Horace the horse lived on a sunny farm with lots of other horses. All the other horses loved to wear fancy things! They had sparkly blankets, ribbons in their manes, and even little hats. Horace wanted to fit in, but he didn't *have* any fancy things. He just had his plain brown coat and a very kind heart.
One day, Old Man Tiber, the farmer, found a beautiful, silky ascot – a long scarf – in the attic. It was a lovely shade of blue with tiny white polka dots. He decided Horace should wear it! Horace was so excited! He thought, 'Now I'll finally be as fancy as the others!'
But when Horace went to join the other horses, they giggled. 'Look at Horace!' one horse neighed. 'He's trying to be fancy, but it looks silly!' Another horse said, 'An ascot? On a *horse*? That's not very…horse-like!' Horace’s ears drooped. He felt terrible. He quickly untied the ascot and hid behind the barn.
A little filly named Daisy found Horace hiding. 'What's wrong?' she asked gently. Horace explained about the ascot and how the other horses laughed. Daisy smiled. 'Horace,' she said, 'you are the kindest horse on the farm. You always share your apples and help me reach the highest branches. That's much more special than any fancy ascot!'
Horace looked at Daisy. She was right! Being kind and helpful was what made him happy. He tied the ascot back on, but this time, he didn't care what the other horses thought. He trotted back into the field, holding his head high.
The other horses were surprised to see him. They stopped giggling and looked at Horace with new eyes. Daisy trotted beside him, and soon, other horses joined them. They realized that Horace was fun to be around, ascot or no ascot!
Old Man Tiber smiled when he saw Horace wearing the ascot with confidence. He knew Horace had learned a valuable lesson. From that day on, Horace wore his ascot whenever he felt like it, and the other horses learned that being yourself is the most wonderful thing you can be. And that’s a very fancy feeling indeed!
Now close your eyes, little one, and remember Horace. It’s okay to be different, and being kind is always the best style of all. Sweet dreams.