Pitching It Is Horseplay

(When I was younger I had a period of severe depression. When I start going back out into the world, I ride horses regularly. My parents support it as a means to get me out of the house and interacting with the world again. I have a favorite horse and the staff know me well, so when I come they know to put us together if he isn’t otherwise occupied, which he generally isn’t as I usually ride during off-peak hours.)

Guide: “You know, the owners are looking to sell some horses. If you wanted, I’m sure they’d be willing to sell [Favorite Horse] to you.”

Me: “Well… as you know considering the times I’m here, I’m not exactly consistently employed.”

Guide: “You could talk to your parents about it; I know they support your riding.”

Me: “I’m also not sure I want to commit to the crazy amount of work it takes to care for a horse.”

Guide: “Well, you know that’s not a problem; we have full-service boarding here.”

Me: “So… basically right now you guys own [Favorite Horse] and take care of him, and I ride him when I want. But you want me to talk to my parents about spending money to buy him, so we can pay more money for you to take care of him… so I can ride him when I want?”

Guide: “Well, I wouldn’t pitch it to them THAT way!”