0218 claim attempt

This year, Hark had brought his friend Dean along, as Dean knew horses much better and on a more sophisticated level too. Maybe with his help, Hark could find a pony that would keep that bell on. 

He wanted to finally bring home a horsey friend for his son. But it couldn't be just any. The last years had been unsuccessful- years, yes. Four times in a row he'd tried to get a black mare, but failed. She was nowhere in sight this year, meaning another had taken her home. 

Hark held onto his bell ribbon and also scanned the nearby ponies. There were quite a few to choose from, they were a colourful bunch. Dean eventually pointed out a smaller, black and white one. Her eyes were a bright blue and her long mane and tail swished in the wind.

Dean said her white markings reminded him of a cat, and Hark had to agree. It was quite adorable. And she was happy to approach the two men, showing no inhibition when it came to sniffing their hands and getting to know those strangers. She circled them with great interest, before stopping in front of Hark. 

He reached out a hand and she calmly nuzzled and nosed at it. When he slowly pet her, something inside her head clicked.

After a bit of huffing and puffing, she arched her neck and let Hark scratch her ears. 

“A friendly kitty, then” he said. And she was. A personable little mare, who had just about discovered scratches and already knew exactly what they were for, but also was calm and attentive. She didn't push too close or too fast, a sensible nature. 

Besides scratches, she also turned out to quite like having her mane detangled, which Dean took upon himself. At least the biggest knot should go. The mare was patient as he worked and found it to her liking when people fussed over her. One who did her mane, the other who scratched her ears and massaged her forehead. Yes, she could get used to this. She would gently nose at the smaller man's shirt, curious to find out a little more. It was a funky material that was brand new to her. It didn't taste good however and receiving pets seemed more important, especially on spots she couldn't easily reach.

Hark had made his choice and braided the bell ribbon into the detangled patch of mane.