A Sudden Fall in the Pasture
The woman’s tall brown riding boots scraped across the dry dirt track as she slid flat onto the grass embankment along the wooden fence line.
Her pink blazer pressed against the turf, her black riding helmet shifting forward over her brow as her arms came to rest in the yellow weeds beside the path.
A few yards ahead, the brown bay horse with a white blaze on its forehead slowed its gallop, turning its dark head back toward the dirt lane.
The horse trotted back along the wooden fence line, its hooves kicking up small clouds of dust that settled on the dry grass blades.
It stopped beside her still body, lowering its long neck until its soft black nose brushed gently against the cloth of her shoulder.
The horse nudged her arm twice, shifting its weight from front hoof to back hoof while watching her face as she lay on the embankment.
Alerting the Barn Hand
When the rider remained unmoving on the ground, the horse turned its shoulders toward the open lane leading back to the farm buildings.
Its dark hooves beat a fast rhythm against the hard-packed soil, galloping past the fence posts and tall oak trees lining the driveway.
Near the double doors of the red barn, a bearded man wearing a plaid shirt and tan trousers held a pitchfork and rake in his hands.
The horse sprinted directly into the farmyard, stopping right in front of the man’s boots and tossing its dark mane high into the air.
It lifted its front hooves off the ground, opening its mouth wide to let out an urgent call that echoed off the wooden barn walls.
The man lowered his tools toward the dirt, looking at the empty leather saddle and the reins dangling loose around the horse’s neck.
Returning to the Scene
The man released his grip on the tools, letting the metal rake and pitchfork clatter onto the dirt driveway.
He turned toward the open barn doorway and retrieved a hard red medical case with a white cross printed on the cover.
The horse swung its head around and trotted back onto the dirt path, keeping several paces ahead of the running man.
The man ran down the dusty lane, his work boots digging into the dry grass edges as he tracked the horse along the fence.
The empty stirrups bounced against the leather saddle flaps as both horse and man reached the curve in the road.
Care on the Trail
The brown horse slowed to a walk as it reached the grassy patch where the rider was still lying near the fence rail.
The man dropped down onto his knees beside her, placing the bright red plastic first aid kit open on the grass nearby.
He rested one hand firmly on her jacket collar to steady her while holding a mobile phone up to his ear with his right hand.
The woman slowly propped herself up on her right elbow, blinking as she adjusted her leather helmet strap with her fingers.
The horse stood motionless beside them on the dirt track, lowering its nose toward the woman’s shoulder as the man spoke into his phone.
Know an animal lover who appreciates loyal companions? Share this clip with them today.