In "The Battle of the Labyrinth" by Rick Riordan, the narrator experiences a moment of despair when he encounters horses with alarming teeth. As he approaches the fence, he uses his shirt to shield himself from an unpleasant odor that permeates the air. One particularly aggressive stallion reacts by wading through the filth and expressing its displeasure with a sharp whinny, showcasing its fearsome bear-like teeth.

Despite the unsettling situation, the narrator attempts to communicate telepathically with the horse, referencing his usual success in connecting with these animals. However, he finds that his typical abilities seem to fall short in this instance. To his surprise, the horse responds in a way that contrasts with his expectations, adding an unexpected twist to the interaction and highlighting the challenges he faces in this chaotic environment.