Sleepy Fox Hollow foolish men

Sundown hesitated, as if Fancy’s imperative had been little more than a horsefly buzzing about her flanks. A hoof raised and flicked, a dismissal that caused the sorrel to blast out a snort of hot air through her nostrils. 

The mare moved, but with a reluctance that could cost lives in the future. 

She’d exercised restraint in offering a warning first- a kindness offered to newcomers and foals who had yet to show resistance. It hadn’t had the desired effect. If she didn’t dig in her heels now, Sundown could continue to be a problem. Fancy had dealt with unruly colts before- but a lazy, wander-prone mare who wouldn’t listen to a gentle prompt from her lead was worse.  

She moved forward, shifting in demeanour to that of a striking cobra.  She plunged both forefeet to the earth as she crowded her chest against the paint’s hindquarters, so any buck or kick might be stifled by the pressure. She flattened her ears and reached to deliver a stiff pinch to the taught, sunset skin over one flank in a clear message to say move!