It can feel creepy riding on the rail sometimes. It could be a feeling of foreboding. Dread almost. Something isn’t quite right. Are you being watched? Maybe you’re imagining it.
Your horse sees him first. It’s that teenage barn cat, hanging on the fence like wadded-up laundry.
You blow it off, laugh at your horse for his foolishness. But he stays very alert and pushes a detour loop around the cat. Because he knows.
“I have noticed that what cats most appreciate in a human being is not the ability to produce food, which they take for granted, but his or her entertainment value.” -Anonymous Cat.
Your horse thinks you are the one who doesn’t get it. What part of predator don’t you humans understand?
Anna Blake, Infinity Farm.
(WordPress Photo Challenge is a weekly prompt to share a photo- I enjoy twisting these macro prompts to share our micro life here on the Colorado prairie. My photos are taken with my phone, on my farm. No psych, definitely not high tech.)
(Thanks, Megan. Hope you’re mending well.)
![Stable_Relation_3D_Cover[1]](https://annablakeblog.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/stable_relation_3d_cover1.jpg?w=378&h=420)
Available now: Stable Relation, a memoir of one woman’s spirited journey home, by way of the barn. It’s the story of the farm I grew up on, the farm I have now, and the horse who carried me in between. Available at all online book sellers like Amazon and Barnes and Noble. To get updates and the inside story, sign up for my newsletter here: Prairie Moon News. Thank you.
Looks like he’s going to pounce anytime
Yep. Foolish to look away.
That made me start off my Monday with a knowing nod and a laugh.
Yes. Riding double can be a fright.
Love it… maybe use it again around Halloween… maybe be we silly people will take it serious!
Cats depend on us not being that bright!
Cats love to “hang around” the barn. Love your pic!
Thanks… this guy is a ninja.
You nailed this, and so beautifully stated! I was out on a trail with my horse Buddy recently. A group of deer came crashing out of the woods across the trail and he didn’t flinch. He sees then on the farm all the time. Further down the trail a house cat padded quietly across our path. Buddy refused to take another step. I had to lead him by. I believe he thought the cat was lurking at the trail edge waiting to get us.
Predator. He’s right. (Thanks)
Great photo made me laugh out loud, two of our cats used to hide in the long grass of the shelter belt and leap out at my horse’s back legs as we went past – in what was meant to be a nice, smooth round circle …. ha ha !!
aww I don’t know why people say black cats are bad luck but I think they are the best kinds they are misunderstood
I didn’t mean to imply this was a black cat thing, I’ve had great black cats. And I’ve been pounced on by all different colors. Kind of having a nice time remembering it… You’re right, thanks for commenting.
ok good black cats are actually my favorite so I kind of jump to conclusions some times
The most dangerous cat I ever had the dubious pleasure of knowing was a giant orange Tom. He ruled his neighbourhood, and had the battle scars to prove it. Inside the house he was a sweet and cuddly ball of fur. Outside…. don’t cross him.
Gotta love a skanky old Tom!