Object

Picard's Holodeck Mare's Forelock and Forefoot

A pair of immediate, tactile details on the holodeck Arabian mare: the forelock—a glossy tuft of fine, sable hair falling over the brow—and the forefoot—a compact, well-formed front hoof with horn-colored outer wall and warm tissue at the coronet. Picard straightens the hair and lightly inspects the hoof, fingers brushing mane and hoof as Troi watches and Riker's com voice interrupts.

4 appearances

Purpose

Biological: the forelock helps shade and protect the mare's eyes; the forefoot bears weight and facilitates gait. In the scene these anatomical elements serve as reachable contact points for human touch and inspection.

Significance

Handling the mare's forelock and forefoot anchors an intimate, unguarded exchange: touch becomes the conduit for Picard's admission of longing and for Troi's reciprocal confession, turning a pastoral moment into the emotional hinge that precedes the bridge call.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

4 moments

S2E15 · Pen Pals

Meadow Confession: Picard's Need for a True Companion

The mare's forelock and forefoot function as tactile focal points for Picard's intimacy: he straightens the forelock and inspects the forefoot, gestures that reveal his practiced care and the animal's embodied trust. These anatomical details make his bond specific and concrete rather than abstract.

Before: Holodeck mare standing peacefully in the simulated meadow; forelock and forefoot intact and presented for inspection.

After: Handled gently by Picard; forelock straightened and forefoot inspected, mare stroked and patted before being left as Picard departs for the bridge.

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S2E15 · Pen Pals

Meadow Confession — Troi Asks for Leave

Picard straightens the mare's forelock and inspects a forefoot—small, tactile gestures that create intimacy and give him reasoned authority over the animal. These details humanize Picard, showing his capacity for care and the sensory basis for his meditation on purposeful bonds.

Before: The mare's forelock and forefoot appear as part of the holodeck simulation—clean and well-formed.

After: Touched, inspected, and left in place; the mare receives Picard's attention and his pat as he departs.

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S2E15 · Pen Pals

Leave Granted, Duty Interrupted

The holodeck mare's forelock and forefoot are tactile focal points: Picard straightens the forelock and inspects a forefoot, grounding the scene in physical intimacy and signaling his practiced care and authority over the animal simulation.

Before: Intact as part of the holodeck mare simulation, naturally arranged.

After: Touched and straightened by Picard; unchanged materially in the simulation but narratively altered as the locus of intimacy.

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S2E15 · Pen Pals

Interrupted Solace — Duty Intrudes

The holodeck mare's forelock and forefoot are the primary physical focus of Picard's tactile intimacy—he straightens the forelock, inspects the forefoot, and pats the neck. These details materialize his affection and serve as conduits for the conversation about companionship and necessity.

Before: Simulated mare is standing in the meadow, responsive and calm under Picard's approach.

After: Still present and calm; patted and acknowledged by Picard as he departs, left in the holodeck program.

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