Bridge and Another Man’s Horse

I, Bernie Harberts, did not use generative AI to write or illustrate this article. Spell check and grammar check, yes. AI, no.

Recently I picked up a stray. Crossing an old wood bridge, I heard an extra pair of clip clops on the wood decking. I looked back. And saw a horse.

Turns out the horse had slipped through an open gate and fallen in to line behind us. I walked the mules back across the bridge, toward where the horse had come from, hoping to lure the horse back home.

The horse followed obediently.

I re-crossed the bridge, hoping this time the horse would stay in its pasture. No luck. It just tucked right in behind Brick and joined our merry band.

For a few minutes, it looked like I’d found a new pack horse.

Not so. A few minutes later, the horse’s owner, Gordon Most, showed up. Turns his wife had been watching us try to cross the river. She saw us having a bit of trouble with the horse and sent Gordon over to help out.

The horse’s name was Lakota. A real likeable sort. So was Gordon.

Gordon shut Lakota up in his pasture. I rode Brick and Cracker west, gone from four-some back to three-some.

Let's Keep in Touch

Sign up for The River, the RiverEarth newsletter, for occasional doses of rambling and homestead life. Plus you'll get a free copy of my 155-page illustrated ebook 19 Million Mule Steps.

Just enter your email below and hit Subscribe.

Explore More of RiverEarth

• Travel by Horse and Mule
• Travel by Sail
• Tasmania by $10 Bike
• Around the Homestead
• Travel Grit Website: Interviews with Long Riders, Sailors and Adventurers