Rebel Rider pt. 3: Sicknesses and other problems
by IotaNine
I couldn't believe it! The arrangement was offered, the arrangement was taken, and I was to ride a horse Monday. Three days away! I just couldn't believe it!
I whistled and smiled my way through the mucking. The constant digging, picking up, and throwing over not really getting to me because of my glee. A few blisters made their way onto my hand – but I couldn't care less. What was a few blisters in price for riding a horse?
After I was finished mucking out the stalls and spreading out the fresh bedding (which was partly pine shavings, and a little bit of hay. Odd, if you ask me.), I grabbed the halter next to Diablo's stall, a simple red halter, probably bought from a local store for a few bucks.
“Hey, Diablo,†I said softly, so as to not startle him. “I'm going to give you a good bath,†I smiled, and his head peeked out of his stall. I patted his neck a little, and stroked his snout before I positioned myself next to his neck, and reached over to put on the halter. The large, black gelding stood still through it all, knowing the routine. Once the halter was on and the lead rope was fastened, I opened his stall gate and let him out. His hooves clucked and clanked on the wood flooring on the barn all the way to the wash room.
I couldn't help but admire this beautiful boy! His coat shined as I walked him through, even though the barn was dusty and the light was darkened, his black fur had bright, light reflections on it. He was a very muscular horse and well trained, at that. I didn't have to tell him “whoa†when I wanted to stop. When my steps stopped, so did his. When mine started back up, he started back up. Hopefully he was this good as I bathed him as well.
I stood Diablo in the middle of the wash room, and hooked him up accordingly. The room wasn't much bigger than the 12x12 stalls that Pine Brook had, but it was enough to have both me and the horse in there with little problems.
Off to the side of the room laid a small cabinet, filled with grooming supplies. Combs, brushes, hoof picks, shampoo, conditioner, everything possibly needed for a washing job was right there. I smiled at its organized state, not thinking the muscular, gruff man I met earlier was capable of something so simple – and unnecessary.
After washing and rinsing Diablo, his shiny coat (if possible) became even clearer. I smiled proudly at my work before untying the horse and leading him back into his stall.
“Alright, I did everything you told me to do. What next?†I asked Don, the gruff old man that gave me the job.
“Nothing, go home. Its late.†He said, attending to a horse's hooves, trimming it carefully.
“L-late? What time is it??†I asked hurridly. Don put the hoof down and turned to look at me, “Around 6:30ish. That a problem?â€
“6:30?! I gotta get home...I'll see you tomorrow,†I quickly spoke, turning around aptly and running towards my bike. I unchained it as fast as I could, hopped on the bike and rode away.
“Geez,†I thought to myself as I rode along the side walk, peddaling as fast as I could, “What am I gonna tell mom?â€
It took a little over twenty minutes of hard peddaling and heavy breathing to reach my house. I hadn't even done the chores yet for our horses – how was mom going to react? I walked up the porch and peeked through the window. The lights were off and there was no sound coming from inside. I took a deep breath of relief, maybe mom and Garrett went on a date or something. I took out my key from my backpack and unlocked the front door then slowly opened it, just in case. Stepping in gently, I turned around and closed the door even slower than I opened it. When the lock in the door clicked, I released a huge, relieving sigh.
“Its nice not to get caught coming home late, isn't it?†My mom's voice rung from behind me.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
We were sitting down at the table, the normal “trouble spot,†with me at one end and Mom and Garrett at the other. Mom looked annoyed, while Garrett, on the other hand, looked at me consolingly. That made me sick to my stomach.
“Where were you?†Mom started the interrogation.
“I went to Pine Brook stables.†I said proudly, trying to sound like I had it under control, like I wasn't afraid. But my shakey vocals and shivering hands told my mom otherwise. As soon as the words left my mouth, I could see my mom's eye's widen. It almost resembled a scared horse, with the white of their eyes showing, their face filled with a surprised and confused expression.
“Pine Brook Stables?†My mom repeated, half afraid to do so herself.
“Yes,â€
“What were you doing there?! Riding a horse?!â€
“Of course not! I...I....†I stammered, unsure how to tell her. How was I supposed to let her know that I was working, but without pay?
“You were what?!†She yelled at me, unable to bear the anticipation (or rather, fear).
“Don't yell at her, sweet heart. She's opening up to us and-†Garret began but mom held up her hand, “Don't get into this, Garrett. This is between me and her.â€
Garrett's blue eyes turned ember, and for the first time I saw him perturbed.
“If we are going to be a family, I need to be included, too.†He said, and with that, got up and went to the stables. Probably to do the chores I failed to do.
“You should go and-†I started, but the look on my mom's face dared me to speak longer. I didn't want to challenge that dare.
“What were you doing there...?†She began again, examining my face like a detective. Could she smell my fear, too? Like the kids at school?
“I work there, now.â€
“You work there?â€
“Yes. Its...a thing for school. They want us to work somewhere, it builds confidence or something like that. I wasn't going to tell you because I was afraid you would worry. But I haven't ridden a horse, and I told him I wasn't allowed to. He knows. He doesn't mind. I just have to do a few chores after school, and that's all. Then I can come home and do my chores, and then I can do my school work.†I blurted out, half truths, half lies. I was hoping the truth could engulf the lies, and make them seem good and pure. But I was worried with the long look my mom was giving me. Her eyes looked up and down at my face. My eyes, mouth, hands, everything she could try to examine she did so.
After a while a long, odd sigh was given out and my mother's head drooped down, as if she gave up. “Alright. That's fine. If you keep your schoolwork up, then you can keep working there, too. If not, I'll talk to your teacher and get him to exclude you from...whatever the project is. You can't neglect your chores here, there, or anywhere! I need you to order pizza.†Was all she said as she walked from out of the kitchen and into the barn, where Garrett was.
Did I really hear what I thought I did? Did mom allow this? Of course, I told her no riding, but at least she knows where I'll be. And as long as she doesn't go to school and question this “project,†I'll be fine. As long as she doesn't stop by Pine Brook on Monday's, I'll be even better. Would this all really work out? For once, it seemed like it really would.
~*~*~*~*~*~
The next day I woke up at around 8:00 am. It was Saturday, but you never get to sleep in on weekdays. Not when you are a horse owner. Once I got dressed into some old work clothes, I went into the kitchen, grabbed the phone off the hook, and dialed Don's number. It rang a few times, but he answered it.
“What?†His familiar, gruff voice answered.
“Hi, it's me, Emelia. I wanted to know what time you would like me to show up today.â€
“Same time as usual.†He replied, seemingly uninterested.
“Ok, that's all I wanted, see you later,â€
“Wait a minute, don't hang up yet,†He said hastily, hoping to catch me before I clicked the “end†button. I quickly moved the phone back up to my ear, “Yeah?â€
“I won't be here when you arrive. So remember this: Do your daily mucking, and also wash Maestro. His owner is coming in later, don't forget to let him through – he never comes in unless I'm here, but he'll have to settle for you. Also my other worker will be there today. If you need help, ask him don't call me, got it?â€
“Got it.†I said unsurely. New people at the stables? What if they didn't like me? Would they be just like the kids at school, smelling my newness? The butterflies started, at I didn't even have to be there for another 7 hours. We both hung up this time, and I turned on my heels and headed to the only place I could calm down – the stalls.
I went out the backdoor that lead straight to where the pasture was. Garrett was outside, kneeling on the floor and checking on the seeds. Or, rather, searching for the seeds that used to be there.
“Ugh, darn birds...†He muttered, sighing as he stood back up. “Guess we'll have to get a scarecrow or something.â€
“Scarecrow?†I asked as I walked near him.
“The birds keep eating up the grass seeds. This yard won't grow grass by itself.â€
“Or maybe we can teach the horses to scare of birds?†I asked jokingly, but he didn't get it. He cocked his head to the side, and gave an odd look to me.
“But your horses are so nice to 'em, don't think they'll change their minds now.†He said as he looked back down, where the birds happily feasted.
“Never mind,†I said irritatedly and continued my trek to Rico and Clover. Clover had already been led out to the pasture, but Rico was oddly still in his stall.
“Mom?†I called through the barn, a soft “yes?†replied through the empty hallway.
“Why isn't Rico outside yet?â€
“He's limping a little, so I decided to get a vet out here.†She said as she came back, carrying the wheel barrel with fresh shavings for Clover's stall.
“I've got your chores today. You can just do your homework or something. Oh! You can finish unpacking,†she smiled as she continued past me, and even past Clover's stall (what happened to cleaning that up?), and went to Garrett, giving him a hug.
U
G
H
I ignored their embraced and turned my attention to Rico. “You ok, buddy?†I asked as I walked into his stall, patting and stroking his neck. He neighed contently. I knelt down a little to examine his legs, and noticed that he was holding his front left leg a little high, so he wouldn't put his weight on it. I stood back up and looked at Rico in the eye, “I hope you're ok, buddy....†I spoke softly and nuzzled my face into his mane.
I was never good with sicknesses. Never. When I got sick, I over exaggerated and always told my mother that I would be dead the next day. It was even worse whenever my mom or dad got sick. When you are a kid, you feel your parents are invincible. Like nothing will ever hurt them, that they can conquer the world! But when they get sick, it makes you think, not that they human just like you, but that the sickness much be terrible in order to be able to infect them.
So imagine how I felt when my dad died. The only man I knew, the only man I looked up to. Who rode horses, barrel raced them, jumped them. Who never let anything bring him down. If he twisted his ankle, then he just wouldn't use that ankle as much. If he bruised his arm, will tough, he still had to muck out the stalls. A bruise? Pheh, he could handle a measly thing like that. Broken arm? Just a little distraction. So when he fell – when his head hit the ground first, I thought he would get right back up, turn to me with a smile and say, “No biggie! My head is as hard as rock, nothing can smash it!â€
But he didn't. He laid there, motionlessly. Barely breathing. My mother screamed, the commentator stuttered, trying to find the right words. First aid went rushing to his side.
Then a hospital, all white. He was hooked up to a machine, keeping him alive. I was told he couldn't breathe by himself. That his brain had died, but his heart was still going.
My mom couldn't take it another week. She had already somehow managed to keep her hopes up for 3 weeks straight. She went to the hospital every day, she had an old friend take care of the horses. But she couldn't do it anymore, she couldn't hold on to false hope. She signed the papers, she pulled the plug, she never rode a horse again, and I was never allowed to. She sold Lennox, the horse my dad rode. The horse my dad fell off of. I loved Lennox, or Lenny, as we called him. An appaloosa gelding, chestnut with white markings over his flack – a blanket marking. He was so sweet and patient. He could have a little toddler on his back, kicking and screaming, and he wouldn't mind. And, oh my, what a jumper he was! When he jumped, he flew. It was almost as if he had wings on his back.
But just looking and Lenny brought back memories my mother wanted to bury. And that's what Garrett was, too. Something else to help my mom bury the memories. That's why I can't accept him. I don't want to bury my father. Not yet.
I spent another 2 hours in Rico's stall, stroking and talking to him. We made jokes, we laughed (Rico knows how to laugh, I know it! If you tell a joke and you laugh, he'll nicker. He likes jokes.), and I constantly kept my eye on his ankle. I gave him fresh water, and moved him out into the hallway while I mucked out his stall. I led him back in, though, afraid that if I put him in the pasture that he would forget his injury, just like dad would, and run off on all fours as fast as possible.
Then the vet came, two of them. Though one wasn't dressed as a vet – he wore some simple jeans and a jacket over a shirt and some run down jeans. I think I've seen that jacket before...
They came closer to the barn. I know I've seen that jacket before. And that hair, salt n' pepper.
Don.
Don, the owner of Pine Brook stables, the man I work for, the man who would soon teach me how to ride a horse, was at my house. With my mother home.
This couldn't end well.
IotaNine & Kal El
2012-12-01 23:13:59
Title: The Foal's Journey part 2
By: Horsesforever12
Being a young spirited little colt, My mother called me Thunderbolt, a very suitable name for me! My father was a wild purebred mustang named Old Blacky (for he was as black as night) who was rarely at home, and I never knew why. My mother was a palomino mare with a kind face and a very straight and long nose. her muzzle often tickled my face when she nuzzled my cheek. I grew to be a wild and frisky young yearling. I never grew tired of chasing the wind with millions of miles of grassy plains spreading out before me. My small but sure hooves pounded the ground, resembling my name. I could have been called Lightning and Thunderbolts, because I was as fast as I was loud. But curiosity always got the best of me, and one regretful day it would get me into a adventure of my lifetime.
One sunny morning, as I was prancing around, I saw a peculiar thing. curious, I walked over to the thing. I found it was a horse, but with something strapped to it's back. A rather painful metal bar seemed stuck in his mouth, with straps and ropes and things connecting from it. The horse was tied to a tree, unable to escape and be wild. "Why are you in such a condition as this?" I asked the poor fellow. He didn't reply, but only stared at something behind me. I turned, only to see a creature I had never seen before.
To be continued.........................................
Horsesforever12 & Jedi
2012-12-02 20:12:33
Title: Colic?
By: Horsesforever12
Monday morning was a beautiful day, and the sun was shining brightly. April dressed and went outside to tend to Dawn. But when she saw the barn door open she panicked and quickly checked the horses’ stalls. Dawn, Belle, and Friday stood quiet and pleasant while munching on hay. Dawn’s stall was closest to the barn door, so April checked her first and found that she was unharmed and just a tiny bit damp. April checked the other horses and then she wiped them off with a towel. “Phew,†said April, relived that the horses were unharmed. “I’ll have to be more careful from now on.†Just then, Erica and Katrina walked in the barn. “Careful of what, April Harrington?†sneered Erica. April reluctantly told them the scenario. Katrina was horrified and relived, and Erica was snickering. “That puts you in last, April! And me first, because Friday looks exceptionally handsome today.†Erica said scornfully, rubbing the stallion on the head. “It was just an accident, Erica. I totally forgot when I rushed out the barn door!†“Yah, Erica, she did forget.†said Katrina, siding with April. Dawn nickered softly, feeling uneasy at the tension between the three friends. “Whatever! It doesn’t matter; mistakes immediately put you in last place. And I have made no mistakes at all,†Erica boasted. Katrina rolled her eyes…Erica had just brushed Friday the wrong way yesterday. “You’re starting to sound like a snob.†April retorted. “Who’s the snob?†Erica yelled. “You!†“No, you!†“You!†“No way, you!†“BE QUIET!†Katrina shouted, sick of the fighting. “Belle is starting to become nervous, Dawn is nickering, and Friday is acting wild. Can you explain why this is?†Erica and April stayed quiet, knowing that they shouldn’t fight around horses. “Alright then,†said Katrina. Just then, as the friends were staring at each other, Dawn let out a heaving; dreadful cough that sounded like a horrible groan. April twirled around and stared at Dawn. Dawn looked at April and shook her head. Then she went back to eating, acting completely normal. April scratched her head. “What was that?†“Oh, don’t you know? It was a horse cough. Generally, horse coughs sound differently than our…†“I know what it was, Erica,†April interrupted. “I was just wondering why Dawn did it.†“She could have just had a hoarse throat, or a piece of hay could have gotten stuck.†April was just about to go with Katrina’s suggestions, when Dawn let out another cough, worse then the first, and defiantly worse then they had expected. “Should I call the vet?†wondered April. “I’m sure it’s nothing serious,†Katrina tried to reassure April. “Ooh, and if your horse is injured or sick, you lose the competition and I win and you owe me ten dollars, April.†Erica said, not caring at all about Dawn. “Be quiet, Erica! Dawn isn’t feeling well, that’s all,†April scowled. Erica opened her mouth to talk back, but Dawn coughed again-much, much, worse than the first couple of coughs. “What should I do?†April sat down on a hay bale. “Let’s just wait and see if the cough goes away. In the meantime, let’s let the horses out into the paddock.†Katrina said calmly. April nodded and opened Dawn’s stall door. She clipped a lead rope onto the mare’s halter and led her out of the barn. Katrina and Erica followed with Belle and Friday. After the horses were in their paddock, Erica left to go home and Katrina stayed with April and watched the horses graze. “Are you sure this competition was a good idea for this summer’s activity?†April asked her friend. “It was a good idea for a while, until you two started a war between each other!†Katrina replied. April sighed. Then she noticed Dawn wasn’t eating. She was just standing in the field, with her head close to the ground. “Do you think Dawn will be okay?†April questioned. She really loved her horse, and would hate that anything should happed to her. “Dawn will be okay. Horses get coughs all the time…†Dawn interrupted Katrina with another cough. Friday nickered to the mare, seeming worried that his mother was coughing so much. Dawn nickered back, but it was a low, sad nicker. April hopped over the fence and walked up to Dawn. “Oh, Dawn, I hope you’re okay.†she said slowly. Katrina came over to Dawn, too, and touched the mare’s head. It was hot. Katrina felt Dawn’s feet, and they were hot, too. Then she felt Dawn’s belly. That was also hot, and Dawn turned her head to look at Katrina as if to say it hurt when she touched it. “Something is up here, April. Dawn must be sick or something. But, still, let’s wait until we make any non-rational decisions.†Katrina said. April just nodded, though she was worried at Katrina’s words.
Later that day, April wrote in her diary.
“June 13, Monday
Dear Horse Diaries, Sunday night I left the barn door open and it rained. Dawn has been coughing ever since. Did she catch a cold? I am really worried about her. Erica has been really mean, but Katrina has been helping me. Dawn is in last place in the competition, Belle is in second, and Friday is in first. If Dawn is sick or injured, the competition will be over and Erica will have won! And I cannot let that happen! I must help Dawn in some way, to make her feel better.
I just hope Dawn doesn’t have cellulitis, colic, pneumonia, tetanus, lymes disease, or an injury such as a scrape, cut, or puncture in the skin because she could get an infection. All those are really deadly! Katrina told me to wait, but I don’t know how much longer I can.
I will update you, Horse Diaries.
Love, April M. Harrington.â€
Instead of feeling better after writing in her dairy, April felt worse.
The next day, April went out into the barn to feed to Dawn. When she opened the horse’s stall door, she could see that Dawn had not eaten a bite of last night’s hay. Instead, she was standing there numbly. April tugged Dawn’s halter and the horse stepped gingerly out. April wanted to see what was wrong with her horse. April walked Dawn around. The horse almost balked, but walked slowly around, favoring all of her feet. She also seemed to turn and nip at her belly once and a while. April put Dawn back into her stall and marched to her house to call the vet. She dialed and a woman answered. “Hi, my name is April Harrington,†began April. “Hi, and how may I help you?†answered the woman. “I have a problem with my horse, Caught at Dawn. She has a hot forehead, hooves, and belly and she is favoring her feet when she walks and she keeps nipping at her belly and I am worried!†April blurted out. “I will send the vet right over,†said the woman. April explained where she lived and then hung up the phone. Soon the vet came; a woman named Christy. Christy looked Dawn over. “April,†she said when she was finished, “did you get Dawn’s hay wet?†“No, but I left the barn door open by accident when it rained.†April replied. “Then that explains it,†Christy said. “Explains what?†April asked. “April, Dawn has colic. Her hay got wet and turned moldy. When she ate it, it went to her stomach and caused colic. And it’s a good thing you called me, before it got any worse.†Christy smiled. “Your horse is going to be okay, though.†“Colic?†April echoed the vet’s words. “I’m afraid so…now, I’ll have to talk to your parents about the medications Dawn will need.†And with that, Christy picked up her medical bag and headed into the Harrington’s household.
April stood in the barn, mouth open in shock, and the words “colic†running through her head. Just then, Erica and Katrina came into the barn. “April! Are you alright? I saw the veterinarian’s truck and…†Katrina stopped talking because April was crying. “What’s up, cry-baby?†Erica sneered. Katrina grimaced at Erica and then walked over to April. “What’s wrong, April?†she asked. “I just found out that Dawn has c-colic.†April half-whispered. “What?†Katrina asked, wondering if she had heard April correctly. “Dawn has colic! Colic! C-O-L-I-C!†April shouted. Erica laughed happily. Katrina looked horrified. Colic was a big deal, more dangerous than most people think.
Horsesforever12 & Jedi
2012-12-03 01:14:08
Title: Colic
By: Horsesforever12
After their cereal, Katrina’s mother drove the girls to April’s house. They ran to the barn and got ready to tack up their horses. “I hope Dawn will be okay on our trail ride,†said April as she brushed her mare’s mane. “The vet said she could go, right?†asked Erica. April nodded. She stroked Dawn tail with a comb for a minute, thinking. “I just hope the vet was right,†she said. “Vets know what they’re doing.†said Katrina, putting down her horse brush and picking up the curry brush. April nodded again. She knew Katrina was right. Plus, Dawn seemed to be looking really healthy, though she did look a little bit drowsy. April thought that it would probably wear off when they got on the trail.
Five minutes later, the girls were mounted and heading for the trail. Erica was riding with Katrina. Belle whinnied with excitement, and took the lead. The mare had a competitive streak in her, almost trotting instead of walking. But Dawn and April were last of the group, and Dawn’s head was low to the ground; her eyes were sick looking. April was hoping that Dawn would walk it out. But the mare only got sicker. Then a loud noise came from behind Erica and Katrina, and the two girls turned around to see a very worried April, and a very sick horse. Then the noise came again. Dawn coughed a hurriedness cough, and then she grunted as if it hurt her to even breathe. “Maybe we should head back,†said Katrina. April only nodded…she was afraid she might cry.
When the girls got back, they asked Mrs. Harrington to call the vet while they made Dawn comfortable. About ten minutes later, the veterinarian’s van flew up the driveway and parked. Christy got out and slammed the door. She broke into a jog as she rushed to the barn, her medical bag swinging by her side. She came into Dawn’s stall and asked the three girls to let her be alone. They waited outside. “I hope Dawn will be okay…†April’s shaking voice trailed off as she wiped her tears. Erica put her arm around her. Katrina held her hand. They sat their silently for a few minutes before Christy opened the barn door. She smiled at April, obviously sorry for her. “Dawn?†April asked, afraid to say anything more. “Dawn, I’m afraid, has worse colic then I predicted.†Mrs. Harrington emerged from the house and joined the girls. “Is she okay?†April asked. “Yes…luckily I caught this colic before it got much worse! I am going to have to give her the medicine to her stomach, though.†Christy said. “You mean your going to have to use a tube?†Erica asked, kind of grossed out by the thought. April and Katrina looked puzzled. Christy explained that she would have to deliver the medicine to the stomach by using a tube…she would have to stick the tube down the horse’s throat, and into its stomach. It was a very disgusting process. “I know that this is very…well, gross,†said the vet, “but I need someone to help me hold Dawn’s head while I transfer the tube down her throat…do I have any brave volunteers?†The three girls kept quiet. This would be a hard job, and no one felt up to doing it. But, thought April, Dawn is my horse. If she’s not feeling well, I should do whatever is possible in my strength to help her...and my feelings don’t matter. April looked at Dawn suffering in her stall. “I’ll do it,†she said after a few moments. Christy gave her a sad/I’m sorry you have to do this look. “You don’t have to, April…†“I want to-Dawn’s my horse and she needs help.†April interrupted the vet. Then they walked into the barn.
Horsesforever12 & Jedi
2012-12-03 01:14:08
Title: The Jump
By: Horsesforever12
Chapter 1:
"It's too high, Mr. Kelley," Selina moaned to her riding instructor.
Selina Roberts was a petite black-haired blue-eyed girl with a outgoing personalty. As a rough rider and a horse-crazy girl, Selina hoped to become a hunter/jumper and enter horse shows when she got older.
She stared at the double-oxer jump she had been trying to get over for weeks. She was training for a real horse show that was coming up. Silver Dollar, her palomino mare, (nicknamed S.D. for short,) nickered uneasily under her, feeling Selina's fear. Selina patted S.D. reassuringly. The mare calmed. "You can do it, Selina!" Maya, Selina's best friend, echoed to her. "You've practiced this for a while now, Selina. I know you can do this." Mr. Kelley boomed to her. The girl smiled, thinking how blessed she was to have such good friends and instructors. Selina breathed in, grasped her reigns tightly, and kicked S.D. into a steady canter. The palomino snorted, her white mane blowing in the light summer breeze. Selina almost closed her eyes, but instead kept a steady eye on the jump. Her boots rested heavily in her stirrups; her black, leather saddle shined in the sunlight. Collecting her weight, she leaned forward so her mare's mane tickled her face. S.D. left the ground........................................... To be continued
Horsesforever12 & Jedi
2012-12-05 01:56:15
Title: One more chance!
By: Horsesforever12
Kelly found Tilly in the barn hugging her gelding. Kelly came in the stall with Tilly. They stood there in silence for a few moments. “Galaxy’s my best friend,†said Tilly, her voice shaking. “I don’t want to lose him.†“And I don’t want to lose Prancer,†said Kelly, “so we’re not going to.†Tilly looked up and turned to look at her sister, who had that look on her face…it was the “I’m hatching a plan†face. “What do you mean?†asked Tilly. “We’re just going to have to think of something…something that will ‘reduce the strain of hard work’, like Dad said,†said Kelly, “but it has to not include anything about selling or losing the horses.†“I’ll keep my eyes open,†agreed Tilly. “Let’s shake on it.†said Kelly, holding out her hand. Tilly shook it.
Three days past, but nothing came to the girls’ minds. The next day, Mr. Jackson put Midnight up for sale. Katrina was gone for the rest of the day. The twins decided to have a meeting in their tree house. “This is bad,†said Kelly, pacing back and forth. “You can say that again! I can’t believe Dad put Midnight up for sale! At least there hasn’t been any buyer’s yet.†said Tilly. “We have to think of something!†Kelly sat down on one of the bean bags in the tree house. “We have to think of something now.†said Tilly. The two sat in silence for about ten seconds until Tilly burst out, “I know! We’ll get summer jobs to help with all the money!†“There is two things wrong with that: one, it’s September and Dad defiantly isn’t going to wait that long before he sells most of the horses; and two, we already are really rich.†Kelly corrected her sister logically. Fifteen minutes later, Tilly shouted once more, “How about we enter horse- shows and we win and Dad becomes so pleased he let’s us keep the horses!†“There are three things wrong with that: one, there’s no horseshows going on right now; two, we’re not the best of riders and big crowds make you nervous; and three, what if we loose?†Kelly corrected her sister once more. Tilly was quiet for a while more until she yelled, “I’ve got it! Why don’t we…†“Wait! Wait,†Kelly interrupted, “I’ve got it. Let’s ride at a stable!†“But we do have a stable,†said Tilly. “Well, of course we do. But I’m talking about something different. A riding stable…you know, like…you board your horses at this big stable and ride there for so much a month…and a riding instructor teaches you how to a good rider and equestrian! That way, Dad will have two horses off his hands, because they’ll always be somewhere else instead of here…and we have enough money to do it!†said Kelly. “That’s brilliant, Kelly! And we’ll meet new friends, and learn so much!†said Tilly. “We’ve got to go tell Dad,†exclaimed Kelly, flying down the tree house ladder.
*****
The twins ran into the house, slamming the screen door. They were almost to the living room when they ran into Shelly. “Girls! Slow down! What has gotten into you?†Mrs. Jackson questioned them. “Nothing, Mom. We just need to talk to Dad,†said Tilly. Then they barged into the living room. Shauna was there, but no Dad. Shauna smiled at the girls. “Hi Kelly and Tilly! Have you seen Katrina?†she asked them. “No, she’s been gone all day. She might be at Chad’s.†answered Tilly. “Have you seen Dad?†Kelly asked Shauna. “Yes, as a matter of fact. He’s in the barn talking to a buyer for Midnight. Sad isn’t it? Katrina must be super upset.†replied Shauna. The twins looked at each other in horror. They raced to the barn. Mr. Jackson was in Midnight’s stall with a tall man with a moustache. The girls went up to their father, ignoring the presence of the strange man. “Dad! Stop! We got a really good idea! You don’t have to sell Midnight,†said Kelly. “Now, girls…†Tom said, half annoyed and half embarrassed. “Dad, please listen to us,†said Tilly, pulling on his sleeve. “You’ll have to excuse my daughters,†Tom told the man. “Oh, I can come back another time if…†“No, no just let me talk to the girls for a moment.†Mr. Jackson interrupted the man and took his daughters out of the stall and into the feed room. “Kelly, Tilly! You know better! This man was almost ready to buy Midnight,†Tom glared at the girls. “Exactly!†said Kelly. Mr. Jackson sighed. “Girls, I know this may be tough, but…†“But it doesn’t have to be tough. We don’t have to sell the horses!†Kelly interrupted her father. “Kelly and I found out a way to keep the horses and reduce the strain of hard work,†said Tilly. “In what way?†asked Tom. “We’ll board at a riding school…we’ll transfer Prancer and Galaxy to a riding stable…and then we’ll pay so much a month! Then we’ll meet new friends and learn more about stable management and riding and horses, and you’ll have two horses off your hands!†Kelly explained. “That is a very interesting thought. But don’t stables sometimes cost quite a bit?†Mr. Jackson inquired. “Sure…but we do have a lot of money, don’t we?†Tilly put in. “I suppose we do,†Tom agreed. “But I still don’t know.†“Can you just give us one chance, Dad?†Tilly pleaded. Mr. Jackson scratched his chin for a few moments, obviously in thought. “Alright. One shot, but then that’s it.†Tom finally said. Kelly and Tilly screeched, hugged their father, and ran out of the feed room. Tom followed. The tall man with the moustache was still in Midnight’s stall, examining the tall American-Warmblood/Saddlebred cross gelding. “I am afraid that Midnight’s not up for sale anymore, Mr. Kelley.†Tom told the man. Mr. Kelley chuckled, “One conversation with two girls and you change your mind…well I suppose young children tend to do that often enough. I must say I most disappointed, though. This horse is quite a beauty!†He patted Midnight on the muzzle, smiling. “If you ever change your mind, please let me know. I’ll offer over $4,000.00 for this boy.†Tom nodded, and the man left. Kelly ran over to Midnight and hugged him. “Oh, Midnight,†she said, “Katrina will be so happy to hear you’re not up for sale.†“At least for now,†said Tilly, “this is our only chance, Kelly…we can’t mess up.â€
Horsesforever12 & Jedi
2012-12-05 01:56:15
Hannah's New Life
by horsey_galz
There was a girl name Hannah who loved horses so much, only thing was that so live in the city and there was no room for a horse in the backyard. So when even she could she would go over to her friend Becky's house and ride her Horse Star. One day after having a great time with Becky and Star she went home, what a surprise she got when she got there. Her dad, mom, and her little brother Nick were in the kitchen. "How was it at Becky's?" ask Mom. "It was good. Star is such a good Horse, I wished I had one like Star." I replied. "Well your in for a big surprise." said Dad. "What? What's happing?" said Hannah and Nick at the same time. "Well we were going to tell you as a surprise later, but I'll tell you now. We are moving to the country!" said Dad. "We are WHAT?" said Nick. "We are moving to the country and I'm going to start a cow farm, Which means we are going to need some cow Horses." said Dad. "Really?" I can't believe it I can finally get a Horse! I can't wait to tell Becky. "When are we going?" "Yes really" said Mom "And for your next question since your school got out two days ago we are going to leave in a week." "What about all my friends?" Nick said. "All of us will make new friends I'm sure of it." replied Mom.
~Next week after the Moving van had dropped off their things at their new home.~
"Well let's start unpacking our things. I'll start Lunch." Mom said. When I went up stairs to my bedroom it was the best room for me ever! I'm going to LOVE this place I thought to my self. It was square with a little walk in closet and a big window facing the back of the house. When I went to the window I could see a small horse stable and a large cow barn. I unpacked my things and flopped on the bed the moves had brought in along with my desk, chair, and lamp. My bed had a canopy, so I stared at it a while. then I looked closer around the room there was the gray carpet and blue walls. Then I got up and looked closer at the wall. In the wall nearly invisible was a secret doorway! I opened it and inside was a small bathroom, a full bathroom! I can't wait to show this to Nick won't he be jealous while I have my on personal bathroom he had to share one! Ha! I ran downstairs and shouted as my feet hit the floor. “ I have my on bathroom!†“What! No fair! I want my own bathroom.†Nick said. “ Honey Hannah is older then you she can have her own bathroom, besides that one is pretty much your own. You Father and I have our own too.†Mom replied in a calm voice. “Sweet, my own bathroom!â€
~A few days later~
“Hannah, Nick your Dads home! Come greet him at the door.†Mom called from the bottom of the stairs. “Coming†we both yelled back. We raced down the stairs and ran outside. I stopped in shock. Dad was driving up to the horse barn the a two Horse trailer. We ran over there to help him unload the HORSES!!! Dad opened the gate and lead out the first Horse a black Quarter Horse gelding. He had a whit lighting bolt on his forehead and one hind stocking on his left leg. “Here you go my girl you own Horse that I know you have been wanting all you 13 years of your life. Well maybe 10.†Dad said as he handed the lead rope to me. “He is mine?†I asked. “What about me?†cried Nick. “I have this Horse that we are going to share. She is a gentle bay, so she won’t buck you off right away. The reason we are sharing it is.......†I didn’t hear the rest of what dad was saying. I was to busy leading my new Horse Lighting to the stable. MY OWN HORSE! I can’t wait to tell Becky.
horsey_galz & Florian
2012-12-06 03:15:47
A GIFT HORSE
BY AVARI TERRWYN MILES
We are galloping around the farm, through the bush paths. I can feel Pierre, my Thoroughbred jumper, thundering beneath me. The wind whipping my hair, when all of a sudden, a massive log is blocking the path. We’re going too fast, We’ll have to jump! Can we make it? Three...Two…one…li- “Joie Gabrielle Evangeline! Regardez ce que vous faites! Watch what you’re doing!†Mums cry snaps me out of my daydream
“Hmm?†My mum is French, and sometimes speaks French when she is upset.
“Careful with knife! Cut carrots, not fingers!â€
“Oh, sorry.†I go back to my work and Mum shakes her head. It’s Christmas Eve, and we are preparing for our big Christmas lunch tomorrow. Cooking for ten is Mums usual workload, but Christmas is something else! Ham and puddings, truffles and rum balls, all add to the craziness in our kitchen. Mum has to cook for the five in our family, plus the five stable hands who work on Dads small breeding operation: Crown Arabians and Thoroughbreds. We have 20 horses now: 14 mares expecting, and 7 of those have foals. My personal fave is Charisse Cheri, a beautiful palomino Arabian mare who is due to foal next month. She may foal early though, over the next week, as she is showing all the signs: restlessness, swelling udder and so on. It was an early breeding, but Dad had been offered a good deal with a well-known, well-bred stallion and now the foal will be making an entrance in late January. The stallion had been a tall almost white stallion, and I can’t wait to see the baby. Charisse is my favourite mare, after all, and it would be my turn to name the foal (the family and the staff all take turns naming the new arrivals). I’m so excited!
When I’m done in the kitchen, I go outside to see the horses before dinner. Andre and Brielle, my little brother and sister, are taking turns on Bluebell, the blue roan Shetland who use to be mine before I outgrew her. I don’t have a horse of my own at the moment, but Mum and Dad said I might get one next horse sale, when we sell the babies from this year. That is months away though. I wish I could just keep one of the foals for my own. It’s sad when they go. A Thoroughbred, so I can do showjumping and cross country, dressage, and such. I like that. Maybe if I ask Dad again… nah. It’ll be okay.
Christmas morning was everything to be expected: the lounge room hidden underneath piles of wrapping paper and packaging, and everyone chattering away excitedly to one another about their gifts. I loved my new model horses and clothes, and I even got a new camera and an art set. They were fantastic. The day was a blur of entertaining my siblings, helping Mum and Dad and playing. By the end of the day, I was ready to crash. It had been a good day. No sooner had I laid down on my bed, than the door is flung open. It’s Dad. “Joie! Quick, I need your help. Charisse is foaling, right now!â€
“Wha-What?†I run outside and pull on my boots, not worrying about changing out of my pyjamas. Dad and I hurry to the barn. “She’s premature, Dad.â€
“I know, but only by a month. She should be just fine.†He reassures me.
“Where’s Mum?â€
“Sleeping. I didn’t want to wake her, she is absolutely exhausted.†He laughs. “Besides, I know how well you and Charisse get along, and you said you wanted to be there.†We slow right down when we reach the barn, and walk calmly in. At last, we reach Charisse in her box stall. She is sweating and nervous and not at all like her normal self. I get worried.
“Dad…â€
“She’ll be fine. Just pray.†He says. So I send up a few quick prays, and feel calmer. Charisse is obviously having a terrible time, pacing, getting up and down, nipping her sides and the whites of her eyes are visible. As soon as she lays on her side, I sit and place her head in my lap. I stroke her and speak calmly to her. She loses the fearful look. I do not know how long things went on, but it seemed so short and seemed so long at the same time. I just kept on talking to Charisse and calming her down, and talking to God. Dad keeps informing me at what’s happening, until at last he says “The foal is here!†and I hear a tiny nicker. I say a prayer of thanks. Charisse sits up and cranes her neck to see her baby. I go and join Dad. The foal is beautiful. A creamy colour with a white star, long lashes and fluffy white mane. And a filly. The foal stands and I notice something.
“Dad, why does the foal look only a little like an Arab? Her face is less dished.†I ask.
“I bred Charisse with a Thoroughbred.†Dad smiled.
“Why? I thought you only wanted purebreds.â€
“Well I thought you would like it. I know you think Arabs are pretty, but want a stronger horse for showing, like a Thoroughbred. And Charisse is your favourite horse.â€
“Dad, what does this mean?â€
“It means you have your own horse; to raise and train and ride. Your very own.†My very own… I think for a bit, and then realise.
“You planned all this out, didn’t you?†I laugh, and Dad laughs with me.
“Now, you have to name your horse.†Dad smiled.
“Oh…um…What about… Noelle?†I think of the top of my head. “It’s French for ‘Christmas’,†Dad laughs.
“Your mum will love it. Oh, one last thing…†Dad leaves the stall, and comes back with a package, gift wrapped. “Open it.†He hands it to me. I do, and it is a tiny, light pink halter.
“It’s perfect!†I smile. I stand up and give my dad a huge hug. “Thanks Dad.â€
“Merry Christmas Joie.â€
“Merry Christmas.â€
Avari Terrwyn Miles & Sheraga
2012-12-08 11:55:52
Hunted (part two)
By sockylola1
Chapter three
Darkcloud glanced at the man. His ears twitched, as he heard the men laughing. "This one's easy! You'd think he was a dainty filly!" Darkcloud caught the word 'filly'. A ember of anger flickered to life in him. He, a filly? The ember turned to a roaring bonfire, as it built up in his chest. Suddenly, it burst out of him. He made a squealing noise, then kicked up his heels, hitting the man next to him square in the face. The man clapped a hand to his face, and with the other hand he grabbed blindly at the rope leading to the 'halter' on Darkcloud's face. Darkcloud bit his hand, the fire still going strong in him. Then he wheeled on the other men, snapping at them and squealing. He reared up, and slammed one of his hooves down on a man's leg, hearing the satisfying snap. The rest of the men got over their surprise, and angrily circled the stallion. But he wasn't afraid. The fire was burning fiercer now, and he kicked out with his left front and right hind legs, hitting two men. the circle tightened as the men fell away, and Darkcloud kept kicking and biting. Finally, no one was left except a small boy. Darkcloud sneered at him, his eyes glinting. He was about to attack the boy, when he stopped himself. What was he doing? He shook his head, and almost as if water washed through him, the fire went out in his chest. The groans of the men worried him. What would happen next?
Chapter Four
The large man was the first to get up. He grabbed some rope that was hanging on the wall and sneaked up on Darkcloud, before digging his shoulder into his flank, pushing him over. The man quickly tied him up, then motioned for some of the other men to help him. They slowly lifted Darkcloud, carrying him to a truck. they set him in it, then slammed the door. Muffled voices drifted in. "What are you going to do with him Dad?" It was the boy, Darkcloud realized. "That thing's wild. Too wild. We're taking him to the meat market. Should get a good bundle for his meat." Then the engines of the truck filled the air, and Darkcloud felt the truck vibrate, then move quickly along the road. What would happen to him?
He found out soon. The men opened the door, and pulled Darkcloud out. They slowly carried him to the front of a building, where a man stood. "Looks nice and meaty," he said, eyeing Darkcloud. "I'll give ya a thousand for 'im. Sound fair?" The large man nodded, taking the money and returning to the truck. "Joe, come on!" he yelled, and Darkcloud noticed the boy. The boy yelled something back, but it was lost in Darkcloud's ears as the trucks engines turned on. Finally, the truck left. The man went inside the building, calling over hs shoulder, "I'll be right back. Stay there, y'hear?" The boy watched the door close behind the man, then dived down suddenly to Darkcloud. He took out a knife from his jeans, cutting quickly through Darkcloud's ropes. Then he looked around, and stuffed the knife back in his pocket. "Come on, get up! Hurry!" He whispered. Darkcloud got up, and the boy grabbed his mane, leading him away from the building. There, below him, he saw his forest. "Go," said the boy, patting him on the neck and stepping away. Darkcloud nuzzled the boy, not wanting to leave him. The boy pushed his nose away. "Go, alright? I can't stay long. Leave, and don;t get caught again!" He said. Darkcloud didn't quite understand him, but fully understood his tone. He nickered a last greeting, then galloped away into the thick forest. The boy watched wistfully, until the stallion vanished into the trees. Then he whispered, "Be safe, stallion. Be safe."
THE END
This is Club Pony Pals, the official Pony Pals game and virtual horse world. Here you can adopt, ride and care for the pony you always wanted. Our site is based on the Scholastic books about three girls by Jeanne Betancourt.
