Horseplay

I turned Ransom out in the round pen with his buddy Beau so I could eat lunch. Ransom is not much of an entertainer when he’s aware of my presence, but sitting a short distance away, I could watch the show unobserved. First, the two geldings put on matching sand costumes by rolling in the dirt simultaneously.

There is an old wives' tale that a horse is worth a hundred dollars for every time he can flip side to side while rolling. Despite his prominent spine, Ransom has mastered the art of flailing like a roly-poly bug on its back. According to this rule of thumb, he’s worth an impressive $1300.

Back on his feet, Ransom’s plan to wander the pen, ignoring his herd-mate, was interrupted by Beau’s provoking nudges. Ransom half-heartedly pinned his ears and tried to stay aloof, but eventually got drawn into the horseplay. Soon they were jostling, half rearing, and playfully nipping at the other.

Snapping my lunch pail shut, I finally interrupted them. Ransom immediately lost interest in Beau and walked over to the gate with an innocent expression. The show was over.