Oscar and the Runaway Pony

Oscar and the Bolting Pony

A carrier had stopped at several roadside houses, leaving his cart, horse, passengers, and trusty dog Oscar on the public road. During his absence, a female passenger mounted a gentleman’s pony to test its mettle, whereupon the animal bolted at full speed with her on its back^[1].

When the carrier returned and heard what had happened, he showed great anxiety for the rider and cast an expressive glance at Oscar. The dog appeared to understand: he instantly pursued the pony, caught up with it, sprang for the bridle, and held the runaway fast^[2].

Several people came to help the endangered rider, but Oscar refused to release his grip. The pony was therefore led into the stable with the dog still hanging firmly to its bridle^[3]. Only when the carrier entered did Oscar wag his tail and surrender the bridle directly to his master^[4].

It is a charming period anecdote of one dog’s exceptional obedience in an emergency, best enjoyed as reported testimony rather than as evidence for a general scientific rule about canine behaviour.