Rusty was a strong handsome horse. But now, he was old. Farmer Jones did not wish to sell him off, so the horse continued to live on the farm. He spent his time grazing in the meadow or chatting with all the animals and the birds on the farm.
Farmer Jones had bought a bright shiny blue new tractor. Now he used it to plough the field and even went to the market driving it very proudly. Rusty stood in his meadow and looked sadly at Farmer Jones going off in the new tractor.
One day, he saw farmer Jones trying to start the tractor but it won’t work. Rusty knew Farmer Jones had to go to the market that day. He watched for a while. Then he decided that his love for the Farmer was more important than feeling jealous of the new blue tractor.
He went up to Farmer Jones and nudged his shoulder gently. He looked up and stroked Rusty’s muzzle. Rusty went to the tractor and nuzzled it.
Farmer Jones understood what Rusty was trying to say. He brought out Rusty’s old harness and hitched him to the cart. There was a happy spring in Rusty’s step as he whinnied and took off with Farmer Jones for the village market happily.
The work was completed as usual and they returned in the evening. Rusty was tired. But it had been like old times. Farmer Jones was talking to his friend in the market. He had to take the tractor to the workshop for repairs.
The next day, Rusty went and stood near the tractor again. When the farmer came, he saw Rusty.
“We are not going to the market today, Rusty,” he said stroking his neck.
Rusty nosed the tractor and Farmer Jones looked at him.
“You want to pull the tractor? Rusty, it’s too heavy!” he exclaimed. Rusty nosed the tractor again.
“Oh, all right. Let’s go,” said Farmer Jones as he hitched Rusty to the tractor. With a mighty heave, Rusty pulled the tractor and soon he was plodding along. Farmer Jones held his bridle and walked beside him.
They went to the workshop and the tractor was left there. Rusty had a long drink of cool water and rested with his nose in a bag of oats, chomping away contentedly and then came back to the farm with Farmer Jones riding him. It had been a wonderful day for him.
He wouldn’t be able to do heavy work regularly, as he was old. But he knew he was useful still and was loved and wanted!
Moral: Each person has his right place and role.
