Rolly and me

I met Rolly today.I had often seen his kinds on Saturdays in downtown Minneapolis.And I used to wonder how malnourished Indian horses looked in comparison.These horses look majestic - huge,they have a steady gait -command respect as they draw a decorated carriage down the Nicolet Mall.The animal lover in me simply can't resist talking to any I come across.It took me quite some time - and many talks to convince myself that service dogs should not be patted.Why?How can anyone ever resist patting a beautiful Golden Retriever, sitting demurely by a person she is helping?But I've learnt not to disturb them anymore.

I always wanted to talk to these beautiful horses - wanted to figure out if they connect to human beings like dogs.I found my opportunity today - there was this young girl escorting one of these beautiful creatures today by Hyatt.With some hesitation I spoke to her - she luckily welcomed it.So I talked to Rolly.Rolly is big because he is a draft horse.Even in America, riding horses are smaller - and perhaps resemble what I called "malnourished" Indian horses.Rolly is a well-behaved,shy 9 year old kid.He let me touch his mane,and would curiously flip his ears whenever I said something.He knows I'm talking to him!

Wikipedia definition :"A draft horse, draught horse, or harness horse is a large, strong horse bred for heavy work rather than speed. Draft horses are commonly used for ploughing and farm labour in pre-industrial societies. They were also used to pull heavy delivery carts around towns, shire horses hold the record for the biggest horses known."

I asked the girl what prompted her to work with horses.Her prompt answer,"Oh! I love horses - I simply knew I had to be around them all the time." How enjoyable life becomes if you do what you like.

So, I spent a whole 30 minutes hanging around Rolly, while the girl told me a lot about draft horses in general, and Rolly in particular.All the while, Rolly would shift his legs,flip his ears,would sway his head sideways and look at me furtively.Then suddenly, he stiffened... his focus was unbreakable,his eyes were fixed on something.There in the distance,trotting away to glory was John - Rolly's friend.Rolly could not remove his eyes from John.Draft horses are very emotional - they are herd animals, and can't do on their own.They need company - a fellow draft horse,or a human being who assures their safety.It was a joy to see Rolly's expressive eyes - how his entire being changed in seeing his friend.I call this sight a miracle.An animal's world is so exciting.They can teach you so much - and give you different perspectives altogether.

As I said bye to Rolly, I remembered "Bunty" - from Marine Drive,Mumbai.I must have seen Bunty only a couple of times - but his image is vivid in my mind, and so is the face of the young boy who used to drive Bunty's carriage.Its a human instinct I guess- I would definitely look out for Bunty amongst the horses on Marine Drive whenever I am on Marine Drive again, and I would wait till the time Bunty is free to catch a ride.Stay safe - Bunty.