History

Maisy was born on a very well-off horse farm; unfortunately her mother and herself were stolen from their field by a horse thief. Their kidnapper took them on a long trek across the American wilderness, planning to sell them to a far-away ranch. But he was caught; Maisy and her mother could not be returned to the horse farm, since their owners could not be traced. So, they were sold to the nearest Cavalry Post (the one Spirit was taken to).

Maisy grew up, trained to be a Cavalry mount. She was ridden by a soldier called Private Jonathan, and proved to be a horse of very high standards. She could be a little funny at times, however; she was fond of showing off from time to time, and was crazy about toasted bread, which her owner would treat her to as an occasional tit-bit.

She found close companionship in Oatis, a cocky, undersized appaloosa stallion. Her mate was a pack horse, used by the Cavalry to carry supplies, ammunition and the like on long expeditions. The trouble was, Oatis and Maisy grew to have such a bond, they would always want to be near each other if they were traveling on the same expedition, and would pine for each other if they weren't. There were instances when, crazy with grief, Maisy would knock down any barrier to get to her Oatis.

What could the Cavalry do? It was agreed they would sell Oatis. He was passed on to work for a miller. During his absence, Maisy pined away for days, constantly distracted and sad; the Cavalry didn't know what to do about it. In no condition to work, she was confined to the fort until better.

Then to her owners' relief, she suddenly perked up. Soon they realised why. Oatis, having escaped his owner, was waiting outside the fort! The two horses were trouble. The Colonel was tempted to put them both down. But Private Jonathan persuaded the Cavalry to sell both horses to him. He would find a better place for them to live, where they wouldn't be a burden.

So when he had some leave time, Jonathan set off to take Maisy and Oatis to Little Glentown, his home. They camped half-way there for the night. However, when Private Jonathan woke up the next morning, Oatis and Maisy were gone; had slipped their ropes and run off.

He never saw them again, although there were rumours that one fine, well-bred cream mare and a cocky little appaloosa stallion had settled in a local herd of wild horses . . .