The "Faces of Strangers: #34" Story

Katlyn with her pride and joy, Oscar.

It was an ordinary day.  Watching Katlyn removing the braids from the mane of her beautiful Appaloosa horse named Oscar.  She used a tool known as a seam ripper which is used in sewing.  Oscar stood motionless as if he knew exactly what was expected of him.  The two worked together in unison until Katlyn noticed me watching her.  She looked toward me and smiled and I smiled back.  She was close to my daughter's age with a beautiful face and a fondness for animals, just as my daughter.  I found out she had just shown her 13 year-old horse in competition at the 143rd Centre County, Pennsylvania Grange Fair.  He did well and now it was time to undo his mane and head braids and let him eat the hay that sat at his feet.  She showed me the bridle she had for Oscar which bore his real name of "Eyes a Special."  He carried the names of both his parents with the name on his bridle.  I called to my wife to come look at the 15.2 hands horse standing in front of me in his stall.  I told Katlyn that Carol had a horse for many years while growing up and she asked Carol a few questions about her horse.  I was amazed at how well the horse allowed his owner to cut the waxed string that held his mane.  I asked Katyln if she would mind if I took a few photos as she worked and she maneuvered Oscar into place so I could see better what she was doing.  I took my final shots and thanked her for allowing Carol and me to talk with her as she spent time doing a chore that I'm sure she has done many times before.  She in return thanked me for taking an interest in her horse and herself and told me she hopes we enjoy our day at the fair.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.