Comment from Rosemary Everson1

Excellent

Have you ever heard the comment that horses are like humans? Well, I haven't either, but your horse evidently seemed to like the tender loving care you offered him. Like your story.

 Comment Written 20-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 20-Jan-2023

Thank you. Horses are complicated critters, each one is different.

Comment from Malcolm Rothery

Exceptional

What a wonderful story. Animals never cease to amaze me. I recently heard the tale of a cat that spent 2 years crossing several states to find its owners that had moved away. I also do not understand anyone who can abuse animals. People who abuse animals should be treated the same as if they had abused a person - with the full weight of the law. It drives me mad when (In the UK) they get a punitive fine and are banned from keeping animals for a few months.

 Comment Written 20-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 20-Jan-2023

Thank you, and thanks for the six stars. Animals are amazing and more intelligent than most people realize.

Comment from dmt1967

Excellent

I wish I had some sixes left. I am a bit scared of horses but I think they are royal animals and love the way they run and canter. I love all animals really. Thank you for sharing and good luck in the contest. Have a great weekend.

 Comment Written 20-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 20-Jan-2023

Thank you. Willie was a character. I'm sorry to say this may not be in the contest. I read the rules where it said if the word count is not stated above, there is no limit, but way down at the bottom of that page, It said 300 words should be sufficient. Oh, well, you can't win them all. None of the reviewers caught that either. I don't think it was fair the way they did that.

Comment from Narvik

Excellent

What a great story. Sounds like you and Joyce did the right thing. It'd be risky to let Willie keep escaping indefinitely.

This story was well-written and held my interest throughout.

 Comment Written 19-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 20-Jan-2023

Thank you. Willie was a different sort of horse. Horses often become fond of a good caregiver, but not to the extent Willie did.

Comment from dellsworthpoet

Excellent

An interesting story. It points up the reality that animals do bond to humans. Sometimes with very strong emotions. The flow is good. The images are clear. The story stays on point. The overall feeling of love for animals is generated. The simple language makes it warm and friendly.

Thanks for a good read.

 Comment Written 19-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 20-Jan-2023

Thank you. Horses often become fond of the person who cares for them, but if given a choice, most would rather be in the pasture with their buddies.

reply by dellsworthpoet on 20-Jan-2023

You are welcome.

Comment from leather

Excellent

Oh, I liked this. I am not a horse person, but I got caught up in your well-written story and zoomed through to the end of it. This entry far surpassed most that I read.
I am out of sixes, sorry.
Best wishes.

 Comment Written 19-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 19-Jan-2023

Thank you. I don't think it will be in the contest. The committee says I exceed the word count. I read the second part where it said if no word count was mentioned above, then it didn't matter. Way down at the bottom, they say 300 words should be sufficient. I think it was kind of rotten.

Comment from Dawn Munro

Exceptional

Ah, geez... I'm weepy at this touching (and flawless) tale. One question though -- that first paragraph -- was that Willie?

What a wonderful story, and it's made even better (for me) that it's not fiction. Bless you for caring for this horse so much that you would board him for his new owner when he didn't want to be re-homed.

 Comment Written 19-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 19-Jan-2023

Thank you, and thanks for the six stars. Yes, I was talking about Willie in the first chapter. He was in deplorable condition when we brought him home.

reply by Dawn Munro on 19-Jan-2023

:(( I'm so glad you found him.

Comment from Karyn2

Excellent

This piece was so well written! I loved your story. What an attachment you must have made saving Willie the way you did. He must have known in you kindness for the first time and safety. I don't know horses all that well but I know they are so sensitive. They seem to be the best judge of characters! Your writing style is smooth and and expressive and so easy to read. Most enjoyable. Best wishes for the contest.

 Comment Written 19-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 19-Jan-2023

Thank you. Horses become fond of people who treat them well, but most of them prefer to be with their buddies in the pasture. It is unusual for one to run away to get back to the home he liked.

Comment from Gary Allen1

Good

Straightforward and appealing. I can almost see the YouTube video. Being a true story makes the author more sympathetic, but doesn't change the value of the writing.

 Comment Written 19-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 19-Jan-2023

Thank you for reading and commenting.

Comment from Jay Squires

Excellent

This has to do well in the contest. I don't even like horses and yet, your story touched my heart. I don't dare read another of your horse stories or I'd be out looking for my own pony. Good luck with the contest.

Jay

 Comment Written 18-Jan-2023

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reply by the author on 19-Jan-2023

Thank you. Horses often become attached to a person who gives them love and good care, but not to the extent Willie did.