On a bright morning a sleek horse trotted down a dusty road, his bridle polished and his saddle set with shining studs. Ahead walked a modest donkey carrying a simple bundle.
'Move aside,' said the horse, tossing his mane. 'I am in a hurry and too grand to wait.' The donkey quietly stepped off the path and let him pass.
Later that afternoon, the donkey saw the horse again. The sun was hot and the road was crowded. Now the horse was limping under a heavy load.
His rider pulled the reins, and the fancy straps hurt the horse's skin. The donkey felt a bit of pride, but then he chose to be kind.
The donkey nudged his farmer, who moved part of the heavy load from the horse to the donkey. Now both of them could walk much more easily.
'Thank you,' whispered the horse. 'I thought a pretty saddle meant an easy life.' The donkey replied, 'Better a plain path and safe steps than a showy seat that brings trouble.'
They walked together to the village. The horse no longer boasted, and the donkey no longer judged. They had become good friends on the long road.
Whenever they met on the road, they gave each other a friendly nod. They remembered that being safe and kind matters much more than what you wear.
