Back around the turn of the last century, the Brannen's frequently attended the local county Fairs. Many times they entered the competitions, showing their horses and mules and cattle. Sometimes they raced their horses. It was often the biggest event of the year. Carried on for a couple generations.
One year Bob Horde, a close family friend, had bought a prize horse and was ready to race him in every event that he was eligible. Even bought his wife some expensive ladies riding attire so she could compete in the ladies' events.
Before the final night's big event, the Ladies Fine Harness Category, Bob Horde took Puzzler out to warm him up. Well, Bob was drunk and when the crowd saw him they cheered and went crazy. That excited Bob and Puzzler and they really put on a show, until Bob passed out and fell forward on Puzzlers hips. That scared the horse and he crashed through the side rail of the track and ran back to the stable area.
My Grandad ran back there to help out and when he ran into the stable, there stood Puzzler fighting the gag reign, Bob still slumped forward on the horses hips, and two older black men who worked the stables. They too were drunk, one sitting on a bale of hay pretending to play the fiddle with two stalks of fodder while the other one danced.
I think my Grandad saw it all in his life.
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