By Diane Baker Mason
This article was originally published on November 23, 2012.
Toronto media reported this morning on the arrival of a horse named Marty in the lobby of Toronto’s posh Royal York Hotel. Marty stood patiently on the carpet while a crowd of hollering humans waved hats and cameras at him. He was a good sport about it all.
On the other hand, many Torontonians were not. There were cries of outrage over the potential damage and injury to persons and property, and the Royal York barred its doors to the mob of Calgarians at its gates.
Eventually, though, the great hall gave up the fight and opened its doors. In walked Marty. He then walked right out again. And in the aftermath, there are reports of continued Torontonian grumbling. The mighty Royal York should never have permitted that filthy beast and its hillbilly horde to cross its noble threshold.
Well, if there was ever a tale that summed up why Torontonians have a reputation for being no fun at a party, it’s the one of the Horse in the Holy Hotel. Imagine what will happen if the Calgarians gallop Marty around the playing field at Sunday’s Grey Cup. Maybe Toronto will call in its mounted unit. Jousting, anyone?
