Talon: The Gypsy Cob

"Look everyone - it's the lunch wagon!"

This week’s mission: get a decent photo of Talon for his “for sale” ad. Easy enough, right? Just walk out there, snap a few flattering shots, post them online, and wait for the offers to roll in.

Ha.

Talon had other plans. When I first walked out to the pasture, he was standing by the fence, looking reasonably majestic—the kind of proud, head-high stance that makes people think, “Wow, that’s a fine-looking horse.” But the second I pulled out my phone, he froze. Instant statue mode. It was like photographing a cinder block with legs. No matter what I did—clucking, waving my arms, tossing pebbles, kissing noises, even mooing like a deranged cow—nothing. He just stood there, ears half-cocked, eyes glazed over, channeling the energy of a teenage boy being forced to take family pictures.

I was about one bad selfie away from giving up when my husband rolled down the driveway with a trailer full of hay. Suddenly, poof!—Talon came to life. Ears up, eyes bright, neck arched, tail flicking just so. The transformation was instantaneous. Turns out all it takes to turn my stubborn horse into a runway model is the promise of snacks.

So, naturally, I took full advantage of the moment. Snap, snap, snap—photo shoot complete. The hay-baited glamour shot turned out perfect, and now Talon’s officially listed on a few horse sale sites, complete with a flattering video. If only job interviews worked that way—show up with a buffet and everyone suddenly looks enthusiastic.

Of course, the funny thing is, now that he’s officially listed, he’s acting sweeter than ever. Almost like he knows. He’s been extra affectionate, standing by the fence when I walk by, giving me that “Are you sure you want to sell me?” look. Smart horse—or maybe just manipulative. Either way, if charm were a marketable skill, he’d have sold himself already.

 Click here to see Talon's ad.

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©2012 Sandy Davis | American Way Farm