The following conversation took place on a trail walk, on what used to be Pete’s Trail, then became a groomed trail, and is now a snowmobile trail.

Tyra: How come I am the last horse to get out today?
Alys: Because.
T: Because why?
A: Because your saddle fit issue is still up in the air.
T: Why is it still up in the air?
A: Here’s the situation. You’re a round-backed horse, meaning you are built like a barrel. We took care of the going sideways issue by having Dave, of Synergist Saddles, remove the traditional English rigging on your saddle and fitting it with a three-point rigging. This took a month, what with the saddle going back and forth to Wyoming. Now it appears as

Alys riding Tyra and Ponying Hrimmin the Wyoming Range

though the saddle slides forward. We have now ordered a new cinch for you, but there are no guarantees that this will solve the secondary problem.
T: What will you do if it doesn’t fit?
A: I will start riding you with the bareback pad. But this is going to require that you be very cooperative.
T: And it’s going to require that you stay relaxed and focus on keeping your balance.
A: That’s right.
T: And if this doesn’t work?
A: I will keep taking you for walks. I don’t mind doing this.
T: So, you won’t ride me?
A: Nope.
T: So maybe I should be going on for my Pee Ache Dee.
A: Maybe.
T: Where are we going to get the money for this?
A: We?
T: Oh, you.
A: I’m hoping that we’ll be able to sell a few of Hrimmi’s paintings come spring.
T: You’ve got to be kidding.
A: Would I kid you?
T: I don’t think that you are taking the matter of my education seriously.
A: You know, to my knowledge, no horse has ever before gone on for its Pee Ache Dee.
T: Okay, so I may be the first. Does this make me any less eligible for scholarships?
A: No, but it may be hard getting the powers that be serious about providing you with scholarship funds.
T: Okay. So, don’t tell them that I’m a horse.
A: This would be disingenuous.
T: But it would be a means to an end.
A: It would be unethical.
T: I need to take a course or two in ethics.
A: You most certainly do.
T: Hey, where’s the nativity scene? You’ve been talking about putting one up in the yard for a few years.
A: Yes.
T: Yes, what?
A: I have been talking about putting up a nativity scene. I will do this next year.
T: And will you get some real animals to be a part of it?
A: I’m not sure. Maybe we can include the chickens and the goats, put up a fence around the setting.
T: And have a come to Jesus party?
A: That’d be fun.
T: Way fun.
A: Just remind me next October, so I have plenty of time to get this organized.
T: Ohh, and we may have baby goats.
A: I can put it in Buckwheat’s pen.
T: Bingo!
A: You have so many great ideas.
T: And more to come.
A: Yes, and more to come.

Next: 355. 12/25/20: Mo Ho Ho