Red Plush

Easter Weekend 2007 - As I brought Rudy in for the farrier, I put my hand on his warm neck as we crossed a patch of rough ground. His coat felt like bunnies or puppy fur-the feel of it stirred my memory. What was it? Climbing the hill made me short of breath and Rudy was eager to reach the gate and get his treat. I couldn't think then.

As I brushed him, I noticed the long coarse guard hairs of his winter coat were mostly shed but the soft undercoat remained to keep him warm in this uncertain spring. Even the color of the westering sun on his chestnut coat struck the chime of memory. Rudy poked me with his nose, demanding attention, and played with his hay bag. I was too busy to remember.

After everything was done, and Rudy returned to the field, then I could remember "Big Red". Somewhere between five and eight, I got a stuffed horse which was one of my favorite toys. He was red plush with a plaid saddle blanket and he had to be stitched up under his neck and chest because those seams tended to give way when "galloping". What I liked best about Big Red was imagining that he was real.

Sometimes dreams come true. I have a real horse of red plush now, sometimes covered in dirt and mud, always exhibiting attitude and personality. The red plush will shed and stick to my clothes. These are the gritty details I couldn't imagine all those years ago. I'll cheerfully take shedding in spring, flies in summer and all the other inconveniences that year-round horsemanship entails to have Rudy's inquisitive nose, interested ears, humorous twisting neck, reaching stride, strong back, sturdy legs and calm, intelligent gaze.