In A Matter of Tact.

Polu and Getta became close companions, never leaving eachothers site. It was weird to see my horse out there in that big field. But each day got easier, especially when I would witness a moment between the two horses. Grooming, nuzzling, sleeping side to side, as they often did. Most of barn ladies were shocked and surprised I decided to do such a thing with Polu. Some even thought less of me based on the decision. I would pull up to the barn, dash to the locker room where I'd change out of my clothes into my barn attire, grab my wellies and treck to the back pasture to give Polu his apple or carrot. I'd then come back to the locker room to change out of my wellies into my jods and boots. I come to the barn mostly in the early to mid afternoon, after the morning work has been done and before my husband would arrive home. It just so happened that I shared this routine with many of the barn ladies. Four ladies in particular were rather close and shared lessons, one after another. While one was riding the other three would chat and watch from the observation room.

One afternoon, I got back from giving Polu his carrot and began to change into my jods and zip up my boots when a gal comes in from the elusive 4 group. She sits down, changing into his jods as well and mentions that Polu is looking rather scraggly...

"Hi Liz, how are you?"

"Hi Pam, good thank you. How are you?"

"I'm well."

A small pause...

"I had no idea that you put Polu into that pasture Liz. I honestly couldn't believe it. I understand that LL raised the board again. Is it really too much for you?"

"Actually, I decided to put him out as advised by Dr. R."

"Oh Liz, you and I both know Dr. R would never suggest a horse to ever be out like that, especially with a lameness. Is everything really OK?"

"Yes, everything is fantastic, actually."

"Well, I just don't know what would posess you to do that to the poor horse. I'm sure he's just upset and depressed living in that enviornment."

"He's actually quite happy."

"And how is Prince, will he be moving out there too? That would be such a shame."

"No, Prince will stay where he is, Pam."

"Well, I'm sorry Liz, that you had to do that."

After that Pam left. She seemed proud of herself for saying the things she did, waltzing out of the room with apparent pride.

I managed to take Prince on a nice ride. Afterwards I was the specticle. The Fab 4, were quite intringed by me it seemed..