Most mornings for Applejack and Big Mac consisted of various chores and duties that kept Sweet Apple Acres running. But with applebucking season right around the corner, the two ponies knew their workload was going to increase. While Apple Bloom was at school, and Granny Smith was dozing off back at the house, the siblings agreed to take some time off to rest up for the harvest, as well as spending some quality brother and sister time together, with a relaxing game of horseshoes.
“Woo wee! You see that toss, Big Mac? That’s a ringer! Ah think we can just go ahead and say that Ah’m the winner,” Applejack playfully boasted.
“Nnnope!” was Big Mac’s response. Taking a horseshoe in his mouth, Big Mac eyed the stake that was his target. With a deft flick of his head, he released the horseshoe, smugly grinning at Applejack as it cleanly hit the stake.
Applejack rolled her eyes and chuckled at Bic Mac’s antics. “Yea, yea, let me show how it’s done.” She picked up her next horseshoe and moved into place for her turn.
An evil smirk flashed across Big Mac’s face as he watched Applejack carefully aim her throw. With all the stealth and subtlety a big red pony can muster, Big Mac sneaked up behind his sister. Just as Applejack was about to toss her horseshoe, Big Mac unleashed his diabolical plan.
“Boo!”
“YAAAAAGH!”
THWACK
Thinking back a bit, Big Mac realized that startling a pony from behind was probably not such a smart idea, especially if that same pony had developed legs, strengthened by years of farm work, that could deliver a kick that felt akin to being hit by a train. Big Mac got to spend a whole second contemplating his failed plan and Applejack’s legs as he sailed through his impromptu flight before crashing into a pile of barrels.
“Uh, you alright, Big Mac?” Applejack asked, still a bit dazed about what had just transpired.
“Eeyup,” replied the pile of wood.
“Should we just say it’s a tie and call it a day?”
“Eeyup.”
“Right… Well, Ah guess we should clean up.” Seeing that Big Mac was not budging from beneath the wreckage, Applejack amended her statement. “Maybe Ah should clean up while you rest a bit.”
After picking up most of the horseshoes, Applejack swiveled her head around, looking for something. “Hey, did you see where my last one landed? Ah lost track of it when you gone and surprised me.”
Groaning, Big Mac’s head popped out of the remains of the barrel massacre. To his good fortune, he immediately found the missing horseshoe as it conveniently dropped down from Applejack’s accidental toss into the air.
CLANG
And right onto his aching head.
Applejack winced as soon as she saw the bonding of metal and her brother’s head. “You alright, Big Mac?” Applejack asked again with concern.
His eyes spinning, Big Mac replied, “Nnnope,” before flopping backwards into the debris with another crash.