get another pet. I still miss Fleury which was not a lap cat but by god did she talk. Most eloquent cat I have ever come across.
U
Comment by bitchontheblog — April 22, 2014 @ 12:40 |
Imagine my feelings when youngest rode up on his first Triumph Speed Triple….father died as a result of riding a motor cycle into an oncoming bakes’ van at 7-00am one sunny summer morning.
snufkin was qite a vocal cat and so elegant with it…. yup… I miss him.
Comment by magpie11 — April 23, 2014 @ 18:21 |