Chasing the Elusive Dream
Viewing comments for Chapter 37 "Lucky"A southern couple's journey in the 60's,70's & 80'
45 total reviews
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Wow, what a day, or should I say, what a life and
death ride on an unpredictable horse. You did a
great job sharing this story, Beth. Your words were
descriptive about the one and only time you rode Lucky.
I agree with you about hoping he had a great life.
Thanks for sharing, Jan
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2023
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Wow, what a day, or should I say, what a life and
death ride on an unpredictable horse. You did a
great job sharing this story, Beth. Your words were
descriptive about the one and only time you rode Lucky.
I agree with you about hoping he had a great life.
Thanks for sharing, Jan
Comment Written 30-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2023
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Thank you Jan, I really appreciate the review and comments. I was pretty proud of myself that I was able stay on in spite of his efforts to knock me off.
Beth
Comment from Mary Shifman
I wish I had a six for you! I laughed all the way through this story. The experience was no doubt terrifying, but the tale itself is harlious. I'll have to say, you were lucky -- falling off a horse is no fun! I notice one place in the first sentence where you repeated a couple words: the day the day
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2023
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I wish I had a six for you! I laughed all the way through this story. The experience was no doubt terrifying, but the tale itself is harlious. I'll have to say, you were lucky -- falling off a horse is no fun! I notice one place in the first sentence where you repeated a couple words: the day the day
Comment Written 30-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2023
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Thank you Mary, I'm glad you liked the story and got a laugh. I wished I had a video of everyone chasing after me and that horse thinking he was knock me off with no problem. That for noticing the extra words.
Beth
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You are welcome. I really enjoyed it. I'm not great at writing humor, but I do enjoy it.
Comment from Rosemary Everson1
This story is about a girl who is lucky to be alive when she tried to ride a horse name Lucky! I can see you hanging on the mane and praying for the horse to stop. Horses can also tell when I am afraid of them; but I really do like horses. I rode a mule once that bucked me off, too.
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2023
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This story is about a girl who is lucky to be alive when she tried to ride a horse name Lucky! I can see you hanging on the mane and praying for the horse to stop. Horses can also tell when I am afraid of them; but I really do like horses. I rode a mule once that bucked me off, too.
Comment Written 30-Mar-2023
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2023
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Thank you Rosemary. I appreciate the review and comments.
Beth
Comment from KiwiGal
Ah Beth. I loved your nonet so I came to your site to have a look at more of your work, saw the word 'horse' and because they have been a lot in my life I chose this one to read.
What a little beauty - look at those fantastic hindquarters .. a wonderful example of the Quarter Horse.
You wrote your story very well, but I so felt for this little fella.
First you leave him to grow up without any other horse to learn social manners with (and there, at least, you admit that he was also neglected, with no idea of how to behave with humans), and then he is blamed for being disruptive when he finally mixes with others. He would have been hysterical; horses are herd animals and don't do so well alone.
Then, he's a colt (stallion) - full of raging hormones and not knowing what to do with them, making him excitable and fiery.
Then two totally inexperienced riders get on an animal barely broken in - and by a part-timer you had no idea of whether he was good or not, although calling such a young horse 'unpredictable' is a pretty good indication of the "not".
Then, in true old-timer movie style, dig your toes in and slap the reins - and yell - on a horse who doesn't know the rules and most certainly should never be mounted by a 'greenhorn'.
All was gently farcical right up to the last paragraph. Yes you were lucky to be alive, but to call this poor little horse a 'devil' and the next person to own him 'a sucker' really disappointed me.
You humans, through unthinking and selfish ignorance, took a potential pearl and turned him into a swine, through no fault at all of his own. Although you do admit you had no business owning a horse, the fact that you went ahead anyway out of fanciful daydreaming is beyond my ken.
In the end, there wasn't a shred of 'mea culpa' to be found, and no effort (it seems) to find a home for him where he'd be well treated while they undid all the harm his hitherto education created. Just gelding him would have calmed things greatly.
I wish this hadn't been a true story, because my criticism (yes, harsher than a critque) will be very personal to you. As a horse lover, however, I just couldn't let this go.
An Exceptional write? Reviewing is the most subjective pastime that can be found, I'm discovering. Four out of five for clarity and entertainment, but I kept one back to score a point for your horse.
Given your status on this website (especially against mine!!) my little input shouldn't bother you in the slightest, and since the whole thing is done and dusted there really wasn't much point... but that's just me; I feel about horses the way some people feel about God.
Regards, Heidi
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The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2011
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Ah Beth. I loved your nonet so I came to your site to have a look at more of your work, saw the word 'horse' and because they have been a lot in my life I chose this one to read.
What a little beauty - look at those fantastic hindquarters .. a wonderful example of the Quarter Horse.
You wrote your story very well, but I so felt for this little fella.
First you leave him to grow up without any other horse to learn social manners with (and there, at least, you admit that he was also neglected, with no idea of how to behave with humans), and then he is blamed for being disruptive when he finally mixes with others. He would have been hysterical; horses are herd animals and don't do so well alone.
Then, he's a colt (stallion) - full of raging hormones and not knowing what to do with them, making him excitable and fiery.
Then two totally inexperienced riders get on an animal barely broken in - and by a part-timer you had no idea of whether he was good or not, although calling such a young horse 'unpredictable' is a pretty good indication of the "not".
Then, in true old-timer movie style, dig your toes in and slap the reins - and yell - on a horse who doesn't know the rules and most certainly should never be mounted by a 'greenhorn'.
All was gently farcical right up to the last paragraph. Yes you were lucky to be alive, but to call this poor little horse a 'devil' and the next person to own him 'a sucker' really disappointed me.
You humans, through unthinking and selfish ignorance, took a potential pearl and turned him into a swine, through no fault at all of his own. Although you do admit you had no business owning a horse, the fact that you went ahead anyway out of fanciful daydreaming is beyond my ken.
In the end, there wasn't a shred of 'mea culpa' to be found, and no effort (it seems) to find a home for him where he'd be well treated while they undid all the harm his hitherto education created. Just gelding him would have calmed things greatly.
I wish this hadn't been a true story, because my criticism (yes, harsher than a critque) will be very personal to you. As a horse lover, however, I just couldn't let this go.
An Exceptional write? Reviewing is the most subjective pastime that can be found, I'm discovering. Four out of five for clarity and entertainment, but I kept one back to score a point for your horse.
Given your status on this website (especially against mine!!) my little input shouldn't bother you in the slightest, and since the whole thing is done and dusted there really wasn't much point... but that's just me; I feel about horses the way some people feel about God.
Regards, Heidi
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 10-Mar-2011
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2011
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Heidi, I'm sure I deserve all of your scathing criticism. This happened quite a long time ago when we were young and foolish. We did have quite a lot of guilt and remorse over what happened with the horse although it didn't seem appropriate to include that into a story that was meant to be funny. I also didn't include the fact that we visited the horse and his new owner who took the pains to train him well. I think Lucky was a treasured horse in the end. I hope knowing this makes you feel a bit kinder toward me and this won't keep you from being willing to read other things I write. I am an animal lover and I think horses are truly magnificant creatures but I don't intend to own one again. Lucky didn't get a fair shake from us but he was still young enough to be properly trained.
Beth
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Ahhhh, poetic licence, as it were, to make the story work. I did wonder, because you sounded so sensitive in your other work.
My reaction was coloured by all the brutality and indifference that inevitably shows up when one is in the horse world.
Here in France, because of lack of space for paddocks and back yards, horses and dogs, especially, are treated like extensions of humans and their needs, and so many suffer for it.
Let's balance this out - I loved one, and 'hated' the other. Back to an even keel, and I can't wait for your next work, he-he.
And I'm flattered you still want me to keep reading...
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Your reply reminded me so much of my daughter. She is an animal lover and if their was any hint that an animal might have suffered abuse in any way, she would totally go off on the person. She did grow up to ride horses and work with them at summer camps in spite of witnessing my wild ride. Cats and dogs are her main passion. I'm so pleased that you haven't decided to quit reading what I've writing.
Beth
Comment from N.K. Wagner
Beth, I knew there would be trouble just as soon as you said you were buying a colt. Why would anyone who's inexperienced buy a young, untrained horse? The description of your harrowing ride brought tears of laughter to my eyes. I can laugh. I'm not on the horse. Thank goodness you weren't hurt. A fun read. Nancy
reply by the author on 06-Mar-2011
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Beth, I knew there would be trouble just as soon as you said you were buying a colt. Why would anyone who's inexperienced buy a young, untrained horse? The description of your harrowing ride brought tears of laughter to my eyes. I can laugh. I'm not on the horse. Thank goodness you weren't hurt. A fun read. Nancy
Comment Written 06-Mar-2011
reply by the author on 06-Mar-2011
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Thank you Nancy. I'm so glad you got a laugh out of this. It certainly wasn't funny at the time but I can laugh about it now. We must of been a little nuts to but the horse. I glad we were able to get rid of him.
Beth
Comment from WRITER1
I am not a horse lover. I have ridden several times but it does nothing for me. Horses have a mind of their own and do not like to take orders.
reply by the author on 06-Mar-2011
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I am not a horse lover. I have ridden several times but it does nothing for me. Horses have a mind of their own and do not like to take orders.
Comment Written 06-Mar-2011
reply by the author on 06-Mar-2011
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YOu are right about the danger of horses. I haven't ridden since that day. I think horse are beautiful animals but I have no desire to ride. Thanks for the review and comments.
Beth
Comment from Paradox Tremors
You were very, very lucky you weren't seriously hurt my friend. A horse can be a deadly creature if not tamed and raised properly. I'm glad you're okay and Lucky found a new home. I know it's wrong but I did laugh at the ending when you were describing how you could hardly stand after the write. A great write but not an adventure many would want to go on.
reply by the author on 05-Mar-2011
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You were very, very lucky you weren't seriously hurt my friend. A horse can be a deadly creature if not tamed and raised properly. I'm glad you're okay and Lucky found a new home. I know it's wrong but I did laugh at the ending when you were describing how you could hardly stand after the write. A great write but not an adventure many would want to go on.
Comment Written 05-Mar-2011
reply by the author on 05-Mar-2011
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Thank you so much for the review. You are right. I've known many incidences when people were seriously injured by horses. That is why I now admire them from a distence.
Beth
Comment from Bellringer
Well written and lively story of this horse-who actually steals the spotlight away from the humans with his antics. The narration is clear and gallops along to a satisfying and witty conclusion. A lesson learned in the category of "Be careful what you wish for." Blessings, Hector
reply by the author on 05-Mar-2011
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Well written and lively story of this horse-who actually steals the spotlight away from the humans with his antics. The narration is clear and gallops along to a satisfying and witty conclusion. A lesson learned in the category of "Be careful what you wish for." Blessings, Hector
Comment Written 05-Mar-2011
reply by the author on 05-Mar-2011
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Thank you for the great review. I enjoyed your comments. I should have learned by now to be careful what I wish for. The consequences of my wishes coming true have usually not been in my best interest. LOL.
Beth
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You're welcome, Beth. Warmly, Hector
Comment from humpwhistle
Nicely told, Beth. Very nicely told. I know this is a true story, but it reads like fiction. The irony of the name Lucky, then being lucky to be alive would be a contrivence, were it not true. You have a few golden lines, Beth. But what you do best is bring a simple story alive, directly and honestly. Your writing is never self-conscious, but there are always little nuggets waiting around the corner. Beth you have both talent and skill.
Now six-guns in my holster today. My words will have to do.
Peace, Lee
reply by the author on 05-Mar-2011
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Nicely told, Beth. Very nicely told. I know this is a true story, but it reads like fiction. The irony of the name Lucky, then being lucky to be alive would be a contrivence, were it not true. You have a few golden lines, Beth. But what you do best is bring a simple story alive, directly and honestly. Your writing is never self-conscious, but there are always little nuggets waiting around the corner. Beth you have both talent and skill.
Now six-guns in my holster today. My words will have to do.
Peace, Lee
Comment Written 05-Mar-2011
reply by the author on 05-Mar-2011
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Thank you Lee, Your review is heartwarming. I enjoyed reading it as it makes me feel good. I really did name the horse Lucky but I can see how it might sound contrived. I find it easier to write from true experiences.
Beth
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My pleasure, Beth. I know it wasn't contrived, that is the beauty. You're good, Beth. Lee
Comment from kiwigirl2821
Hi Beth, My parents owned and raised quarter horses in San Antonio when I was a kid. We had a devil like this one named Snowball...I can remember a few wild and hair raising bolts on that horse. Scared me to death. I like a good mellow paint called Shadow...lol
This is a grand story and enjoyed the read greatly. thanks xoxo Kiwi
reply by the author on 05-Mar-2011
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Hi Beth, My parents owned and raised quarter horses in San Antonio when I was a kid. We had a devil like this one named Snowball...I can remember a few wild and hair raising bolts on that horse. Scared me to death. I like a good mellow paint called Shadow...lol
This is a grand story and enjoyed the read greatly. thanks xoxo Kiwi
Comment Written 05-Mar-2011
reply by the author on 05-Mar-2011
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Thank you so much for the review. It sounds like you have a lot more knowledge of horses that I do. I guess they all have personalities and some are much more spirited. I appreciate the review and I'm so glad you enjoyed the story.
Beth
