Horses killed by lightning - Elderslie, 23 January, 1941. Photo by a Mercury Newspaper photographer (Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart). "Mr E. J. Duthoit, an employee of Mr. F. Reynolds at Elderslie, near Broadmarch narrowly escaped being killed when a team of horses he was driving was struck by lightning. He was thrown to the ground and although badly shocked escaped injury. Duthoit was sitting on a rubber seat on the cultivator and had his feet on a timber platform, saving his life."

My silly Percheron horse Toby has gotten a little head shy.

Let me explain.

I inadvertently shocked the Big Boo Boo a few times over the course of our long dry winter when I was grooming him, or even if I just touched him, and each and every time he considers it a personal affront. Like I was rubbing my hands on my jeans real quick just to muster up enough electricity to give him a good zap.

Right.

He sucks up his lips, rolls his eyes, sticks his nose in the air, and trots a few indignant steps away from me, eyeing me accusingly as if to say now why did you go and do that?

Our equestrian vaulting horse is very sensitive to static as well. You should see us trying to get Irish Draught horse Shakespear's blankie on him without shocking the fellow, who is just between you and me cranky enough in his own right thank you very much. He stands in the cross ties and shakes his head up and down, up and down, don't you dare, don't you dare shock me you big meanie. I have become a real quick blanketer, let me tell you.

Now to just impress upon Toby that I'm not electrifying him on purpose.

Too bad I can't show Toby and Shakespeare this photo. (I don't know about Shakespeare, but Toby would try to eat it.) Who would have thought?