A HORSE STORY:
We met in the mid-50s at a horse sale. She came to me, and I went to her. I was told she was a “Tennessee Walker” (which meant nothing to me) and about seven years old. I knew nothing about horses, but seemingly, she called out to me to bring her to Purple Sage Day Camp. I didn’t realize then that she was carrying a yet-to-be-born filly.
She had a big “71” blazoned on her thigh, so that’s what we called her. She was also difficult to ride, but with me, she was gentle, willing, and able. She made it clear that I was whom she wanted on her back, and we became a twosome. Thus she became known as “Sy’s horse.” I rode her often when I wanted to visit groups located everywhere around the forest at Purple Sage. Campers and staff became accustomed to having this big horse and me paying them a visit. How did a kid from Chicago who knows nothing about horses get so lucky?
So, the day came when 71 had her filly. A beautiful little pony that the kids at camp named: “Sy-the-clown” or Cyclone. She became the camp pet and knew she was. She was undoubtedly one of the gentlest and brightest animals we ever met. Cyclone was like a dog with kids and staff and always wanted to be around them. And if not given attention, she would ask for it by getting into the center of things and nuzzling kids and staff to pay her some attention. When we left Purple Sage at Malibu Canyon for Camp Shasta in the wilderness of Northern California, we took Cyclone with us. Imagine this picture: Lenette and me, Heidi, Brutus, Cleo, and her kittens, riding in our pick-up, hauling a large Trailer, a small sailboat, and a horse Trailer with Cyclone inside. We were the Israelites heading into the wilderness and freedom. When we stopped for a break, we would take them all for a walk around a darkened street. Needless to say, any who saw this odd parade stopped in their tracks! Amazing what young but responsible idiots will and often must do. Sy
Haiku: A puppy horse—was Cyclone our gift of a horse—She gave us such joy.
Sy, a grate story.
I hope to get over soon. Steve Mahoney.