Backforty g
These weeks go by so very fast, Seems just a while since I saw you last. The weatherman says that it might rain, How sad to make you freeze again. That old bay horse? He threw a shoe, Two weeks ago, give or take a few. When I said at first, there would be four, Saw one for sale… Heck, what’s one more? My big guy is gimping lots, Sixteen hands and in double-oughts. He kicks and pulls his feet away, I’m going to work on that some day. I’d hoped you’d have my pony sounder, Despite the grass that made him founder. You said last time that he should diet, It seems so mean, I’m loathe to try it.
An Ode to my Farrier I wrote this one morning, on the back of a feed invoice. I hope you enjoy it and are moved to think fondly of your own farriers. Meanwhile, I’m sitting snug in the house with my coffee, watching ever more snow come down. Poem by Lee McLean
Oh, say, about your bill, I’ve been meaning to pay it. Still, With my fuel and the price of hay, A vacation booked to get away… But worry not, for without fail, You know my cheque is “in the mail”. Or would you rather that I wait, And settle up on our next date? Don’t take this wrong, I like your work, But his toes are long. Now here’s a perk, I saw this on the internet, Therefore, it is the best way, yet. Really, I should take a course, Then I could barefoot trim my horse. For now, I’ll call that guy instead, You know he’s eight bucks less, per head? So young and keen, fresh out of school, Not bent and jaded, as a rule. If he’s no good, fear not, my friend. I can always use you in the end.
Lee McLean is best known for the storytelling on her Facebook page, Keystone Equine, and for her good ponies. One of eight women to race, sidesaddle, at the Calgary Stampede, Lee is resolved to write for, teach and represent other ordinary riders… the people who ride despite illness, injury, fear and changed plans! Her first book, HORSE WOMAN: Notes on Living Well & Riding Better, was just published and is available on Amazon. Lee lives with her husband, Mike, in the rolling hills of southwestern Alberta. 58 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW January/February 2022
