Bronco

My friend stood outside the fence as I led Ransom into the round pen. I had decided it would be a good idea to evaluate his frame of mind before she rode. This turned out to be a wise decision. As I picked up the long whip, Ransom put his head between his legs and launched himself into the air, bouncing around the pen like a rodeo bronco for several laps.

The only time he’d done this in the last year was the day I offered to let my mom take a ride around the arena. After he put on a similar crow-hopping show in the round pen, I vetoed that plan. It was like he knew someone was watching. Why did he only do this when I planned to put a beginner on him?

I knew he’d settle down quickly today, but I wondered what my friend thought about this crazy creature I was going to put her on. When people told me, “He’s not usually like this!” my mental response was usually, “yeah, right.” I wouldn’t blame her if she thought the same.

Fortunately, by the time I positioned Ransom next to the mounting block, he was his sane self again. My friend was brave, and with little comment on Ransom’s previous display of energy, threw a leg over his back. The bronco was gone, leaving only a gelding on his best behavior.