The sad, sad story of George W Bush: All hat and no cattle, and now he's afraid of horses, too

This is getting just sad, don't you think? All of his close friends and associates are leaving Georgie boy, stuck in the White House when all he really wants to do is go back to his ranch in Texas and ... um, what is it he does there, exactly?

According to a new book out by former Mexican president Vicente Fox, Georgie is afraid of horses. So much for the macho swagger. Here's how the British paper the Telegraph is reporting it:

George Bush the Texan is 'scared of horses'
President Bush may like to be seen as a swaggering tough guy with a penchant for manly outdoor pursuits, but in a new book one of his closest allies has said he is afraid of horses.

Vicente Fox, the former president of Mexico, derided his political friend as a “windshield cowboy” – a cowboy who prefers to drive – and “the cockiest guy I have ever met in my life.”

He recalled a meeting in Mexico shortly after both men had been elected when Mr Fox offered Mr Bush a ride on a “big palomino” horse.

Mr Fox, who left office in December, recalled Mr Bush “backing away” from the animal.

“A horse lover can always tell when others don't share our passion,” he said, according to the Washington Post.

Mr Bush has spoken of his fondness for shooting doves and cutting brush on his Crawford ranch in Texas, which he bought in 1999.

The property reportedly has no horses and only five cattle.

I'm actually almost starting to feel a little sad for this pathetic soul. Almost.