Horse mother is past her prime. Horse mother no longer cuts an enviable figure against the orange and pink of the rising sun. Horse mother sees the gray gathering over her hooves. Horse mother feels the press and pendulum of all her thick years in her haunches. Horse mother needs fresh hay. Horse mother wants oats and barley and carrots. Horse mother is restless. Horse mother is hungry. Horse mother is your responsibility. Horse mother demands to know why you’re ten minutes late.

Horse mother snorts and stamps and shows you the whites of her eyes if you fail to approach slowly from her left with outstretched arms. Horse mother cocks her hind leg like a loaded rifle if you do not bring her treats. Horse mother huffs and jerks away should you be tempted to touch her velveteen nose. Horse mother has kicked you before for your temerity. 

Horse mother’s mane is her glory after brushing and detangling. Horse mother still imagines it will land her on the cover of Horse Fanciers Weekly someday. Horse mother’s coat discharges dust like a spore cloud when you brush it. Horse mother’s hooves are full of dirt and crushed grass. Horse mother preens to be freed of it. Horse mother could use a visit from the farrier. Horse mother revels in declarations of her beauty. Horse mother expects soft words cooed into her ear. Horse mother’s place is to be admired.

Horse mother whinnies a warning when you groom her tail. Horse mother is sensitive about her backside. Horse mother resents that yours came from your father. Horse mother lifts her tail and lets loose a thick heat of turds you’ve learned to avoid. Horse mother steps in it before you can shovel it away. Horse mother’s hooves must be cleaned again. Horse mother slurps up her water while you wield your hoof pick.

Horse mother prefers the argyle blanket to the buffalo check on her bowed back. Horse mother has not accepted a saddle for twenty years, a bit in her mouth for ten. Horse mother no longer bursts from the barn in a frenzied ecstasy to let the wind howl through her mane. Horse mother ambles about the grass. Horse mother cannot be hurried. Horse mother gazes wall-eyed at the horizon. Horse mother has forgotten there is a sharp and heady world beyond her fence. Horse mother does not notice when you leave. Horse mother does not realize you’re gone until hours later. Horse mother is waiting when you come back. 

Horse mother follows you into the stable at dusk. Horse mother smells of sweet grass and animal leisure. Horse mother shakes her mane and tastes the air. Horse mother catches you looking away. Horse mother nudges you. Horse mother is greedy for her bed. Horse mother is greedy for a sweet. Horse mother takes the apple from your hand and three fingers too.