As I got closer to the fence, I held my shirt over my nose to block the smell. One stallion waded through the muck and whinnied angrily at me. He bared his teeth, which were pointed like a bear's.I tried to talk to him in my mind. I can do that with most horses. I told him. The horse said. I protested. Usually this gets me VIP treatment in the equestrian world, not this time. The horse agreed enthusiastically. The other horses chimed in as they waded through the field.
As the narrator approaches a muddy fence, they take measures to shield themselves from the unpleasant odor, showing their discomfort. A stallion reacts aggressively, displaying sharp teeth, which highlights the tension between the narrator and the horse. Despite attempting to communicate mentally, the narrator feels ignored and frustrated, as their usual ability to connect with horses seems to fail in this situation.
In this moment of interaction, the stallion surprisingly responds positively, suggesting a deeper connection, while other horses join the conversation. This exchange reflects a theme of miscommunication and the narrator's longing for recognition in equestrian settings, emphasizing their unique talent that is not being acknowledged this time. The experience serves as both a challenge and a learning moment for the narrator.