The Whimsical Horse

This story is part of a microfiction challenge in 2024, set by L.C. Schäfer. You can read about all of that here and I would recommend you go and check her out:

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I dedicate this story to Paul Stewart.

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"What do you mean, that horse is whimsical? What sort of a way is that to describe a horse?"

The groom looked at his boss, Mr Wycombe, as his moustache bristled in indignation at the boy's comment. The groom, Sam, was undeterred.

"The right way," and said no more, much to Mr Wycombe's annoyance.

"Well, I think it's ridiculous and I would much rather hear her being described as strong or, or,..." Mr Wycombe struggled to find words which for an outspoken man was unusual, "...fast or competitive! But whimsical? Nonsense!"

And he stormed away towards the house.

Used to his boss's bluster, Sam turned to Dotty and stroked her muzzle.

"Don't worry, Dotty. He'll see what a whimsical horse is capable of. We'll show him."

Dotty whinnied softly as if in agreement and took an almighty bite of the carrot Sam held out which resounded around the stable like an emphatic "Yes!"

***

The day of the race arrived. Sam was rubbing Dotty down and speaking soothingly as he did it, words of whimsy. Dotty was whinnying and snorting in response when Mr Wycombe arrived, in unusually high spirits.

"Well, Sam! The day is here! I'm expecting a win, you know!"

And before Sam could say anything, he lightly patted Dotty's behind, which made her head turn - Sam sensed the derision but also the pleasure in the gesture from Dotty - and stalked out, head high and whistling a tune.

***

And they were off! Mr Wycombe watched anxiously from the stands. Oh God, he hoped this bloody horse won! He had geared himself for a ribbing from the boys at the club and had had a couple of drinks for Dutch courage, although it was not yet 11.

He lifted his binoculars. She was at the back! He tensed.

She didn't look like she was racing at all. Frolicking like a foal in a field! Dear Lord! Despondency hit him like a fist. But no! She was gaining ground! It was an unorthodox way to race, capricious and fanciful some might say but she was fast!

She was winning.

"Good grief!" he exclaimed as Dotty playfully crossed the finish line.

In first place.

Sam was not surprised.

***

366 words

As per my dedication, you have the mighty wordsmith Paul Stewart to thank for this story today.

We had an enjoyable exchange (all of our exchanges are enjoyable actually) on my Top Story:

Our discussion led us to why this haiku had been chosen for a Top Story and Paul suggested that the Vocal leaders like a bit of whimsy and so, The Whimsical Horse was created and a story was just begging to be written. So I trotted one out and here it is, released into the paddock to gambol and canter to its heart's content.

I thought it might be interesting to include the dictionary definitions of whimsical for reference:

1.playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way.

2.acting or behaving in a capricious manner.

Also, when I was a-Googling, I found this interesting link to an entry on Wikipedia:

A horse called Whimsical. You couldn't make it up, could you?

Thanks for stopping by. If you've read this story, please do leave a comment as I love to interact with my readers.

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