The Horse and the Groom

There once lived a groom who took care of a magnificent horse. He was tasked with the horse's daily feeding and grooming, but he was a man of lazy habits and dishonest character. Every day, instead of giving the horse the full portion of oats it was promised, he would steal a large quantity for himself to sell at the local market for a little extra coin.

Despite his dishonesty, the groom took great pride in the appearance of the animal. He spent hours every single day currying the horse’s coat until it shone like polished mahogany, and he meticulously brushed its mane and tail until every strand was perfectly in place. He believed that as long as the horse looked healthy and well-groomed on the outside, the owner would never notice the lack of substance within.

However, the horse was not fooled. As the days turned into weeks, the animal grew weaker and thinner. Its ribs began to show beneath its once-gleaming skin, and its spirit began to fade. The horse watched the groom busy himself with brushes and combs, pretending to be a diligent servant, while secretly pocketing the grain that was meant for its belly.

One day, the owner of the horse came to the stables to inspect his property. As he walked past the stalls, he noticed the horse’s weary eyes and the way its bones protruded despite the shiny coat. The owner turned to the groom and said, 'You have spent so much time polishing the outside that you have forgotten to feed the inside. It is clear that you care more for your own profit than the well-being of this creature.'

He dismissed the groom immediately and took over the care of the horse himself. Under the owner’s watchful eye and proper feeding, the horse soon regained its strength and vitality. The horse learned that the appearance of luxury is worth nothing if the foundation of health is neglected, and the owner learned that no one cares for one’s property quite as well as the owner themselves.