In Good Shape

by Ralph Galeano

Preview

Full column word count 851

 

     One mare stands out among the rest of the horses I ride.  I receive compliments on her condition.  Compliments that make me feel good and reflect the appreciation other riders have for a horse in good shape.  Her coat shines, muscles are well defined in the right places and you can’t count her ribs unless you run a hand along her barrel.  She’s got lots of energy and will carry you all day and the next and the next without quitting.  Every time someone comments on how good she looks, I usually say, “We do a lot of loping and galloping to keep in shape” or “It’s that good alfalfa that keeps her slim and trim.”  The truth of the matter is that I don’t do anything different with that mare than I do with the other seven horses in our lineup.  Most of the others are in good shape too, but the sorrel mare carries good shape a little farther and stands out just enough extra to elicit approval from admiring eyes. 

 

Well, here’s a column that talks about a mystery.  What makes a horse an “easy keeper?”  Why do some horses never get in trouble, keep the weight on when groceries are slim , have shiny coats with no supplements and always have pleasing muscle tone?  Do you know the answer?

 

$16