Chapter One Hundred-Three
A Fun Break
A/N – As a parent it is always good to hear that your kids are doing well in school. I know I have covered parent/teacher meetings in the past but my intention is to show not only educational progress but personal growth as well. I will admit that with this story the kids are kind of great but I believe that it Ok and something I will continue to develop. As I close in on 500K words I have in the back of my mind if and when I should start dialing back and end the story. No concerns, I am not there yet but it has been on my mind. As we move on, it is time for fall break and I plan to make it lighthearted and fun for the family. Each member will have activities and happenings that will allow them to take a break and recharge. I will definitely present some great family time and also some more specific connections between the Bordens. I anticipate some Amy and Ty time as well as a little extra focus on that crazy Maddie. There may be some dates and group activities. As I have said I have the remainder of the year mapped out as some surprises and challenges await the family. Thanks for the continuing great feedback, keep it coming my way. Mature Content Enjoy!
Amy and Ty planned to spend the rest of the week and weekend sitting with each of the kids individually to go over the discussions they had with their teachers. JT was pumped that his parents were Ok with him staying with his friends and moving to Kindergarten early. When they sat with him, he was anxious and when they told him he leaped into his mom's arms, "Thank you, Thank you mommy and daddy. I will do good for you." Ty smiled, "We know you will for sure buddy, but let us know if you need some help." Before he answered he ran into Wyatt's room with the news. Ty looked at Amy, I guess we are chopped liver." Then they spoke to the twins as they insisted it happened together. Even though their paths were different it seemed they each felt as though they had a stake in the other's goals and aspirations. As Amy talked they both listened intently and answered any questions and affirmed what was discussed. Annie smiled, "I am glad they are happy with my work with the high school kids, I really enjoy the challenge and think I am engaged with the solutions." Addie followed, "Well Annie you are like a science whiz, probably smarter than most of them." The group chuckled as Addie continued. "I appreciate that they have given me options. I still don't know what I want to do and I know I have time but I really like breaking things down and putting them back together. I guess I will keep trying different things and move from there." Ty smiled grabbing Amy's hand, "Well, your mom always knew her calling but me not so much. Actually coming her I found after a little time that animal care was interesting. When your mom and I were at the fishing cabin and I got sick I told her I had decided to intern with Scott. The look in her eyes told me there and then that my destiny was set." Amy smiled blushing leaning into his shoulder, "You never told me that." As she gazed into his eyes Addie interrupted, "Hello love birds, we are talking about Annie and I." They all laughed and finished their conversation. Next on the list was Lyndy and Wyatt. Like the twins they wanted to meet with them together. Amy started, "Well honey, I met with your team and was surprised because the Goddard people were there to. They had nothing but great things to say about your academic performance, your dancing skills and how you are juggling both programs. They are actually using your program as a template for future kids who want to take the same path. Dad and I are so proud of you and if you need anything from us please let us know." All Lyndy could do was smile as she hugged her mom tightly. Since the trip, their relationship had continued to get even stronger. Ty laughed, "Well Wyatt I got stuck with you. Just kidding, your teachers were very positive about what you have accomplished but I do have a concern." Lyndy and Wyatt looked at him confused as he timidly spoke, "What did they say, I am doing really well in my classes." Lyndy supported him, "Yea Dad, we work together on homework all the time, Wyatt is a whiz at math and science. I can't believe they said something bad."
Amy looked at Ty sternly and he smiled broadly chuckling. "Ok it's just that they told me that you are looking to veterinary medicine at the U of C to study to be a vet. I knew you were interested but not this serious. I can't tell you how proud we are of you. Your grades are exemplary and the team mentioned that the two of you are always seen helping friends with assignments. Mom and I are so pleased with that and Wyatt, it is an honor to me that you are considering to be a vet. I am not pushing you as it needs to be your decision but whenever you want to hang with me, Steven or any of the team, we are there for you." Wyatt smiled as Amy continued, "We also want to let you know how happy we are that you too understand that school is important even though you have feelings for each other. I remember being a study buddy for your dad." Looking at Ty she laughed, "But I really wasn't that good." Lyndy and Wyatt thanked them and then headed to Maddie's room. Amy knocked and Maddie called them in. She was reading a book for school and looked up at them, "Hey mom and dad, saving the best for last?" Amy smiled, "Well my darling, of course we are." They all laughed and got settled. Amy started the conversation, "Well as we were well aware, you schoolwork is outstanding and the team had nothing but good things, no great things to say about your academic performance. Maddie, they feel you are also an outstanding classmate and person. They told me about the buzz around the show jumping competition. Seems you are quite the thing right now and the teachers couldn't stop talking about it." Ty noticed Maddie seemed to have a frustrated look on her face. He put his hand on her shoulder, "What's up?" She sighed, "I didn't do that for the praise or glory. I did it for those kids because no one else was. It's not fair that if they want to show jump or anything they shouldn't be able to. Thet is why I, we did it. And I hope we can do it again." Amy noticed that she was breathing heavily and very upset. She pulled her into a hug, "Baby, we know that and so does everyone else. Maddie you are an inspiration and a leader. The staff at school feels you have no limits. Your grades are outstanding and the team says you never fail in helping your classmates if they need it. The counselor said that you care about everyone and will do anything to make them happy." She smiled meekly, "Well I do." Ty decided to get to the point. "Mads what makes you happy, what do you like to do for yourself?" She thought for a second, "Well I liked the competition, I really like helping Gwen and my classmates with stuff, I really like." Amy stopped her, "Maddie what do you like for you, everything you are saying is for others. Honey, you are the most unselfish and caring person we know but you have to do things for you as well. So, I have an idea. During break you know dad and I were going away for a few days for a liberty clinic. Dad has stuff that came up and I want you to go with me, just the two of us. What do you think?" She smiled broadly, "That would be awesome, are you sure it is Ok Dad?" He smiled, "Absolutely kiddo." She hugged them both but as they walked out she said, "You really didn't have anything come up did you daddy?" He smiled as they headed out of the room smiling.
Fall Break was less than a week away and as Amy sat with Ty in the office her phone went off. She smiled as she answered, "Maryanne hey there, what a surprise. How are Justin and the kids doing." Ty heard a laugh on the other end, "We are all good Amy and I know it is last minute but we have a favor. Justin and the boys are going on a fishing trip with grandpa and I have to spend some time with my mom as she just had surgery. So, would you like to have the 4 Trudeau girls come visit over fall break. I know it is a burden but they are really excited. It seems that Haley and your ranch hand Rusty kind have a long-distance thing going, she is considering the University of Calgary Equine Studies Program and I expect that might be one of the reasons why. And Elana must have connected with a friend of the twins and has been staying in touch. And of course the twins love hanging with Maddie and her buddies. So, what do you think?" Ty jokingly yelled from the other side of the room, "Four more women, tell Justin that Wyatt, JT and I are heading his way." Amy laughed, "You won't get out of this that easy Borden. Of course they can come Maryanne, the girls will be ecstatic when we tell them." Maryanne laughed, "Well they may know already, I heard Haley talking with Rusty the other day." Amy chuckled, "I am planning a short trip with Maddie to a liberty clinic at the end of break on Saturday, but beside that we are good." Ty looked up at here and whispered, "Okotoks?" She added, "Oh yeah, Ty and I have to go see a horse out of town and were planning to spend the night but we can change it to a day trip." Maryanne laughed, "Is Ty Ok with that?" Amy held the phone up to show her a pouting Ty as she said, "He'll get over it." Maryanne laughed telling Ty she was sorry. "So if it is Ok, Justin needs to go to Edmonton the Saturday that the break starts to speak at an Oil Industry conference. The kids will go with him and then the security team will bring them down for the week. Sorry about the security and they will stay out of the way. And again if you are good with it they will fly back the following Friday. Justin is gone all week and I am coming back later Thursday night." Amy looked at Ty who was giving her a thumbs up. "Sounds perfect and we will set up the security team somewhere on the farm so they are close. We can't wait to see them and we hope your mom is Ok. One thing though, let's keep the fishing trip a secret from JT." She laughed and then Ty spoke up, "Remember hon, Jack and Tim are talking the boys fishing to the cabin for 3 or so days, he is good." Amy confirmed, "Well it is set, let us know if we have to do anything and we will officially tell the girls at dinner. It is going to be so good to see them and we also need to get together soon." Maryanne chuckled, "That's for sure and thank you both so much. Talk to you soon." Ty and Amy laughed, looks like we are going to have a fun fall break." Ty smirked, "Yea but you still owe me a little alone time." Amy answered by going over to sit in his lap and giving him a deep passionate kiss.
At dinner, the announcement was made and the girls squealed with joy. Wyatt and Lyndy were all excited especially since they saw a chance for some double dates. The Twins were already planning a bunch of group activities that Elana could be part of and Maddie borrowed Lyndy's phone to call Gwen. Maddie looked up to her mom and before she could say anything, "Don't worry Mads we are still going on our little trip. The Trudeaus are coming on Saturday and leaving on Friday." Dinner ended quickly as the kids were buzzing planning out the week. JT grabbed Wyatt's hand and went to talk to Ty. "Dad, four more women, are you kidding me?" Wyatt laughed, "Wait aren't you going fishing most of the week with GG, Grandpa and all your friends?" He looked down, yea, I guess so. I'll just do my best to avoid them. Good thing is GG talked Max in to coming up too so it will be great." Ty laughed pulling his boy into a hug, "You will have fun fishing but poor Wyatt and I are stuck here all week." JT smiled, "Whatever, you have mom and Lyndy and do all that hugging and kissing. And by the way dad, I know what rainchecks are now so you can't fool me." Ty rolled his eyes and smiled. A few days later the family waited on the porch as two black SUVs headed down the drive. Plans were set and the week would be fun for all. As the doors opens the screams were deafening. The four Bordens girls sprinted to the four Trudeau girls. JT, Wyatt, Amy and Wyatt looked on in astonishment as the 8 girls hugged each other all talking at once. Haley immediately noticed Rusty heading her way and went to give him a hug and kiss on the cheek. Wyatt, Lyndy, Katie and Clay also went to meet the couple as then chatted. As the scene unfolded, JT looked up to his mom, "Good lord, thank goodness I am going fishing." Amy laughed as Ty picked up his little man. "You know one day that will be you." He snapped his head, "No way, not a chance." After a nice lunch with just the family the kids were left to do what they wanted during the afternoon with the understanding that they would be leaving a little after 4:00pm. Lisa and Jack had invited them and other family members for a BBQ to welcome the Trudeau girls. The older group went for a ride and Maddie, the Trudeau twins and Gwen did some jumping. Unfortunately, Sylvia and Trudy were out of town visiting relatives over the break. As they arrived at Heartland, Jack, Lisa, Lou and Scott welcomed the visitors giving them hugs and hellos. Jack spoke up, "Well girls it is so good to see you and I expect you Borden girls are pretty excited." They all laughed and giggled. He couldn't help but notice JT's separation from the fun so he went and picked him up. "And you young man, are you ready to do some fishing. Grandpa Max will be here Monday Morning and we are heading up right after that. Tell your buddies to get her about 9:00. Also tell them we will be back on Friday. Sound good?" The thought of almost 5 days fishing with his GG, his Grandpas and buddies was too good to be true. He smiled brightly and hugged him tightly, "I can't wait GG." Ty and Amy watched the scene clutching each other's sides.
For the next days, the kids had a lot of fun filled activities planned but did not shirk their duties when it came to taking care of their horses and helping out around the ranch. The best part was that they now had some extra and willing help. The groups were set. Lyndy and Wyatt would be hanging with Haley, Rusty with Katie and Clay. The Borden Twins would be with Elana, Desi, Jeremy, Abby, Bella and Darren, the boy the Elana had been chatting with. And of course Maddie and Gwen would hang with Emmie, Ezzie and their friend group including Ronin, who Maddie had been a little more involved with. Amy and Ty were planning to go to Okotoks on Wednesday so they asked Katie and Georgie to be their if the kids needed anything. They had the kids give them their plans so they could arrange rides to and from th places they were going. The next day the older group planned on a trail ride so the set out after breakfast. Caleb, Rusty and Clay had brought some additional horses to the family barn so there would be enough for the kids. They six of them planned a long ride going all the way to the ridge for a picnic. On the way back they would swing by the family cemetery. Haley was inspired by it and said to Lyndy, "This place is amazing, so these are all your relatives." She smiled with a slight tear in her eyes as Wyatt grabbed her side, "Yes, here is my grandma and great grandma. This is my GG's sister June, she died when she was 17. GG took it real hard and took over Heartland to honor her. She had planned to take the farm over so he could go on the Rodeo full time. He still did but came back and ran the ranch as well." Haley and Rusty had never heard that story and both hugged their friend. Lyndy carried on showing other relatives including her GG,s parents and grandparents. They spent a little while there before the headed back to the ranch. The middle group headed to Maggie's for lunch. Ty took them to meet their friends. After lunch they were going to hang out in Hudson to see an afternoon movie. Since it was a larger group, Desi's dad and Bella's mom would bring them back to the ranch for dinner and pick them up later. Elana spent a lot of time sitting next to Darren and also spending time with Abby and Libby. She laughed, "You two are th cutest couple ever but I have to ask. How does Hudson treat you both. In the big city there is a little more acceptance." Abby smiled, "Well it has been good overall. When we became official at the fall dance a couple of idiot boys came up to us causing trouble." Pointing to Desi and Jeremy she smiled, "These two studs stepped in and set them straight telling them to get lost and not bother their friends. Teachers got involved and they became famous for defending us. It was amazing." Annie and Addie hugged their men as she told the story. Elana smiled and grabbed Darren's hand as well. Later, Ty and Amy had a pizza dinner planned for all of the kids, young adults and of course Katie and Clay.
Maddie, Gwen, Emmie and Ezzie spent a lot of time close to the ranch. The had several group activities planned during the week and also were going to spend some time helping out at the Day Care Center. Maddie couldn't wait to have them meet Beau, Nate and Rosey O'Dell, the newest kids in the family. On Sunday, after having a picnic at the pond they hung around with the horses at the Ranch. They exercised some of them as Emmie and Ezzie were really good horsewomen. Georgie saw them getting ready to go out with four horses and smiled, "You guys are a big help. Maddie, make sure you check with your mom, Katie or I before you taking them out. Some of these new ones are a challenge." Maddie smirked at her friends and joked, "My cousin, the Olympic Champion has spoked, we better make sure we listen." Georgie grabbed her tickling her sides, "You better miss smarty pants." The girls laughed as she brought Maddie to tears from so much tickling. After she settled Georgie thanked them for helping out, "Seriously we really appreciate your help, even you Maddie." Maddie stuck her tongue to as they rode away. Coming back after third trip Maddie saw her mom heading her way. "Hey girls I hear you are really helping out today, thanks a lot. I think later a trip to Maggie's for some milkshakes is in order." The girls squealed in delight looking forward to their sweet treats. Amy called Maddie over as the other girls put the horse away. "Hey honey, haw are you doing. I just wanted to see how you were after Dad and I talked with you. We just want to make sure you are happy." Maddie put her head into her mom's arms and smiled, "I am good mommy, we are really having a great time riding all the horses, Emmie and Ezzie really like to ride and are having a blast." Realizing that she was talking about other people having fun she stopped. "Ok I'm sorry I am talking about others again, really mom I am having a lot of fun." Amy smiled pulling her into a big hug. "Listen to me, your dad and I never want you to stop taking joy in helping others fun but just remember, your individual fun and happiness is important too." As they continued tier hug the other girls bounded over to them and Gwen asked, "What are you guys talking about?" Maddie smiled, "What flavor of milkshake I am getting." They all laughed, cleaned up and headed to Maggie's. The ride was overwhelming as the girls talked and giggled all of the way. A lot of the talk was about Ronin as Gwen proclaimed, "Maddie has a boyfriend!" They continued laughing as they headed into Maggie's. As they enjoyed their shake Amy sat at the counter checking emails. Ty had stopped by the clinic and was picking up some coffee and snuck up behind his wife. Amy felt a tap on her shoulder and looked over to see the most handsome man in Hudson. "Excuse me miss is this seat taken." She grinned coyly, "Well no, but to let you know I am married." Ty laughed, "What a lucky man he must be to be married the most beautiful woman in the world." Breaking down they kissed a little more passionately than maybe they should have. Emmie and Ezzie swooned watching them as Maddie looked over, "Really guys those are my parents making out in public, so gross." Ezzie, smiled, "No it is amazing." They continued enjoying their shakes laughing and carrying on. Maddie glanced over to her parents with a smile on her face.
The early part of the week went as planned, trail rides, trips to the Mall, movies, helping around the ranch and Day Care and generally whatever came their way. The biggest challenge for Amy and Ty was coordinating transportation as the kids always seem to be going in different directions. Amy and Ty were busy and were preparing for their trip to Okotoks. The horse they were seeing was owned by a friend of Calebs. The horse had become very difficult to ride, actually had become dangerous. Amy reviewed the file and information they had received and looked over to Ty, "I hope we can help this guy, he seems to be a real mess." Ty answered, "I have to be honest, I am a little worried about this one. You just need to be careful Ames." They confirmed what time they would be arriving with the owner and went back to work. Everything was covered for the day and at dinner the night before they went over the plans with the kids. After the kids went to bed, Amy and Ty were in bed laying close. Amy spoke up, "I chatted a little with Maddie to see how she was. She seems very happy and promised me that she would also make sure she was having fun. Ty, I am really looking forward to the weekend with her and the day with you tomorrow." He leaned over to give her a kiss and whispered, "So, are you looking forward to tonight." Giggling she knew where this was heading and rolled on top of him. Slowly they removed each other's clothes and began kissing, fondling the parts of their body that give them pleasure. Ty moved down to her breast kissing and sucking on them incurring moans from his wife. He moved down lower continuing his stimulations. Meanwhile Amy moved to grab his manhood and stroking it lightly. In his ecstasy, he hesitated as she took control. Moving over his body that she knew completely. She brought him to a level of love that only she could do. He was breathless as she moved back to his lips. They kiss like it was their first time as Ty rolled her on to her back. She opened up for him and they joined like only they could. Their love making was seductive and loving. As they reached the apex of their love each called the others name out breathlessly. Ty smiled, "Well that was fun. I guess had to make up for missing our night alone" She smiled in his shoulder, "Well I think we definitely made up for is, several times I think." They held each other until sleep came to them both.
At breakfast, the next morning Amy went over the plans for the day. She reminded them that they would not make it back until late and after they had dinner at Heartland, Haley, Lyndy and Wyatt were in charge. After goodbyes, kisses and hug Amy and Ty headed out. For fun they took Old Blue and Amy leaned into her man. They talked about the horse and the kids on the ride. As they pulled up to the ranch they were greeted by Caleb's old rodeo buddy, Buck and his with Mary. "Amy and Ty we are so happy you came to help. I have to think you are very busy so taking the time to help us is just fantastic." Ty smiled, "Well you had to put up with Caleb as a friend so we figured we better help." Buck laughed, "Let's go see the horse, his name is Dynamo." Ty rolled his eyes worrying if this was a sign of things to come. As they entered the barn they couldn't help but hear the extremely agitated horse rearing up, neighing loudly and kicking the stall door. Amy approached Dynamo calling to him softly. The horse relaxed a bit but when she approached the stall door, he reared back striking out causing Amy to fall back into Ty's arms. Ty spoke concerned, "What was that Buck is this normal, rarely have we seen a horse lash out that aggressively." Amy interjected, "I have worked with plenty of aggressive horses and have learned the hard way to keep my distance." Amy thought for a moment, "Ok let's give the horse a break. Can you get someone to get him into a round pen and right after lunch I am going to try to get him to settle. Ty and Buck I will need your help in the ring. He needs to see you Buck and Ty, well you know how things work with join up, you have seen a few," chuckling at her husband. After lunch, the four of them went to work with Dynamo. As they had decided, Amy, Ty and Buck went into the ring. Ty and Buck stood at opposite ends on the rail as Amy approached the horse. Mary and several of the ranch hands were watching as well. They thought was that if there were people around that Dynamo new it would help calm him. Amy approached him non aggressively clicking her tongue and calling his name softly. She began to make an effort to get him moving. He was resistant but began to give in.
Mary, Ty and Buck watched in amazement as Amy was actually making some headway. Amy had a good feeling as she worked with him but still was extremely cautious. It had been over an hour and he was still resistant. Ty calmly said, "Ames, maybe you both need a break." When she looked over he knew he had his answer. It had been close to two hours and Amy was showing signs of fatigue. Ty began to move toward her to try to get her to take a break as she was about ready to collapse. As he approached Amy glanced over to him. In an instant Dynamo reacted moving aggressively toward her. Ty reacted instinctively ran to block the horse's movement and protect his wife. What happened next seem to be in slow motion but actually was a few seconds. As Dynamo reared up, Ty block his wife. His hoof struck him on the left shoulder pushing him into his wife as he still focused on protecting her. Buck and two of the ranch hands immediately went to grab the horse and pull him out of the ring. Ty winced in pain but still was focused on Amy. She screamed, "Ty are you Ok?" He smiled and winced at the same time. "I am Ok honey, how are you." She continued, "Ty really, you just got kicked by a horse." He got up with help from Amy and Mary. Mary spoke, "We have called a doctor, Ty you must be looked at." He looked at the two of them, "Ok but Amy you need to get back in with that horse. You were getting to him, he was starting to break but I have a suggestion. It just needs to be the two of you in the ring, no one else. You know I am right." She held him avoiding his shoulder and kissed his cheek, "I know." As they left the ring the doctor, who was a friend of thiers showed up. They went into the office and she told them nothing was broken and he was lucky as it would only bruise and be painful for a few days. Ty smiled, "See Amy I told you I was Ok." Amy choked up, "Ty all I could think about was when Emir kicked me. I was so scared that you were hurt worse than you are now." He smiled at her, "I'm so sorry honey, I didn't think of that but I have to remind you what I said a long time ago, "I would do anything for you." She smiled and went to resume her work with Dynamo. As Ty predicted Amy made progress with Dynamo on her own and within an hour had him turning into her. Buck and Mary stood in amazement as Dynamo's entire attitude changed. They looked at Ty in wonder as he answered their stare, "She is something else isn't she." They laughed as Amy brought Dynamo over to them. Amy spent some time going over the plan for them moving forward and committed to return in a few weeks. They hopped in the truck and Amy drove since the pain killer Ty was on made him a little loopy. She laughed as he looked at her with hazy eyes, "You know you are really beautiful, you want to get married." She laughed, "Ty we are and have a whole bunch of kids." He smiled, "Man that is great, I must be a smart guy." She laughed as he dozed off. It would be a quiet ride home."
About 10 minutes from the house, even though she thought she might be asleep, she texted Lyndy to quietly get Wyatt and meet them outside. She responded , Ok with a question mark. As she turned off the car they came out to meet them. Ty stirred and was still a little out of it. Lyndy looked at him in shock, "Oh my god, what happened." Amy smiled tiredly, "He is Ok just a little banged up but let's just get I'm in the house and I will tell you tomorrow. The walk up was slow but they laughed as Ty kept telling them how much he loved them. Lyndy wished she would have videoed it but decided not to. The next morning the kids and guest were at breakfast when Amy come down alone. After a barrage of questions she put her hand up and said, "Your dad is fine, just a little sore and a kind of out of it. As Wyatt and Lyndy have probably told your Dad was injured yesterday. He was kicked by a horse blocking it from kicking me. He was lucky because nothing is broken, but he will be sore for a couple of days." As she finished a still groggy Ty came down. Maddie yelled, "The hero has arrived!" Everyone laughed and went to hug their dad lightly. Even the Trudeau kids joined in the hugging. For the next couple of days the kids went on with their fun activities making sure they also spent time with their dad, helping him. As usual Maddie set up a schedule to make sure that there was coverage for the rest of the week. Lyndy and Wyatt were excited as they were able to go on a couple of cool dates with Haley, Rusty, Katie and Clay. Although there ages were different the six of them gelled and had a great time. The other groups enjoyed trips to the mall, trail rides and the younger group spent another afternoon helping at the Day Care center. Elana really had fun with the three thirteen-year-old couples, especially spending a lot of time with Darren. She was also impressed with Abby and Bella's strong and supportive relationship. All the girls had a great week that ended with a farewell lunch on Friday. The Trudeau girls thanked Amy and Ty about a thousand times. After hugs on the porch, they sadly waved goodbye to them and headed into dinner.
Maddie sat next to her mom as they headed to the Liberty Clinic in Estefan. She had watched her before but never in a clinic setting. They joked and laughed, especially about Ty and his injury. It seemed he was milking it for everything he could get. As they pulled up to the facility they were greeted by the host and the sponsor. They had heard about Amy through the video series from the University of Calgary Lectures. They greeted her with smiles and asked, "And who is this beautiful young lady?" Amy smiled pulling Maddie into her, "Then is my youngest daughter Maddie, we have a little one-on-one time this weekend." The women smiled and shook Maddie's hand. There was one each day they would be there and the first started in an hour. The host had her ranch hand grab Blaze and Mystic who Amy would be working with. Amy dressed in her show clothes and Maddie got a special seat right on the rail. Maddie watched her mom dance with Blaze moving effortlessly around the ring. As she performed, she spoke to the group of over 100 and discussed the techniques and purpose for liberty work with a horse. She spoke confidently, "Liberty work is the ultimate way to befriend your horse. At the Marion Fleming Equine Center we use a process called join up to gain a horse's trust. Liberty is the next step as it allows the bond grow even stronger. She motioned to the ranch hand to release Mystic into the ring. Amy continued, "Now I am going to bring my daughter Maddie out as this is her horse, Mystic. They have a very strong bond and just won her age division in the Fall Finale." Amy waved her over and she reluctantly came over to her mom. Immediately Mystic saw her and came over nuzzling her in the chest. Amy laughed, "You see they are buddies. I am going to show you that you can grow your bond with your horse by teaching my daughter to do a Liberty session with her horse." Amy handed the guide sticks to her daughter and took Blaze to the side of the ring.. "Now honey I will talk you through it, trust your connection with Mystic." Maddie seemed a little hesitant but smiled at her mom. Over the next 45 minutes Maddie and Mystic danced together exhibiting the true art of Liberty. Maddie's smile grew as they pranced around. After she was ready Amy and Blaze joined then in tandem, mimicking each other's movements. When they finished the crowd erupted in applause as Amy, Maddie, Blaze and Mystic all bowed.
That night Amy and Maddie had a nice dinner, just the two of them and as a treat even got some ice cream. They sat up in bed and talked well past her bedtime. Before they went to sleep Maddie hugged her mom tightly, "Mommy today was amazing, I had so much fun after my nerves settled. What you said was right, Mystic and I have become closer. I can't wait to do this more when we get home." Amy smiled hiding her tears of joy as Maddie fell asleep in her arms. Luckily, the show tomorrow was at noon so they could sleep in. Amy noticed that when Maddie was doing the work the next day she glowed in happiness and was doing something just for her. Amy had hoped it would be that way and she was not disappointed. As they packed up they were approached by several people to see if they could come to their ranch for more in depth lessons. Amy gave them the information as after goodbyes from the host and sponsor they headed home. Their active conversation kept on almost the entire ride. Maddie had all sorts of questions about Liberty work and everything else that her mom did. As they got close to home, Maddie spoke to her mom with emotion. "Thank you for this weekend. I understand now that I also have to do things just for me. I love helping others and will always do that but now I know I need to have fun as well." Amy smiled, Mads, I love all of you and I really love your dad. There is nothing I enjoy more than spending time with all of you. But I also need time to myself and Liberty is one way I can do that. I ride out to a remote field and just dance with Blaze, just like I used to do with Spartan. You have a lot of love to give but don't ever forget to do thing for you that make you happy." They smiled at each other and held hands tightly. It had been a great weekend with just the two of them, one that they would remember for years to come.