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55 H e a t h e r Fo w l e r Sonnets of Selecting an Appaloosa I Under her black boot, the scent of grass, clover, dew, Memories of the last thoroughbred who spooked too soon— The rider watches the flanks, the horses’ airs, moods. If ever a poor time for bad selection, now. New mounts must be willing to take a fence in stride, Not shy away from sudden riverbeds or plunge, Respond with pleasure when carrots are extended. (For riders are partners in dangers together.) She regrets her last was invisibly broken, Lost, broken wrong, broken hard, broken mean, cracked steed. The new will differ. Saddle? He’ll not have seen this ‘Til she arrives, leather in hand—reined in only After bareback trials. For the moment, she watches, Breathes, prays, intent on the high held head, far afield. II At times during training, a small rider must pause, The strong buck of her horse near maniacal, The whites of his rolling eyes, malice in his lunge. She must remember, too: Who will be broken? 56 Why? Control all feats come after—when a woman Seats the wide back of more powerful animals, Fifteen hands high, makes them jump and sweat, leads from rings To barn’s rests, releasing tight straps, cleaning full hooves, Digging with prongs to free nailed shoes from mud’s debris, Brushing the moisture and damp dust from stained bodies, Praising their speed and found grace, praising their every New willingness to please. Her glad face should nuzzle Equine neck, show she is not a fly abuzz near. Stand at left, between mount and walls—fearless, breed bonds. III That which is broken correctly does not feel harmed. This is the first lesson in horse training. Watch close: He who has been gentled can be better managed. No broken spirit stands firm in the times of war. Under her black boot, the scent of grass, clover, dew. How beautiful the Appaloosa herd. She came To see what the Nez Pierce once trained, to purchase this. Memories of the last thoroughbred who spooked too soon Still evoked how she’d had to put him down—yet, here, now, The new will differ. Saddle? He’ll not have seen this. A few spot leopard with strong runs, she picks stallion On the basis of how willing he is at heart. If ever a poor time for bad selection, now. For in her owning him, at ride, he owns her, too. ...

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