Chapter Six: The Surprise Riders

It was the next day and the vet, Dr. Applebee, Jeff and I were in Panther's stall, looking at Lass. I held Panther's halter firmly as the vet checked her filly's knees. A moment later, the vet rose from her inspection of Lass' knees. She shook her head sadly.

"What is it, Lisa?" asked Jeff.

"There's no way this filly's going to get around with her knees bent inward like that. If she does, it'll hurt her to move. If you want me to, I can put her down for you to save you folks trouble. I'll go get my syringe out of the truck while you two think about it," the vet exited the stall and turned to the right.

"Jeff, Lisa's right. It's not fair to see Lass suffer," I said, tears coming to my eyes. Jeff kissed my forehead and squeezed my hand.

"We know what's best for Lass," he replied. The vet returned with a syringe in her hand.

"Are you guys ready?" she asked.

"Yes. But let's have Panther and Lass have one last moment together," said Jeff, his voice cracking. I let go of Panther's halter and she ambled forward to where her filly was. She lowered her head and nickered gently to her filly. Lass gave a weak nicker and bobbed her head up and down.

"You two better stay out here," said the vet. She went into the stall, talking gently to Panther. She stuck the syringe in a vein in Lass' neck and injected it.

"It won't be long now," said the vet. I was sobbing hysterically into Jeff's chest. He put a comforting arm around me and stroked my hair. I couldn't hear little Lass' breathing anymore or hear her rustling in the straw. Panther nickered gently and nudged her little filly. This scene reminded me of The Lion King when Mufassa died and how Simba nudged his dad, telling him to get up. Mufassa laid motionless, just like Lass did.

"Hello?" came Lizzie's voice from the entranceway to the barn.

"Yo! Anybody home?" asked Gordo.

"Mrs. Smith, where are you?" this had to be Miranda talking.

"Go, I'll be okay here," said Jeff. I made my way past horse's stalls. I didn't stop walking until I saw Lizzie, Gordo and Miranda.

"Hey guys! I haven't seen you three in a while," I said, my voice shaking.

"Uh, Mrs. S, are you okay?" asked Lizzie.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, tears welling up in my eyes.

"Are you okay?" asked Miranda.

"Yeah, I'll be okay," I said, trying not to cry.

"If you're that happy to see us, why didn't you tell us?" asked Gordo.

"Your mounts for today are: Lizzie – Ginger. Gordo – Zeke and Miranda – Missi. Go get them tacked up and I'll help you guys if you want me to," I was headed for my barn office when Lizzie called out,

"Where's Conn?"

"He's in his stall. He needs a break," I told her.

"Oh. Could I ride him instead?" asked Lizzie.

"No. I want you to ride Ginger today. She's a good mare," I replied.

"Okay," said Lizzie and she, along with Gordo and Miranda went to tack up their horses. Fifteen minutes later, Lizzie, Gordo and Miranda had Ginger, Zeke and Missi tacked up. Lizzie and Miranda had decided to ride English, while Gordo rode Western.

It was an hour later and Lizzie, Gordo and Miranda were untacking Ginger, Zeke and Missi. They were talking about the lesson and how much fun they had riding different horses. I beamed with pride to know that famous TV stars liked riding my horses as much as Jeff and I did.