Thursday
Quiet stirring of horses below gently nudged her, coaxing her from a deep sleep, but not fully. Predawn light peeked through the curtain gaps, casting shadows in her bedroom, creating new shapes, morphing into something else in her subconscious. A heaviness weighed on her chest, eliciting a sense of dread, forbearance of something amiss. Suddenly, she grew anxious to see Spartan, to smell his scent, to touch his coarse coat, to know he was okay.
She rose from bed, dressed only in Mrs. Bell's translucent white night gown, its edges detailed in fine crocheted lace. As she ran to the stairwell, the light cotton swayed around her legs, causing her to stumble. She descended the steep, rickety steps, absent was any railing to steady her. Reaching the bottom, the barn was pitch black, she could not see a thing, not even her hand in front of her face. In the distance, Spartan called out with neighs and nickers, low and lonely. Amy answered his calls with her own, shouting his name. Her progress to his stall was slow, exhausting as though she was slogging through chest deep water.
Finally, she found Spartan in his stall, Harley next to him. An immense relief and happiness washed over her. She laughed out loud. Reaching her hand toward them, she was blocked, thwarted. A raven with its gleaming ebony feathers perfectly groomed, its eyes dark and calculating, its beak chiseled and sharp, was perched on the stall door. The large bird pecked at her hand every time she tried to touch the horses.
So she tried a different tact. Calm and sure, Amy smiled at the bird, reached out her hand to him instead. Gently, quietly she cooed to him, bonding with him, befriending him, petting his satiny feathers. She watched him with fascination, the way he cocked his head, the way his piercing, intelligent eyes looked at her. Her fascination turned into fear as the raven transformed into Ahmed, with his gleaming, ebony hair perfectly groomed, his eyes dark and calculating, his nose chiseled and sharp. His stare was cold, harsh, his lips curled into a sneer, his stance rigid, intimidating as he leaned toward her.
"You." He hissed, spat with anger, blame. "After everything I've done for you."
She was scared, frozen in place, unable flee, unable to speak.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ty, standing not more than ten feet away, watching angrily, waiting to pounce. His eyes were steely, lips unsmiling, his expression accusatory, his spine bowed, his fist poised to strike.
Amy tried to go to him, to call to him, but she remained paralyzed, mute.
Before her eyes, his anger melted into hurt, then into uncaring coldness. Without emotion, he simply turned, walked away, leading both Spartan and Harley down the barn aisle, into the darkness until they disappeared.
Stemming from her core, a horrible gut wrenching wail erupted, echoing, reverberating throughout the barn. Ahmed laughed, transforming into the raven again before taking flight, leaving her alone in anguishing sadness.
Unmuted, she screamed helplessly for him. "Ty. Ty." It was too little, too late.
Her voice jarred her, finally releasing her from the nightmare.
The weight on her chest, remained, but shifted. She gasped, sweaty and scared. Her chest rose and fell, laboring from fright, under the weight. Her eyes flew open.
Mouse was standing on her chest, looking at her intently. The kitten bent forward, tail straight up, tucked her head beneath Amy's chin. She moved her velvety head back and forth rubbing against her neck, comforting her, purring.
"Oh Mouse, it's you." She whispered. "I had the worst dream. Ahmed came. Ty saw him and took Spartan and Harley away. I was alone." The dread of her dream still hung over her, invading her mood, she sat up clutching the young life to her chest. A sob caught in her throat, as she tried to settle herself.
"I need to check on Spartan and Harley." She said aloud, setting the kitten aside. She hastily put on yesterday's clothes then stepped into her boots. She ran to the front door, stopped, went back to her bedroom.
"You two are coming with me." She tucked Ruth and Mouse into a scarf tied around chest, almost like a papoose.
Down in the barn, she spied Spartan and Harley just beginning to stir. Upon sensing her presence, they strained their necks, looked for her, sought her out, nickered, snorted. She hurried to their side.
"Hey boys. I am so glad to see you both. You have no idea." Relief in her voice, she hugged each around the neck, their hot breath comforted her. "I had a horrible dream. I was so worried about you both."
A heavy sigh gave way. "Please don't ever leave me." She whispered, both shook their manes as though promising.
"How was your first night?" She asked quietly, then volunteered. "Mine was okay til I had that stupid nightmare."
The papoose began to move, stretch as Mouse pushed her gray head out of the scarf and looked around. Amy laughed.
"Spartan, Harley. Please meet Mouse. Mouse, this is Spartan, on the right and Harley on the left." She held the kitten up to each of their noses. Mouse promptly batted each one with her right paw.
"You are one brave little girl, aren't you? I have a lot to learn from you."
Ruth making squeaking noises, pushed her head out as well. "And, here is our little adventurer, Ruthie." She held the mostly helpless puppy, eyes just barely opened, up to the horses as well. "The four of you are going to be great friends. I just know it."
In the aisle, a young redheaded man, no more than 20 or so years approached her, pushing a load of hay and grain. He was tall, broad, very fit, dressed in a Club uniform. He was unsmiling, cold.
He barely nodded to her, kept moving, kept to his work.
"Good morning." She said cheerfully, interrupting his focus. "I'm Amy Fleming, the new jump coach." She held her hand out to him to shake.
"Brian McDermott." He said as he stopped, looked at her hand, then her face. "Miss. I'm not going to shake that." He said gruffly.
She was taken aback.
Then he held up his filthy, stained gloves as proof. "See."
She laughed. "Guess not. Thanks for the warning. Please call me Amy."
He pointed to Harley and Spartan. "Are those two yours?"
"Yes. This is Spartan. And, this is Harley...Well, Harley is owned by my friend, Ty Borden." Then she pointed to the other two horses. "And, those two are mine as well..Midnight is the black one and Parsnip is the cremello one." She volunteered, but didn't give details. Parsnip snorted, shook her mane when she heard her name.
"Oh." He frowned, then grumbled under his breath. "Figures." He started to walk away.
"Hey Brian. Are you in charge of this barn?" She asked, trying to be friendly.
"Yeah." He answered without much enthusiasm.
"I see." She looked around. "Who owns the other horses?"
He sighed heavily, his patience with her was running thin. "Coach Prescott owns four, Coach Hawkins owns two, Coach Harden owns two. Two are owned by outsiders." Then he grimaced, then continued. "Oh yeah, Ms. Berry brought two more yesterday."
He rubbed his forehead with the back of his glove. "Look. I got to get to work. I'm already behind."
She felt bad keeping him from his work, but pressed on. "Sixteen horses is a lot of work."
"You're telling me?" His voice showed his irritation. "I barely had enough time to give the ten others the kind of attention they need and deserve. Their owners barely visit them." He lamented. "Now I got six more to do. Just peachy."
She smiled slightly when she recognized he was a kindred spirit, if not a bit grumpy. "Look. I plan to be very involved with my horses. I hope that's okay with you."
"Sure. Whatever you say." He smirked.
She figured that he had heard it all before, so she didn't hold his surly attitude against him. "Where do you keep your barn checklist and schedule?"
"In the feed room. Why?" His eyes narrowed.
"Because I want to coordinate the upkeep of my horses with you. Come on. Show me."
"Sure. Fine. You're in charge. Apparently." He shot back, adding. "I start at 5:00 am."
"Good. Me too."
In the feed room, Mouse played hide and seek as Ruth looked around, tried to amble about on her unsteady legs. Brian explained his system, his schedule, his methods. She indicated that she planned to water, feed, exercise, and groom her own horses, leaving him to take care of keeping their stall and tack clean.
"Brian. Could I store some of my herbs, honey, apples and stuff in here?" Then she added. "I don't need too much room. Mostly I just hang the herbs from the ceiling."
"Don't you have a kitchen in your apartment?" He grumbled.
She laughed. "These are for the horses, not me. I mix it with their fed depending upon the circumstance."
"Like what?" She peaked his curiosity.
"Well, like camomile for stress and anxiety or devil's claw for pain. That kind of stuff." She explained.
"I guess you can store some here." He relented.
"Thanks." She added. "I bring some tonight."
"Just don't take too much space." He warned.
"Thanks. I won't."
He paused, then looked at her. "You are the first owner whose ever done this."
"What? Bring herbs?"
"Well yes. That. But, you know, do the hard work of owning a horse. You seem willing to work. Everyone else is just hands off." He said honestly, then added sarcastically. "Of course, you are just all talk at this point."
"True that." She chuckled. "So. Um. Before I get started. I gotta run upstairs, feed these two, and get some coffee. I'll be back."
He snickered. "Like I said...all talk."
She laughed, added. "Do you want a cup?"
"What?" He seemed genuinely surprised. "Me?"
"Yes. You. Do you want some coffee?" She asked again.
"Um. Well. Sure. Black." The tiniest of smiles briefly touched his lips, then disappeared.
In her apartment, though it was still very early, she texted him. "Morning."
"Morning." He responded quickly. "How was your first night?"
"Okay. Bad dreams."
"Tell me."
"Later. How's Mrs. Bell?"
"It's like it never happened. She got up before me. Wanna say hi?"
"Sure. I'll call you."
She quickly dialed his number. "Hey Amy. Putting you on speaker." Ty said.
"Hello Mrs. Bell. It's Amy."
"Well, I know that dear. How are you?"
"I am fine. More importantly, how are you?"
"Fit as a fiddle. Ty fussed for no good reason. But I still appreciated his company."
"Good to hear."
"Now. Both of you two need to get started on your day so I can start on mine."
"Okay. Mrs. Bell?"
"Yes dear?"
"Do you mind if I come and get some herbs from you tonight? For Spartan and Harley?"
"Of course I don't mind. I'll gather some for you. Any special needs?"
"I don't have any herbs here...at the club. I am rebuilding my inventory."
"See you tonight. Good bye Amy."
"Amy. What about our ride? Are you canceling?" Ty sounded disappointed.
"Of course not. We can visit Mrs. Bell after dinner. Okay?"
"Okay. I wanted to check on her anyhow."
In the background Mrs. Bell protested. "Ty Borden. I do not need to be checked on."
"Bye Amy." He laughed.
"Bye Ty." She added in a louder voice. "Bye Mrs. Bell."
When she returned to the barn with his coffee, she asked if he had a pair of spare gloves she could borrow. He rolled his eyes, went into the feed room, returned with an old pair of men sized gloves, stained with manure, hardened. Unfazed she put them on, her fingers lost in their oversized filth.
As they worked, she watched him covertly. He took time with each horse, talking quietly, petting them. Each horse responded in kind. She smiled at his sensitivity, his mannerism, his caring. Her intuition about him was right.
"Hey Brian."
"What now?" He replied gruffly without looking at her.
"When Spartan and Harley are done eating, I am taking them for a ride on the trails. I'll pony Harley."
"Okay. How long will you be gone?"
"Maybe 30 minutes or so."
"What about the other two?"
"I'll work with them later this morning. Have to check my schedule first."
He nodded, then walked away, returned carrying Spartan's tack. "Want me to saddle Spartan?"
"Thanks!" She took the saddle from him. "But. I'll saddle him myself."
"Suit yourself." He shrugged.
"Brian. We are going to be a good team."
"Ha. Doubt that."
Later, leading the two horses out of the barn, Amy shivered a bit, zipped up her jacket. The morning air had a slight chill, barely 50 degrees, as the sun rose pinks and reds in the sky. In one smooth motion, Amy mounted Spartan, with Harley on his right. Excited to explore, she clicked her tongue to start. They alternated between trotting and cantering, covering over 100 acres or so of relatively flat but winding, manicured landscape. It was so different from Heartland. A couple rabbits crossed their path but not much more.
Back at the barn by seven, she quickly hosed them off, groomed each and stalled them. At twenty to eight, she was showered, dressed in her uniform, writing in her notebook.
Thursday To Do List.
First Day of Work Calgary Polo Club!!
Spartan, Harley, Parsnip, Midnight, Nick, Sunny, Ty, Mrs. Bell...Gloves. Herbs. Honey. Ashland Berry?
She dialed Heartland from her cell phone hoping her grandfather would answer.
"Hello Heartland." Lisa answered sweetly.
"Lisa. It's Amy."
"Hey Sweetheart. Everything okay? Things good at the Club?" She sounded concerned.
"Yes. Everything is fine. I'm about to start my first day. Um. Is grandpa there?"
"He's in the barn with Caleb. Do you want me to get him?"
"No, no. But. Would you ask him to go by and check on Mrs. Bell today? At dinner last night, she had a bit of a dizzy spell. She's okay but I'm just worried."
"Of course. And if Jack can't visit, I will."
"Oh. Thank you."
"Love you Honey."
"Love you too Lisa. Bye."
Relieved, Amy took a deep cleansing breath, put her phone on her belt, said aloud, "Okay Amy. You got this!"
Arriving in the coach's office, Nick was already there to greet her.
"Hey Amy." He smiled broadly.
"Morning Nick." She matched his mood.
He motioned to her to take a seat at the long table next to him. "First day, Huh! All settled?"
"Think so...the horses too. Thanks for finding room for Harley."
"My pleasure. It was fun to be in on Ty's secret." He grinned at her.
"It was a wonderful surprise." She blushed a bit. "I checked on all four this morning and did a trail ride too. And, I met our barn manager Brian McDermott. He's seems nice."
He chuckled. "You may be the first to say he's nice. Don't get me wrong. He's really good with horses. Maybe not so much with people."
"Has he been here long?"
"Several years. Since high school, I guess. Just. Get on his good side." He suggested. "And you'll be golden."
"Will do. Does he ride?"
"Not that I know of. He does love horses though. And. He has this natural ability with them." Then he added. "He lives in the lodge with all the hands, grooms, landscape crew. He's kind of a loner." He shrugged.
"Good to know. I met Benny Turner, the security guard last night too."
"Another long time employee. Good guy. Fatherly type. Likes to look after the staff. Do you have his number?" When she shook her head no, he texted his contact info. "Just in case you need it."
"Thanks...I also met Darren Prescott too."
"Boy. You do get around." He grinned.
"He came by and introduced himself."
"No surprise. Darren is our social butterfly. He likes to get everyone together. He's a solid coach too."
"He invited me to dinner last night." She laughed. "Funny. I found out that he does not like rats."
A quizzical look crossed his face. "Bet there is a story there." He hesitantly asked. "Um. Meet anyone else?"
"Nope. But Darren told me that I have an assistant. Ashland Berry?"
He stiffened ever so slightly, then breathed in deeply. "Ah. Ashland. I meant to tell you about her."
"No worries. We've been busy. Tell me about her now."
"Sorry Amy. This was not my idea."
She sat back in her chair. "Nick. Please tell me that she at least knows how to ride."
"Oh. Yes. And very well. She's ridden and jumped competitively her whole life." He paused, then explained. "She's the daughter of Asher Berry, chair of the Polo Club's board."
"I see." Amy pressed her lips, annoyed but understood his predicament. "Bet she's a lot like my old friend. Do you remember Ashley Stanton?"
"Val Stanton's daughter? Of Briar Ridge fame?"
Amy nodded.
"Oh yeah. I remember her." He smirked. "They are two birds of a feather...Ashland is rich, spoiled, immature. Did I say she was an excellent rider?"
"Yes Nick. But, if she's so rich, why is she working here?"
"Dropped out of college." He added. "Her dad's way of punishing her."
Amy sighed heavily.
"Sorry Amy."
One by one, coaches and assistants, each clad in identical uniforms, a black polo club shirt, white breeches and tall black boots, came into the office. Each found a seat, nursing coffee, trying to wake up. Except Darren, who seemed to ready to roll.
At eight, Nick cleared his throat and started. "Good morning everyone. Hope everyone had a good evening. How was dinner?"
Darren spoke up. "Terrific. Good food. Good crowd. We missed you Nick. You too Amy." He added.
"I'll try to be there next week." Nick commented.
"Me too." Amy followed suit.
Nick looked around. "I see that Ashland is not here yet. Has any one seen her this morning?"
All shook their heads, No. Someone muttered, something about her always being late. Amy just closed her eyes, imagining the worst.
The door opened abruptly, in waltzed a young, pretty woman, her shoulder length dark hair swayed with every step, her big brown eyes laced with long eyelashes, her bright red lips pouted, bordering on a frown. Amy couldn't help but stare. The woman was wearing her own riding outfit, obviously very expensive, trendy, form fitting. Her ear lobes were christened with exquisite diamond studs. She took the seat next to Amy without saying a word.
Amy noticed her fingernails, long, polished, obviously clean, then cringed when she looked at her own, ragged, stained and dirty. Embarrassed, she hid them below the table.
"Ashland, glad you could join us. Please be on time tomorrow. In case you forgot, our meeting starts at 8:00." Nick gently chastised her. "And, please wear your issued club uniform as it's required."
She just shrugged.
"So, let's begin. I'd like to introduce you all to Amy Fleming our new jump coach." He introduced each coach and assistant in order quickly, not leaving room for chit chat or even hand shakes. "Please note that Ashland reports to Amy."
All heads around the table smiled, murmured a welcome or a hello, except Ashland who only scowled.
"So, as you know this weekend is the Rocky Mountain Cup Finals. You, polo coaches and assistants will be working the Cup. You should already know your assignments. Amy and Ashland you will be Club ambassadors."
"You mean we have to cater to people?" Ashland laughed, rolling her eyes. "You can forget that Nicky."
"Nick, what does an ambassador do?" Amy spoke up.
"Basically you act as good will for the club. Welcome folks, meet and greet, educate on the fundamental of polo, answer questions. You know, that kind of stuff."
"Do we wear our uniforms?" Amy asked.
"Yes."
As Amy was nodding, Ashland balked. "I'm not doing that. I will be in high heels drinking champagne with my friends."
Although Nick ignored her comment, Amy was firm. "My assistant and I will be in our uniforms and serve as ambassadors. Could one of the coaches give us a quick tutorial on polo? And maybe someone give us the history on the club, it's layout, that kind of thing?"
Ashland glared at her.
Darren piped up. "I can give the lessons on polo and the club."
"Great. Thanks Darren." Nick glanced at his notes. "The polo season is winding down. We have only a few more weekends of matches. If history serves us, members will want to switch from polo to riding and jumping lessons. Amy and Ashland, make sure you have some business cards with you. You can pick them up at the business office any time before 5 pm."
Ashland sighed dramatically.
He ignored her, calmly closed out the meeting. "Okay. Everyone have a good day. Amy and Ashland, please stay."
After everyone else filed out, the three remained around the table. Nick passed them their schedule for the week. "Alright ladies. This is your current schedule. It's very light. Word is out that you are on board, Amy, so you will be in demand. Be flexible, but you own your schedules."
Amy looked at the schedule. "Okay. Monday through Saturday four to six is already full with two different groups. I assume the Monday-Wednesday-Friday one is Cassidy and Georgie?"
"Yes. And, the other is a group of 6 high schoolers. You can rearrange, if need be. You'll get a new crop of students who are more serious, mostly private lessons during the day."
"Okay. What about the cup on Saturday? Do we give lessons or attend the Cup?"
"The Cup. Tournaments always take presence over training. Work with your students today to cancel or reschedule."
She nodded. "Okay. What about working with our horses?"
"Amy, you are the owner of your schedule. As Ashland's supervisor, you have full authority over her work and her schedule too. In general, the work week is 40 hours, 8 to 6 every day, Monday through Sunday during the polo season. Overtime is required from time to time. You will have to carve out time off time, lunch, breaks, etc between 8 and 6."
"7 days a week, 10 hours a day?!." Ashland groused. "Ridiculous. I am not a slave. And, I refuse to do this." She crossed her arms over her chest.
"Figured you'd say that." He stopped, texted someone on his phone.
The door opened, a well dressed older man walked in.
"Daddy! What are you doing here?" She ran up and hugged him.
"Hey princess." He smiled as he embraced her.
"Nick is being so mean." She whined.
Amy shot Nick a disgusted look that both Nick and Asher Berry caught.
"Mr. Berry. Please meet Amy Fleming, our new jump coach and Ashland's supervisor. Amy, please meet Asher Berry, chairman of the Polo Club's Board. And Ashland's father." Nick said.
"Ms. Fleming. Nick has told me many good things about you. You have an incredible reputation, experience and talent. So I appreciate you taking Ashland under your wing. She could learn so much from you." Mr. Berry extended his hand to her. "Please know that Ashland becoming your assistant was my idea, not Nick's."
Amy rose from her seat, shook his hand. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Berry. Please call me Amy."
"Likewise. Call me Asher." Then he smiled at his daughter who hung onto his arm, then back at Amy. "Look Amy. I am going to be honest with you. Ashland can be quite a handful. She is a bit spoiled."
"Daddy. I am not." She pouted, tried to wrap her father around her finger.
He continued on. "Despite that, Ashland is an excellent rider and jumper. I think that you will find her to be a good assistant too. She just needs very strict structure and supervision."
"Daddy..."
Asher ignored her. "Amy. You are Ashland's boss. I expect that Ashland will do as you say. He said resolutely. "Okay Amy?"
Amy was uncomfortable in the position both Nick and Asher put her in. "Mr. Berry. Er...Asher. I did not sign up to be Ashland's, or anyone for that matter, boss. But, I will, however, give her a chance..."
"That's all I ask. A chance. I very much appreciate it"
"Daddy.." Ashland whined.
He turned to his daughter, spoke quietly but sternly. "Ashland. We have discussed this. You need to earn a living. You love horses. You are a very fine equestrian and jumper. Being Amy's assistant is a good job for you. Now. You will work hard. You will earn your pay, room and board. Maybe some day, if you work hard, pay attention and learn, you could grow into being a coach yourself."
"But..."
"No buts." He softened. "You will do this. Okay princess. For me."
She frowned, but nodded.
He handed Amy his business card, then shook her hand again. "Thank you Amy. I would like a detailed report each evening starting tonight. Let me know what I can do to assist in the meanwhile."
"Okay."
Then he turned to Ashland. "Please princess. Promise me you'll do your best. I want a good report tonight and every night."
"Promise Daddy." Ashland whispered, she somehow turned into a softer, younger looking girl.
He hugged her as he whispered. "I love you Ashy."
"Love you too Daddy." Ashland, Nick and Amy watched as he left the room taking all the air with him.
Nick cleared his throat, then handed each a cell phone. "You each will carry a Club cell phone in case anyone needs to get a hold of you." He smiled. "The access code is 1234."
The women were quiet.
"Any questions?" Both said No. "Well. That's it. Have a good day."
"Thanks." Amy muttered. But none of them were at all happy with the situation.
The two walked out of the office. Ashland a few steps behind her, clearly fuming. Halfway to the barn, Amy broke the silence.
"I saw your horses this morning in the barn. They are beautiful. What are their names?"
"Starry Night and Onyx."
"Good names. Dutch Warmbloods?"
"Yeah."
"Which is which? They are both black, right?"
"Night has a white star on his forehead. Duh."
"Right. Should have guessed. So Onyx is solid black one?" Amy asked.
"Again. Duh."
Amy was not fazed. "So. How do you have time to ride both horses?"
"I just do." She shrugged.
"Are you as good as your dad says? Jumping and riding, I mean?"
Ashland rolled her eyes. "Of course. My dad wouldn't lie."
"In my experience, dads who love their daughters usually exaggerate a little about their daughters."
"Well. I am very good. Probably better than you." She challenged.
"Maybe. Maybe not. Let's go tack your horses up so you can show me."
"Now?"
"Sure. Why not? We don't have any classes on the schedule this morning."
"Grr. Fine." Ashland huffed.
In the indoor ring, Ashland mounted Night first, the older of the two horses, and took straight to the course without any review of the jumps first. Night and Ashland were seamless as a team, anticipating the other's thoughts and actions, skillfully navigating over each obstacle with ease. As a jumper, the young woman was in her element, confident, serious, skilled and determined. The spoiled, rich kid attitude seemed drop away.
Amy cheered from the sidelines, as she held onto Onyx harness. Ashland smile ever so slightly.
At the end of the three rounds of the course, each round perfect, Ashland navigated Night over to Amy, dismounted.
"Wow. Ashland. Your dad and Nick were so right. You are a gifted equestrian."
"What did you expect?" She snapped back.
"Do you jump competitively?"
"Used to." She answered.
"Maybe you should reconsider. You are good. A real natural."
She shrugged. "Competition is not as fun as it used to be. Plus, Night is getting older. All that travel was hard on him." She answered honestly. "So now, we just ride and jump at home."
"I get that. When I was younger, I jumped competitively. First, with my quarter horse Spartan. Then for my 16th birthday, I received a Dutch Warmblood, Storm, as a gift from my dad. For a while I competed with Storm on the circuit. But with school and everything else, it was too time consuming. I actually sold Storm to Nick. So I just have Spartan now."
"Do you have Spartan here?"
"I do. I'll introduce you to him when we go back to the barn." She smiled. "Wanna show me what you and Onyx can do?"
"I guess." Ashland seemed somewhat apprehensive, but mounted him anyhow.
As the two approached the course, she became a little less relaxed, a little more tense, sat too far forward in their approach. And, Onyx seemed to respond to her signals, taking off too soon, landing awkwardly. And, although they made most obstacles, clipping only one, their flow, footing, position were a bit off.
Nevertheless, Amy offered positive comments as they rode. After just one round, Ashland brought Onyx to Amy and dismounted.
"Well that sucked." Ashland uttered.
"Why do you think that?" Amy asked.
"Are you blind? Onyx clipped the third rail. He's no Night." She complained.
"How long have you been riding Night?"
"Six years. Since I was 15 years old."
"And, Onyx?"
"Dad gave me Onyx for my 20th birthday. So, ah,...6 months?" She estimated after mental math.
"Maybe you haven't bonded with Onyx yet like you have with Night?"
Ashland didn't respond.
"Mind if I give it a whirl on Onyx?"
"Be my guest."
Before Amy mounted him, she talked to him, stroked his neck and forehead. Once in the saddle, she petted his neck again, played with his mane. "Come on Onyx. Let's show Ashland what you are made of." She smiled at Ashland.
Amy rode Onyx a few times around the course, not taking any jumps. Then she lined him up, took him over all eight jumps, cleanly, gracefully, without hesitation.
"You actually know how to ride." Ashland said, with mixed surprise and sarcasm.
"What did you expected?" Amy winked, then laughed.
Ashland rolled her eyes.
"Let's go on a short trail ride. I'd like to get these horses some fresh air."
"Okay."
"Mind if we switch? I'd like to see what Night is made of."
After their trail ride which was really more of a race, the two walked the horses into the barn. Brian was cleaning tack.
"Hey. You. Untack these horses and give them a bath and good groom." Ashland commanded Brian.
Before he could respond, Amy said decisively. "Ashland! You and I are going to do that."
"But, that's his job." She whined.
"No. We take care of our horses. I'll do Night, you do Onyx." She answered.
"Amy..." Brian started.
Amy smiled at him. "Brian. Have you met Ashland Berry?"
"No." He said curtly.
"Well okay then. Brian, this is Ashland Berry. She is my assistant. Ashland, this is Brian McDermott. He manages this barn." She smiled.
Neither responded.
"Hmm. You two are going to work together. So you might as well start with hello."
Then both mumbled hello.
"Well that's a feeble start but a start nonetheless. Ashland, let's get these two untacked."
As the saddles came off each horse, Brian took them to the Tack Room. Amy thanked him each time with a reminder for her young assistant. "Ashland, what do you say?"
"Thanks." She muttered.
Side by side, Amy and Ashland cooled off the horses with bucketed water to drink, hosed water to rinse off the sweat and dirt. They finished off with a good brushing.
"Look. I gotta go upstairs and check on my menagerie. Ashland, you can take a 15 minute break." Then she added. "Or you can come with me to my apartment to meet Ruth and Mouse, my puppy and kitten."
"I'll come with." She gave her usual shrug.
Amy carried both animals into the sitting room from her bedroom. "Wanna hold my pup, Ruth? You can feed her too if you want."
"Really?" Ashland eyes were wide as her smile.
"Sure."
"Oh my gosh. She is so small." Ashland cradled her to her chest, rubbed her soft black ears.
"Two weeks. And growing." Amy prepared the bottle, then showed her how to feed Ruth. On the balcony, they sat in old wooden rocking chairs, gazing over the outdoor jump course. Mouse explored as Ruthie nursed hungrily.
"I don't have a balcony. You're lucky." Ashland commented.
"I do feel lucky. As long as it's nice, I'm gonna spend time out here." She glanced at her, her intense focus on Ruth. "You can come over whenever."
"Really?" She looked up, surprised.
"Of course." Amy nodded. "You live right next door right?"
"Yeah."
"Just knock..or call...so when did you move in?"
"Monday. You?"
"Yesterday. I think I will like it here."
"Hmm. Its okay. My apartment is the opposite of yours. My sitting room is on the left. But I don't have many windows or a balcony. So. It's kinda dark. Sad."
"You'll just need to add stuff to make it bright and homey."
Ruth finished her bottle, fell asleep. "She's so adorable." She cooed.
"She is...but, now we need to get back to work."
Suddenly, her personal cell phone pinged with a text from Summer.
"Good morning Amy."
"Hello Summer. How are you?" Amy texted back.
"I just finished reading your journal. We need to meet. Does Monday morning work?"
"Yes. How about at 8?"
"Good. Also Alasie made two copies of your journal for you."
Amy texted back. "Thanks. Could my friend, Ty Borden, come by your office this afternoon to pick them up?"
"Of course. Give him my number so we can make arrangements."
"I will. thanks."
She quickly texted Ty the information. Then apologized to Ashland.
"Hey. Sorry for the interruption. Let's get back to work."
Ashland sat in the top rail of the round pen watching, looking bored while Amy stood in the center, driving Parsnip clock wise with a lunge, changing directions several times. As soon as Amy let off the pressure, turned her back, Parsnip joined her in the center for affection, and a couple of mints.
"Well. What do you think?" Amy asked her assistant.
She shrugged. "I guess it was okay. But I don't see how it's gonna help her perform jumps."
"A join up leads to a stronger bond between owner and horse. That bond, that trust can lead to markedly better results in competition. Want an example?"
"Whatever."
"You and Night have a strong bond. You trust him and he trust you, right?"
"Yeah."
"Because of that relationship, you can anticipate his thoughts, actions, needs. And, vice versa. In the ring, you can read each other, even the slightest movement means something, telegraphs information, instruction, intent. It's why you and Night do so well together. It's like you each can read the other's thoughts."
"Maybe."
"Have you seen a video of you and Night perform together?"
"Not really."
"I'll video you two. Then I'll video you and Onyx, you'll be surprised at the difference."
Ashland didn't respond, but she seemed to listen.
The rest of the day zoomed by. Between loose jumping with Parsnip, join-up and riding work with Midnight, plus, grooming and their two hour riding class, both Amy and Ashland were both exhausted.
In her apartment, Amy scurried around to shower and dress before Ty arrived. At 6:15 sharp, there was a knock at her door.
She ran to the door in her excitement to see him. Flinging it wide open, she almost fell over in a halted attempt to hug him.
"Whoa...Oh. Hey. Brian. This is a surprise." Amy stumbled over her words, regained her composure.
"Ah hi Amy." He stood there, something behind his back.
"Everything okay?"
"Yes. Sorry to disturb you. But, I wanted to give you these." He handed her a brand new pair of leather work gloves in her size.
Suppressing a laugh, she replied seriously, her eyebrows raised. "But, I already have the nice pair you gave me this morning."
"Yeah well. That pair needs to be burned." He said sheepishly. "Sorry."
"Really? I hadn't noticed." She said, then cracked up laughing.
He smiled shyly.
"Brian. Thank you for the gloves."
"Made some room in the feed room for your herbs too."
"Really? Thank you. We are definitely going to make a good team."
He laughed too. "Hope so."
He cleared his throat to get her attention. She saw Ty standing there, holding Chinese takeout in one hand, a comic wrapped box and a binder in the other.
"Ty! You're here!" She smiled.
"Um. Hi. Should I come back?" He suggested, looking uncomfortable, unsure.
"No!" She shook her head several times, she grabbed the crooked of his arm, pulled him closer.
"Ty. Let me introduce you. Ty, this is Brian McDermott, he's our barn manager. And Brian, this is Ty Borden." Not knowing how to label him, she added "my friend." after an awkward pause.
The two men exchanged nods as Ty's hands were full.
"So...Ty Borden, Huh?" Brian started in a gruff manner.
Ty nodded. "Yeah. That's me."
"So, you own Harley, that dark brown gelding stabled in my barn?" He asked pointedly.
"Yes. That's right."
"Thought so. Do you plan on visiting often?" Brian interrogated him.
"Often enough." Ty answered curtly, his eyes narrowing, perplexed with the line of questioning.
"Uh Huh. Are you planning on pawning your responsibilities for Harley off on me?...or worse, Amy?"
"If you must know, Brian McDermott." Ty's spine straightened, his eyes steeled. "I am not pawning Harley off..on anyone.."
Seeing where this was headed, Amy stepped in, grasped Ty's arm again. "Ty. Please." Her eyes pleaded with his. Ty bowed his head slightly.
"Look Brian. Ty is a dedicated, involved owner. He loves Harley. But, he's also in vet school so between Ty and me, we will make sure that Harley is well cared for."
"We'll see." Brian muttered.
Ty said nothing as he glared at him.
"Well. See you in the morning." Amy said, clearly wanting him to leave.
"See you Amy." Brian turned, then walked away.
Inside her apartment, Ty put his packages on the counter, then paced in anger. "That guy is an ass. Where does he get off talking to me like that?"
"Ty. Ignore him. He's not very comfortable around people." Amy advised.
"Well. He seems pretty comfortable with you." Ty retorted.
"Oh please. Ty, don't start that." She shook her head. "I had a really long, exhausting day."
"Maybe I should go." He threatened.
"Seriously? Some guy asks if you are going to take care of your horse and you get all bent out of shape?"
"He's an ass."
"Yes he is. But, you aren't being one too?" She shot back.
He stood in silence for a moment, then let out a heavy sigh, his facial features soften. "You are right. I'm sorry."
She walked up to him, embraced him around the waist. "It's okay." She whispered.
He wrapped his arms around her. "No, it's not. I wanted to be here on time, for this to be perfect. But, traffic was terrible, the Chinese place was packed, and my head aches from studying. That guy just got to me...sorry."
"Forget it." She pulled away. "Something smells good. What did you bring? I am starving!"
"My horsey girl!" He chuckled, rubbed his hands together, began to unpack the food. "Well. We have Vegetable Chow Mein, your favorite. And, Kung Pao Chicken, my favorite. And, fried rice, spring rolls and fortune cookies. Of course. Oh. And...wait for it...Ta Da..Crab Ragoon."
"Oh my gosh, my mouth is watering!"
"Me too. I skipped lunch."
"Wanna eat on my balcony?" Amy suggested. "Ruth and Mouse can join us."
"Perfect."
Hello Everyone. Happy Day. Another chapter. Hope you enjoy it. As always, send me a post or a review. :) tell me what you think.
SBR
Ps. Please, please stay safe, stay healthy. My state is now a hot spot for Covid. Our hospital beds are overflowing with young and old, covid patients, almost all unvaccinated. Our health care workers are exhausted. We are in a crisis here. Please. Stay safe.