© 1997 Derrick, M. Water Hole Custom Leather Inc. This manuscript cannot be published in any form or by any medium with out written consent from the author(s)
There was this boy who just loved horses, although he very rarely got to be around these fine animals, or to ride them. He worked at a saddle shop, fixing and repairing gear for ponies and horses. He would spend hours making sure every thing was just right At times he felt a bit jealous (although he was not totally conscious of this fact) because the horses and ponies he repaired gear for received so much attention. Everything was taken care of for them. All they had to do was work as directed, run, and play.
Customers would often come by the shop to ask this young man questions about the types of equipment he repaired. He felt quite proud of his ability to answer any and all questions. He truly had a great deal of common sense when it came to horses, ponies, and the gear that was most appropriate for them.
Recently, a female customer, of impeccable taste, began frequenting the shop. She had this look about her. While the young man could not actually put his finger on it, there was something about her that made it very special every time she walked into the shop. She would ask questions about certain items and he would eagerly answer these questions. After a while, he began to anticipate her visits, and found that, when se did not come regularly, he felt lonely and sad.
As time grew on, this customer would stop by more often just to converse with the young man about ponies horses, and other such things. No matter what the conversation, however, she consistently had this look about her -- a look that, for some reason he did not understand -- just about melted the young man into a puddle right before her eyes. And she seemed to notice this ad to be quite pleased by it.
One day, this woman began her usual conversation by complimenting the young man on his uncanny ability to understand the wants and needs of horses and, in particular, ponies. She believed this to be true because she could sense the thoughtfulness and care that went into each response to her questions -- and also because she observed how exquisitely he cared for pony gear. The young man blushed from the compliment.
The woman continued the conversation by wondering aloud if she might ask him to tell her how to best caretake ponies -- both in terms of necessary nurturance and required discipline. She stated that she had a stable of horses, and that she was planning to expand by breeding them. She hoped to be able to train the ponies she then acquired in such a way that she was certain to receive top dollar for their sale. However, more importantly, she also wanted to know how to pick out -- for her own continued ownership -- the very best ponies in her stable. These ponies would grow to be horses and live out their lives as breeders. Once the boy agreed to talk with her about these issues, she asked him a series of questions, which he eagerly attempted to answer.
The first series of questions had to do with how to caretake ponies. What did these fine animals need in terms of nurturance and support; discipline and structure? Here is what the young man told her as she listened intently, and watched him carefully:
"To caretake ponies, you have to watch what they eat, as they can eat just about anything and, because they do not know what is harmful, they can easily get sick. Additionally, they need their vitamins and a well-balanced meal, just like people do. Ponies also need lots of care in terms of nurturance. They seem to form an attachment to their owner or trainers. They also have a fun, and, at times, a devious spirit. For example, ponies will try to get away with things, and, as such, they must have a training plan that is consistent, predictable, and structured. They learn by habit, and they remember things better once a habit is formed."
The woman acted most delighted by this responses and again complimented the young man who again blushed with pride. She then asked how she was to assess those ponies that held the most promise -- that is, those ponies that, with the proper amount of nurturance and support / discipline and structure -- would be the best ponies -- the ponies she would be proud to keep and breed. The boy tried his best to answer, as the woman again listened and watched him ever so closely -- ever so carefully. He told her that:
"The best way to ensure that you have the finest group of ponies to choose from is to first be sure that all your ponies form a good bond with their trainers. This works out best for both the ponies and the trainers, and it definitely facilitates the emergence of each pony's best characteristics. Then, you should walk through the training area each day and see which of the ponies begin to take a liking to you. Watch which ones come to you -- which ones are attracted to you. Then begin to keep an eye on those who also form a bond with you. Finally, if you have to narrow it down to just one, or a few, pick the ones who stand tall and are sure of themselves, without being too pushy and without trying to show off, or impress you so to speak. These ponies will learn quickly, be eager to please, and will do more for you than any other."
The woman seemed to like these answers. The young man impressed
her as someone who really did know about horses.
Finally, the woman asked how she would be able to tell those ponies
who did not show promise. Additionally, she wanted to know how
long it would take to actually figure this out. Basically, how
much money, time, and energy should go into the difficult ponies,
before their training became too expensive, and they should be
sold to a lower-rated ranch? Again, the young man tried to answer
as best as he could, feeling that she was watching him, listening
to him, carefully, intently. The boy started by letting her know
that:
"This ma'am, is the toughest question of all, because there is a lot that has to be taken into consideration when making such a decision. Most any pony can learn and be taught, but -- indeed -- it does occur that some cost a fortune in added help and special instructions. I think one should give any pony a try for one month, without putting a lot of money into him or her right off. Make do with simple things. Ponies can get spoiled and start to expect things."
While he spoke, the young man became quite pleased by how much he really knew. He surprised himself, actually, and wondered how he could know so much, having had such little interaction with these fine animals.
The woman continued to listen until the young man seemed to tell her as much as he could -- for now -- about these topics. She then stood up and thanked him for all the information. She hoped that he might be able to provide her more tips in the future, and that perhaps she would come to buy things from the store once the ponies began to arrive. Of course, she would need some guidance on what to buy, and hoped he would be fair with her.
With this, she turned on her heels and left. The young man felt an excitement that he did not quite understand. Before she passed through the door, she turned around and waved goodbye. He was a bit embarrassed, and wondered if his excitement showed. There was something in the way she waved goodbye, almost like it was a" see you later" wave. He stood there just looking at the door after she left.
Then the phone rang, which startled the young man and brought him back to earth. He answered the phone and, while he was talking, the door opened again, and there she was -- smiling and leaning comfortably against the side of the doorway. She started to say something but stopped as she saw he was on the phone. He just stared at her again while he was talking. Anyone could tell -- She could tell -- that he was not really listening to the customer on the phone. Finally, he hung up and asked the Lady if she had forgotten anything, and she said that indeed she had. She wondered if he knew of anyone who could do repair work on her barns and stables.
The young man thought for a moment. He said that he could think of anyone, but that he personally had some construction knowledge. He was only working at the saddle shop part time because he liked to be around horses and related items.
The Lady seemed to open her eyes a bit wider and take a deep breath at this. It would be so very nice, she thought, if this young man could make repairs as diligently as he worked on the pony gear. If he could think highly of such work -- as highly as he thought of his work here at the saddle shop -- then he was certain to do a fine job. The Lady felt pretty sure of this -- that if he was committed, he would do a fine job. And that is precisely what she needed, given her plans for her ranch -- a young man that was committed, a hard worker, and eager to please.
The young man then started to list the places he had worked, and buildings he had helped to construct, but it did not look to him as though she was listening to what he was saying. Then she stated that she needed the work done fast, as her first pony would be arriving soon. She seemed quite unable to contain herself this moment -- but this only lasted the briefest of moments, and then she centered herself to be the Lady he had come to know..
Again he mentioned that his work at the saddle shop was the only job he had, and that it was part time. It gave him food on his table and a roof over his head, until construction picked up again. She suggested that she would think about his offer, but that she had to check on a few details first. She turned to leave, and he started to get back to work. He bent over a bin of brushes and was reaching down for one that fell just as she turned to say good-bye. He heard her stop and open the door and he turned his head and waved back, saying "bye, have a nice day". She returned the gesture with her own "good bye", and added "I will talk to you soon". Then she closed the door behind her.
The young man tried to go right back to work, but he was quite excited about the potential here -- the possibility of getting some full time work to bide his time through the slow construction season. And on a ranch to boot -- with horses and ponies! Did she say she owned a ranch? Did she say she was looking for full time? Heck, he did not even know her name. He could kick himself for being so anxious in her presence that he did not even think to find these things out. But, damn it, something happens when she walks in the store, and it appears he cannot help himself. He just turns into a little kid who is very eager to please. He forgets too that he might have some questions that need answering before he embarks on this new road -- should it be offered to him.
It took the young man a long time to really get back to reality and finish his work before the boss came back. He simply could not get the Lady out of his mind. He day dreamed about her and thought about her more and more as each hour passed. He did not sleep well that evening, tossing and turning all through the night.