Simply Pete
A true story about a remarkable horse.32 total reviews
Comment from Lovinia
High prettybluebirds
What a wonderful story. I was almost in tears as I read of this horse, finding you. An animal can be such a good friend and loyal companion. I'v loved all mine, though I did have a cat which was special in the same way as Pete, though she considered herself of regal and noble blood, without being too much of a snob. LOL Pete seems so loveable and you have shown that in your well told story. What a pleasure and how wonderful you and he could enjoy each other for so long. I'm just picturing that little dance down the street in the Asparagus Parade. What a delight!! Of course I'd love to see you all done up in neon pink.
I'm thrilled to see this story come in as a winner ... Congratulations!! I've enjoyed this soooo much. Hugs - Lovi xoxo
reply by the author on 01-Aug-2016
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High prettybluebirds
What a wonderful story. I was almost in tears as I read of this horse, finding you. An animal can be such a good friend and loyal companion. I'v loved all mine, though I did have a cat which was special in the same way as Pete, though she considered herself of regal and noble blood, without being too much of a snob. LOL Pete seems so loveable and you have shown that in your well told story. What a pleasure and how wonderful you and he could enjoy each other for so long. I'm just picturing that little dance down the street in the Asparagus Parade. What a delight!! Of course I'd love to see you all done up in neon pink.
I'm thrilled to see this story come in as a winner ... Congratulations!! I've enjoyed this soooo much. Hugs - Lovi xoxo
Comment Written 01-Aug-2016
reply by the author on 01-Aug-2016
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Thank you, Lovina. I had a lot of horses over the years but Pete was special. It didn't bother him that he was small, fat, and not exceptionally pretty. Pete loved everyone and expected to be loved in return. Whoever originally raised him must have been a very kind person. His training was exceptional too.
Comment from SeductiveAngel
I loved this story, and the message of not judging a book by it's cover. Absolutely fabulous. I only found one thing to possibly suggest.
Where you have "get on at your risk." perhaps insert the word "own".
Other than that suggestion, I found this perfect, and you may have a new fan.
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2016
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I loved this story, and the message of not judging a book by it's cover. Absolutely fabulous. I only found one thing to possibly suggest.
Where you have "get on at your risk." perhaps insert the word "own".
Other than that suggestion, I found this perfect, and you may have a new fan.
Comment Written 22-Jul-2016
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2016
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Thank you. I looked at your profile and see that you are a horse lover too. It seems you write a lot of interesting stuff. I became your fan too so I can follow what you write. Thanks for the six stars and the helpful tip.
Comment from abbasjoy
I love this post and wish I had a 6 to give, however, a virtual 6 is all I have at the moment.
The moral of this story is such s great reminder to your readers. Beauty is indeed skin deep, and you definitely can't judge a book by its cover.
Sometimes you see a couple, for instance, and the guy maybe a real looker where as the girl, from the on lookers' standards, couldn't be plainer. The question might then be asked "what does he see in her?" Yet they are obviously so much in love, and very often those are the marriages that last.
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2016
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I love this post and wish I had a 6 to give, however, a virtual 6 is all I have at the moment.
The moral of this story is such s great reminder to your readers. Beauty is indeed skin deep, and you definitely can't judge a book by its cover.
Sometimes you see a couple, for instance, and the guy maybe a real looker where as the girl, from the on lookers' standards, couldn't be plainer. The question might then be asked "what does he see in her?" Yet they are obviously so much in love, and very often those are the marriages that last.
Comment Written 21-Jul-2016
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2016
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Thank you. I agree with you one hundred percent. You often see couples who look mismatched. Pete turned out to be the best horse I ever owned and he was very plain.
Comment from barkingdog
If that horse looks like Pete, I think he's beautiful.
He chose you from the first time he saw you. If people and animals can be soul mated, I'd venture to say you two were.
I teared up when he started prancing at the parade. He love the spectacle maybe more than your Pink Posse. haha
This is a truly wonderful story. I wish I had a six.
Best of luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2016
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If that horse looks like Pete, I think he's beautiful.
He chose you from the first time he saw you. If people and animals can be soul mated, I'd venture to say you two were.
I teared up when he started prancing at the parade. He love the spectacle maybe more than your Pink Posse. haha
This is a truly wonderful story. I wish I had a six.
Best of luck in the contest.
Comment Written 21-Jul-2016
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2016
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Thank you. Pete did look a lot like the horse in the picture except for heavier and quite short. Parade riders want the loud colored, perfect conformation type horses. Pete was heavy in the legs like a work horse but he more than made up for it with his attitude.
Comment from Cumbrianlass
Oh, god, I'm in tears! What a wonderful, touching story of this super little horse and your relationship with him. I never owned a horse, but used to part-board at a local stable and rode frequently. I know what characters horses can be - and what little buggers they can be, too!. Pete sounds amazing. You made me fall in love with him. I'm so glad he found a special home with you and a special place in your heart!
When I was a kid, growing up in the north of England, a friend of mine had an Exmoor pony whose name was Comet. Colour-wise, he was identical to the pic of the bay you have attached to your story. He was one of the little buggers - but hilarious! A real comic.
Super read. Thank you so much for sharing this. I hope it appeals as much to the committee as it does to me.
Av
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2016
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Oh, god, I'm in tears! What a wonderful, touching story of this super little horse and your relationship with him. I never owned a horse, but used to part-board at a local stable and rode frequently. I know what characters horses can be - and what little buggers they can be, too!. Pete sounds amazing. You made me fall in love with him. I'm so glad he found a special home with you and a special place in your heart!
When I was a kid, growing up in the north of England, a friend of mine had an Exmoor pony whose name was Comet. Colour-wise, he was identical to the pic of the bay you have attached to your story. He was one of the little buggers - but hilarious! A real comic.
Super read. Thank you so much for sharing this. I hope it appeals as much to the committee as it does to me.
Av
Comment Written 21-Jul-2016
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2016
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Thank you. I'm so glad my story touched your heart. Horses are extraordinary animals, some more so than others. Pete was forever a comic.
Comment from F. Wehr3
Very nice story! It has a good lesson about not judging others by their appearance. I found two tiny things for your consideration.
I was looking for pretty so I asked to try the two paints first. -- suggest a comma before your conjunction so.
"Sorry Boy," -- suggest comma after sorry, otherwise you're demeaning him, calling him a sorry boy, lol.
Take care,
Russell
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2016
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Very nice story! It has a good lesson about not judging others by their appearance. I found two tiny things for your consideration.
I was looking for pretty so I asked to try the two paints first. -- suggest a comma before your conjunction so.
"Sorry Boy," -- suggest comma after sorry, otherwise you're demeaning him, calling him a sorry boy, lol.
Take care,
Russell
Comment Written 21-Jul-2016
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2016
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Thank you. I'm glad you gave me a grammar lesson. Me and commas don't always get along. I'm learning, thanks to people like you.
Comment from mfowler
This is a beautiful story. I know it's nonfiction, but it was such a perfectly rounded tale that it felt like a great story. It starts with the sadness of loss. A horse as beautiful as Carmen would be hard to find, not only because of her qualities, but also because riders get deeply attached to their mounts. The search for the replacement was a really interesting sequence as horses came and went. The fact that the little horse followed you around till he had to be chosen was great. And the happy ending when Pete takes over the parade and wins the accolades, is perfect. I was really interested in your listed criteria for selection. I have one query though, and it may be particular to America, but the opening words in each paragraph that began 'First, Second etc' are adjectives, (And nouns in some circumstances), I would have used the adverbs eg firstly, Secondly, in this context. It's just a thought and certainly doesn't detract from the quality of the work. Very much enjoyed.
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2016
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This is a beautiful story. I know it's nonfiction, but it was such a perfectly rounded tale that it felt like a great story. It starts with the sadness of loss. A horse as beautiful as Carmen would be hard to find, not only because of her qualities, but also because riders get deeply attached to their mounts. The search for the replacement was a really interesting sequence as horses came and went. The fact that the little horse followed you around till he had to be chosen was great. And the happy ending when Pete takes over the parade and wins the accolades, is perfect. I was really interested in your listed criteria for selection. I have one query though, and it may be particular to America, but the opening words in each paragraph that began 'First, Second etc' are adjectives, (And nouns in some circumstances), I would have used the adverbs eg firstly, Secondly, in this context. It's just a thought and certainly doesn't detract from the quality of the work. Very much enjoyed.
Comment Written 21-Jul-2016
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2016
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Thank you. I find your thoughts on the first and second stuff very interesting. I intend to look into it some more. I think most folks would have listed it as I did. I'm going to find out, though. Thanks for bringing it up
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I've checked myself and it appears that first/firstly etc are interchangeable in this context. As I said, it's probably a matter of usage in different places. Sorry to waste your time.
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Comments from friends are never a waste of time.
Comment from Ulla
Hi there, what a delightful story about your horse Pete. I so enjoyed reading this having owned horses most of my life. I was into dressage, and you are so right that lots of training and exercise improves a horse's appearance. I can just visualise your old friend. I had a horse or two that would do anything for me.
A suggestion: 'Also, I noticed the hard work improving Pete's looks' I suggest: 'improved Pete's look'. Gets rid of the 'ing' word and passive voice.
In the Paragraph starting 'It came time for Asparagus Parade' you use 'would have to do' twice. I would try to change one of them.
A delightful story and very well written. A great entry for the contest and good luck. All the best. Ulla:))
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2016
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Hi there, what a delightful story about your horse Pete. I so enjoyed reading this having owned horses most of my life. I was into dressage, and you are so right that lots of training and exercise improves a horse's appearance. I can just visualise your old friend. I had a horse or two that would do anything for me.
A suggestion: 'Also, I noticed the hard work improving Pete's looks' I suggest: 'improved Pete's look'. Gets rid of the 'ing' word and passive voice.
In the Paragraph starting 'It came time for Asparagus Parade' you use 'would have to do' twice. I would try to change one of them.
A delightful story and very well written. A great entry for the contest and good luck. All the best. Ulla:))
Comment Written 21-Jul-2016
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2016
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Thank you. Thanks for your great tips too. I will edit and see if I can correct. Glad you enjoyed the story.
Comment from country ranch writer
never judge a book by its cover and once inside it may surprise you that all is not what it seems on the inside because one has the heart
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2016
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never judge a book by its cover and once inside it may surprise you that all is not what it seems on the inside because one has the heart
Comment Written 20-Jul-2016
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2016
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Thank you. So glad you enjoyed the story. Pete was far better than the pretty horses.
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horses don't have to be pretty to be smart love makes them shine
Comment from franichm
What a sweet horse! The story was written in a very descriptive free flowing manner. Reading it, you could tell how fond you were of each other. My mom always said good things come in small packages. This proves it. Great job!
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2016
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What a sweet horse! The story was written in a very descriptive free flowing manner. Reading it, you could tell how fond you were of each other. My mom always said good things come in small packages. This proves it. Great job!
Comment Written 20-Jul-2016
reply by the author on 21-Jul-2016
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Thank you. Pete was a real character. I loved him and forget he was little.