From the Horse’s Mouth

Friday evening my master was riding me in a field quite close to our home when suddenly something strange that looked like a dragon in the woods nearby startled me out of my common sense! I reared. I twisted. I dumped my master onto the hard dry ground! Then I ran off, leaving my master behind because I was so scared. Instinct made me bolt and run away from my imagined danger.

I heard my master call my name; "Zip", and heard his whistle, but I thought if I returned to him, I would have to go near the dragon which might jump out of the woods and get me, so I ran on, bumping into trees, jumping creeks and all the while my bridle reins were flapping against my neck and the heavy stirrups of my Western saddle were slapping against my sides which has always been my rider’s signal to get going.

I ran so fast and far that I became lost and could not find my way home. The sun went down and the forest became very dark. There were strange noises and smells so unlike my goat and dog friends at home. I missed my dinner of oats and hay.  My body itched from having the saddle on my back for so long. My master would always wash or brush me after a ride.  It was very uncomfortable sleeping with the saddle on my back. I tried to get it off but it was impossible. At least, I can say that this saddle fits me well.

When I got up at the first sign of dawn, my left front leg got tangled in the reins. Fortunately the reins did not hinder my movement too much so I began looking for food and water.

Since I was still in the large forest, there was little for me to eat except for leaves, but I found several puddles. The puddles quenched my thirst, but I missed the sweet, clear water in my trough at home.

As I wandered I found little tufts of grass here and there but never enough to ward off my hunger. Finally the edge of the forest came into view and I could see lots of grass. Acres and acres of grass! What a feast before my eyes. My mouth was salivating but hard as I tried, I could not get to the banquet of green for it was all growing behind a tall fence to keep the farmer’s cattle from wandering off or anyone else from getting in.

I learned how to forage for food and smell where to find water, but I really missed home where all I had to do was look cute and nicker and then someone would lovingly bring my food and fresh water. Whenever I whinnied now the forest sounds would cease for awhile until the birds figured they were not being threatened by me.

Days passed and still I was lost, wandering aimlessly, aggravated by the saddle and lonesome. Now and then deer would watch me but they were not welcoming and snorted a warning, flagged up their tails and disappeared into the forest. 

Unknown to me, Richard Stone, riding an eighteen hand Belgian and Vonn on her Appaloosa were searching the forests and fields on the third day of my ordeal. They carried first aid supplies, wire cutters, saw, lariat and various other supplies in their saddle bags. They were prepared for just about any rescue situation.

On the third day I finally wandered out of the forest and found plenty of succulent grass next to an enormous corn field. I continued to graze, nibble on the dried corn leaves and drink from small puddles. As I had no particular plan I just followed the grass path that entered the field of corn. Soon the tall corn stalks prevented me from any vision right or left. The corn was planted so close that I could not turn around but the narrow path of green grass led me deeper into the field. Quite some distance into the corn field there was a small clearing with an abundance of delicious grass. There I ate my fill and then settled down for a long nap.

When I awoke and was thirsty I could not find the path upon which I had arrived. I circled round and round in this corral of corn stalks but found it impossible to leave.

Two more nights passed. There was plenty of grass which has some moisture, but no water, not even a rain puddle.  The saddle became even more irritable and the girth was becoming loose due to my weight loss.

Still trapped within the corn field on the afternoon of the fifth day I heard humans talking and riding horses. I raised my head as high as possible and nickered once. They were so far away that I could not determine if they were friendly beasts or not.
Richard, who was leading, turned to Vonn and asked if her horse had whinnied, which he had not.  Richard’s tall horse Thor gave Richard a distinct sight advantage and he promptly spotted me in the corn corral.

Their horses are trained to go anywhere when asked as they are a mounted search and rescue team. They found a row going in my direction which was very narrow and corn cobs banged against their knees. Both riders were wearing leather chaps for protection from situations such as this and thorny vines and bushes.

Watching them approach gave me mixed emotions. I was elated to see horses coming towards me, but they were strangers.  I was about to bolt and run again, but could not get out.

My search and rescue team knew to approach slowly and quietly to keep me calm. Vonn dismounted, walked slowly to me and easily put a rope around my neck and then a halter on my head right over that pesky bridle. Richard tied up my reins once they were removed from my legs and with no further ado we all departed on the very corn row path that I had entered upon! Imagine that!  They were able to find the path because their eyes are on a higher level than mine.

Richard had a good grip on the ten foot soft cotton lead line when we came to a large puddle. I wanted to drink it dry but he knew that could be dangerous for me. He tugged and I followed.

Later we came to an even larger puddle. That was it! I attempted to lie down, even roll over to relieve the saddle discomfort. I managed to get to my knees, but then Richard tugged and I had to get up. The saddle might have been ruined in the muddy water and the riders knew we were only about two miles from home where I would get a proper bath from my owners.
All my humans were so delighted to see me safe and sound. I did have one surface abrasion from my escapade. I was given only two quarts of water at a time about ten minutes apart. Too much, too soon could be life threatening. I was so thirsty I drank every drop given to me. Like a dog I even licked the bottom of the bucket dry.

Richard carefully lifted the saddle and its pad as I might have had serious sores underneath. Next the bridle and rescue halter were removed and replaced with my own soft halter.

All my humans were amazed at my tough, healthy hide. There was some edema where the girth had rubbed but that was all!  Richard also checked my vital signs such as respiration, pulse, intestinal sounds and hydration before turning me over to my human family. Next I was given a bath which was horse Heaven!

Zip

August 21, 2008

 

Written by: Vonn Ivy Stone 8/21/08