I snuck Tango into a local park for a ride this morning. It was a lovely morning. The lakes and ponds glittered in the early light and the abundant greenery smelled of earth and perfume. Glorious!
The park was originally donated for the use of equestrians and dog walkers, but recently (or maybe not so recently) the sentiment among some park users (presumably new people who have moved into the suburbs rapidly colonizing the area) has turned against horses and riders. There’s a sign mounted at the entrance to the park that shows a horse with a slash through it. Which is just rude. But anyway, those of us who like to ride in the park persist.
On several occasions, walkers have given me disapproving glances or informed me that horses are not allowed in the park. I thank them for their concern and silently encourage Tango to step on their feet. Yes. That’s how immature I am. Tango is more mature, however, and keeps his feet to himself.
Today, we passed an elderly gent who greeted us with a loud “Bonjour!”
To which I replied, in my best seventh grade french accent, “Bonjour!”
Then the man said something else. In French. For those of you who believe that Canada’s two official languages policy means that everyone can speak French, I’m sorry to disappoint you. It seems the further north you travel, the less likely that is to be true.
Whatever he said included the words “cheval” and “park”. He didn’t smile as he said it, just continued to stump grumpily along.
And because I didn’t pay attention in French class, all I could think to say was “oui!” Only several moments later did it occur to me that he was probably giving me hell for being in the park. Or, less likely, he was telling me how Tango was the most attractive horse in the park.
As I tried to play back his words I veered between taking offence (and coming up with comebacks, but only in English, because I don’t have the vocab to do it in French) and being grateful for his kind words. I guess this is why one should pay attention in language class. So you can get admonished in more than one language or enjoy a compliment, as needed.
Sigh.
In other Tango news, Lisa drew this great picture of him. Lisa runs a horse rescue operation in Appalachia. Sadly, as this article in the New York Times points out, horse rescue operations are badly needed everywhere. Thanks for the wonderful drawing, Lisa! And thanks also for the great work you do.