Short stories for kids - The stubborn horse
There was a very big farm in the country side. The farm was so spread out that it constituted half of the town. The farm housed many different animals such as chicken, rabbits, dogs, cows, cattle, and horses. It was a beautiful place without a single moment of dullness. There was always something to do and at times, when time lulled into tranquility, everyone loved to sit in the open fields and chit chat while the horses grazed around.
Henji was the oldest horse of the farm. He knew everything that was to know about the farm. Though he rarely came out of his stable, he was in on the happenings of the farm. All the animals always wondered how he knew so much without ever coming out. No one knew of his secret meetings with the only other animal he might call his friend. And that’s Timmy, the dog.
Every night, like a long held tradition, Timmy sneaked into the stable and talked for hours. Henji listened attentively, waiting patiently for the one news that he wanted to know.
“You do know you have to get that leg of yours checked, don’t you?” said Timmy pointing towards the bulge resting on his leg.
Henji hummed, ignoring his words.
“I am worried buddy. It’s looking worse by the day” said Timmy concerned.
“Don’t worry, I will be fine. Now you know what I am waiting for. Tell me, do you have any news of her?” asked Henji.
“I am sorry, Henji. I don’t have any news of her. I don’t know when she is going to be back. The only thing everyone talks about is you. Everyone is worried.” Said Timmy.
“They have called another Vet for you. He will be coming in the morning.”
Henji huffed and angrily said, “I don’t want another Vet. I want her.”
“She is not coming back anytime soon. Let the Vet do his job and get yourself checked. Stop worrying everyone. Stop being a stubborn horse.” Timmy said, turning to go back to his place, “I swear if you send this vet back like you did all the previous vets, I will not be coming back for our nightly hangouts anymore.”
Timmy started walking but was soon stopped by Henji’s voice, “Stop, please”
His voice was low and distressed. “I know I am worrying everyone. But, I just want to spend some time with her, take her out on one last ride. She will be moving out for college soon and I don’t know when she will come back.”
“But Henji, how will you take her out on a ride with that leg of yours? You will falter at the first step and hurt not only yourself but her too. Do you want her to be hurt?” asked Henji.
“No,” replied Henji in a very low tone.
Seeing him in such low spirits, Timmy said, “Tell you what, you get that checked out and I promise to find out when she is coming back.”
“Are you serious?” asked Henji in disbelief.
“Yes, Yes, you old stubborn horse. Now go, get some rest before the vet arrives.” Said Timmy bidding Henji goodbye for the night.
The next morning Henji behaved himself and let the Vet check him without any fuss. Everyone was shocked at the change but were happy about it. That night, Henji waited anxiously for Timmy, and as soon as he came, Henji asked, “When is she coming?”
“Calm down, buddy. You seem excited to see me. Won’t you ask how I am? I am hurt.” teased Timmy laughing.
Henji glared at him which was enough for Timmy to spill the beans. He let Henji know that she will be coming in three weeks’ time and then asked, “How did it go with the Vet?”
“It was fine. The Vet will be back sometime next week to remove the bandages and check on it” said Henji.
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The next week, again the Vet arrived and checked Henji. Though the wound had healed, the Vet advised Henji to take it easy for a couple of weeks. He was not supposed to put any pressure on it and the vet will be back again for another check.
As Timmy stood on the side listening to the Vet, he couldn’t help the laugh coming out of him and said, “No one has to worry about him putting any pressure on it. He is worse than a sloth.”
All the animals laughed as Henji huffed.
The days passed uneventfully for Henji. Timmy talked his ears off every night but he was not too interested in it until the time he asked, “Tell me more about her, please?”
“What do you mean? You know her too.” Replied Henji.
“Yes, I do. But, for me, she is the farm owner’s daughter. I play with her but I like her brother more.” He said, shrugging his shoulders. “I want to know her from your perspective.”
A nostalgic look crossed Heji’s features as he said, “She was such a tiny tot when I first met her, snuggled in the arms of her mother. I could see her looking at me. She was not afraid at all. I was mesmerized.”
“Growing up, she came to meet me almost daily. She would talk for hours about her day, likes, and dislikes, anything and everything. I loved listening to her. She would brush me. She learned to ride with me. I was more nervous about hurting her but she was jumping with uncontained excitement.”
“Over the years, her visits lessened as her studies and other stuff took more of her focus. I missed her but I treasured whatever time she could make for me.”
“And now, once she moves to college, it will be quite some time before I can see her again.”
There was silence engulfing the duo, each lost in their own thoughts until Timmy bid him good night.
The next morning, there was a buzz on the farm and soon, Henji was happily surprised by her. She hugged him and told him how much she missed him. He just soaked in her love.
Soon, they could be seen riding in the open field. All the animals gathered in worry, shouting for Henji to stop running, to not put any pressure on his leg but he ignored everyone.
After some time, they stopped and she got down, ruffling his mane. And, he buckled. The vet was called again and he was given bad news, the wound reopened and now it will take much longer for it to heal.
“Why did you do it, Henji?” asked Timmy.
“When she was little, I promised to give her a ride every time we meet. I keep my promises.”
Later that night, all the animals were talking about Henji’s recklessness and stubbornness when Timmy stopped them and said, “He is not stubborn, he is just misunderstood.”
Moral of the story
Often old people hold on to things that might seem illogical to young people. Their reasons could be keeping a promise or simply reliving a small part of their youth. We should try and understand and empathise with them
ABOUT THE AUTHOR OF THIS SHORT STORY:
Manisha Sanghi - A lively mom to a witty toddler who loves baking not only stories but also cookies and cakes
WHY SHORT STORIES FOR KIDS?
Instead of lecturing kids, short stories is a great way to teach lessons to kids. Stories help them to visualise themselves in place of the characters. These stories can be read independently by children or parents can read them to kids and build conversations around different topics .For example in the story, one can talk about older people in the family and the times they lived in and how we should respect their wishes.. Our posters, maps and flashcards are some screen free way for kids to build knowledge and have conversations and interact
