Neighbors H and L got together to go riding yesterday, and for some reason it seemed a good idea to ride through the wash past the Lair. Ghost thought this was a good idea, too. Normally he keeps his distance, just stands off and barks. It works out fine with H’s mare Belle, because Belle is about as excitable as a Bentley. She is not impressed by dogs.
But alas H’s new ride Avalon has turned out not to be as well-trained as advertised. She’s spooky as hell, and if Ghost can get a rise out of a horse he is not able to resist the fun. I was late to the scene of the accident because of course horses and dogs are faster than one-legged old men and so I was always showing up where they’d already been. I could hear H yelling at Ghost, but didn’t make contact for almost ten minutes. Every time he’d make one of his tie-fighter attack runs Avalon would turn to face him and indicate a strong desire to get the rider off her back, which wasn’t making it much of a fun ride for H. I finally got him under control and kept him there till they were out of range.
She’s got as much right to use the wash as I do, but this is where Ghost lives and he is going to defend his territory. Not his fault if he enjoys it. There are plenty of other places for H to ride and she usually does, but I’m not interested in this becoming a source of friction – and absolutely don’t want to be the cause of her getting thrown and hurt – so I’m going to suggest that she call me next time and give me a heads-up so I can keep the boys confined.
