Learning to listen

“Standing Firm” (Back Page, EQUUS 486) brought back a memory of my beloved Appaloosa, Domino. He was my dear friend and companion for many years, and he willingly went everywhere I directed---except this one time.

I had been riding with a buddy as we crossed the San Jacinto River in Montgomery County, Texas. The trip over was no problem, but the return became a nightmare. When we came to the place I wanted to cross, Domino refused. I was very surprised. He had never refused to go anywhere before.

I insisted, and eventually he did start to cross. Immediately, he sank halfway up his shoulders into quicksand. I had to jump off his back before he sank any deeper.

Domino didn’t panic or thrash about. He just stood there in the quicksand and looked at me as if to say, “You got me into this mess. How are you going to get me out?”

There wasn’t much I could do to help him. We didn’t have any ropes and help was hours away. I had to hope he could work his way out on his own. Thankfully, that calm old man slowly walked his way out. I was still shaking when he came over to me and gave me a loving nudge as if to say, “It’s OK, I forgive you.” I never failed to listen to him again. If he refused or hesitated, there was a darn good reason.

Domino passed away four years ago this past September. I still miss him. Lynda Edwards Montgomery, Texas