Reuben Tapp
A carter in Ockham Hollow, with a heavy cart, a bay horse and a crimson ribbon he has not mentioned.
Look closer at the illustration ↗Reuben's long cart carries his name: R. Tapp, Carter, Ockham Hollow. His father's name was on it before his. Bracken, his young bay gelding, pulls the cart, which is built to take a ton of stone.
Every year Reuben watches the Turnout from the church gate and calls the ribbons needless. This year Martha discovers the crimson silk he has put away for Bracken. He had thought she would ride with him; she had been making plans for Dolly.
They decide to take both horses. Reuben repairs Dolly's bridle, polishes the brasses and touches up the lettering on his cart. In the morning his fingers work the crimson ribbon into Bracken's mane, one neat plait after another.
People they know
Martha at work in the stable. Martha Tapp
His daughter
Reuben is a carter and Martha is a carrier. They prepare Bracken and Dolly together for the Sunday Turnout.
Places in their stories
Ockham Hollow
Working horses, a country village, and a Sunday worth dressing for.
Customs & details
Stories
The Finest Horses at Ockham Hollow
Spend a country day with Reuben and Martha Tapp as the working horses of Ockham Hollow have their Turnout.
With Reuben Tapp, Martha Tapp