October 2, 2015 
McLain Ward‘s mount Rothchild is often described as “expressive” and “charismatic” when what people really mean is he has the equine equivalent of resting b*tch face.
It’s what happens when a horse’s default facial expression is pinned ears and flared nostrils. But don’t be put off by the illusion of his discontent. He’s a really nice guy.
We caught up with “Bongo” to compare how people interpret his resting b*tch face versus how he was actually feeling at the moment. You may be surprised by his answers.
People: “Whoa. Rothchild woke up on the wrong side of the bed today.”
©Spruce Meadows Media Services
Rothchild: “What?! No. I’m fine. I was just wondering whether Lee remembered to pick up my dry cleaning.”
People: “He looks like he’s perennially in a bad mood.”
©Stefano Grasso/LGCT
Rothchild: “Honestly, I’m not even remotely upset here. Ask McLain.”
People: “I wonder if he’s okay?”
©Stefano Grasso/LGCT
Rothchild: “Why do people keep asking that?!”
People: “Ooooh, girl. Rothchild is about to open a can of whoop ass!”
©Stefano Grasso/LGCT
Rothchild: “Again, just doing my job.”
People: “Seriously, is Rothchild alright? He looks livid.”
Rothchild: “IT’S JUST MY FACE.”
People: “Okay, but here. Rothchild did NOT like that, amirite?!”
Rothchild: “My mad face and my happy face are basically the same. Like Kanye West.”
People: “I don’t know. You look like you’re ready to eat someone alive.”
©Horse Network
Rothchild: “Well, I kind of am now. This is getting annoying.”
People: “Try smiling once in a while, Rothchild.”
©Stefano Grasso/LGCT
Rothchild: “How’s THIS?”
People: “Ummm, NO. What are you even doing with your face?!”
Rothchild: *Sigh*
And that’s why you should never assume a horse with pinned ears isn’t actually smiling on the inside.
Rothchild: “You know that’s terrible advice, right?”
Whatever. Are you being serious or sarcastic right now, Rothchild? WE CAN’T EVEN TELL.
Update: Rothchild was officially retired at the 2018 American Gold Cup in North Salem, NY. He’s now enjoying his leisure time on Madden Mountain with former string mate, Carlos. At least, we think he is… #RestingBitchFaceGameStrong
