Man and/or Beast

Our next  field trip was back to Charley's turf and this time Buddha and Pardy walked right up to him -  paid their respects and we saddled up.  We had a great time trotting and cantering within the large space and after awhile....we decided it was time to call it a day.  I had switched out Bud's bridle for a halter and  lead rope and was in the process of undoing the chain  that was wrapped around the gate.  As soon as Bud felt slack in the lead rope - presto - he was gone!  He was tearing around the field like a maniac, with his lead rope blowing in the wind behind him- scaring him to death -  and would not let me get close enough to help calm him down.

Meanwhile, Pardy is watching  him with a quizzical look, but continued  to stand perfectly still and enjoy his nice juicy red apple.  I decided to ignore the haltered beast and give all my attention to Pardy - something I had learned in my 6 year career working in a  preschool.  When you can't get a childs attention - place your attention on another and curiousity/jealously will get the better of them.  (There is not a whole lot of difference between man and beast in that area.)  I bet it wasn't 2 minutes and guess who was trying to horn in on my love fest with Pardy?  Yep, Buddha couldn't stand not having my attention  and was standing right behind me waiting for his beloved apple.  I did make him wait a bit and finally turned around.... picked up the now filthy lead rope and handed him his juicy red  apple.  He seemed unphased by what had happened and this time stood perfectly still while I undid the chain and we walked quietly through the gate and back to the trailer.  I wish I had a memory like Bud's...... there one minute and erased the next.