Saturday
University brochures, class schedules, faculty profiles, business cards, recommendation letters, and her incomplete application were strewn all over the dining room table so she ate her breakfast, cold orange juice and dry toast, leaning against the kitchen counter as she scrolled through the news headlines on her phone. Last night, she had stayed up late working on her application and personal statement for school. Up early, Amy was none the less in good spirits, energized and ready for the day ahead. A ping sounded, notifying her of a WhatsApp chat, diverting her attention. She smiled, knowing it was from him. She taped the bright green icon on her screen.
"Morning Bebe." The message said.
"Hey Andrew. What a wonderful surprise!" She typed back, excited to tell him about her meeting.
"Sorry I didn't call yesterday. We got in real late last night, so I slept in a bit. Then we had our team meeting, then..."
"Understand. How's Rome?" She typed back knowing it was afternoon there.
"Well. From what I can see from the shuttle, it's beautiful. Just like the pictures. History on every corner. We just passed the Colosseum." He attached a blurry picture of the structure taken through the window.
"Nice. We got to tour the Colosseum when I was there on tour. It's pretty cool. Did you know that the Romans would flood the floor to have mock naval battles with ships? You should try to get a tour."
She thought back to her time in Rome. Ahmed, or more likely his assistant, had arranged a private tour of the Colosseum for the team. She found the history of Rome fascinating. The team had a private tour of the Vatican too.
"Cool. But, no time for a tour. Plus, looks like the lines are long."
She changed the subject. "Have you seen Piazza di Siena yet?"
"No. Headed there now." He attached a picture of the team on the bus. "Everyone says hi!"
"Great pic. Say hey for me!"
"Will do."
"Andrew. You will love Piazza. It is definitely a jumpers dream. Even the practice arenas are great. And, the grounds are perfectly manicured, so beautiful." She was truly thrilled for him.
"Yeah. Everybody's excited. We have a walk through of the course today..then a schooling slot at 4pm..."
"Oh. Good luck. How are you feeling about the competition?"
"Apprehensive, excited, nervous. The usual. Still can't believe I am here with the team."
"You worked hard. You and Dandy deserve to be there." She meant every word she typed, then added from experience. "It goes by so fast. Enjoy it."
"Trying. Wish you were here. The romantic city would actually be romantic if you were. I miss you so much."
She grinned. "Miss you too." She added a heart emoji. "How did Dandy make the trip?"
"Larry said she did fine. But, I am anxious to see her for myself."
"He's a good groom. He'd tell you if anything was amiss. And, Dandy always seems to travel pretty well..." Larry used to be an employee of Fairfield until he hired on to work with Andrew and the Canadian jump team.
"Yeah..thankfully."
"Remember when you and Dandy drove cross-country to Hudson?"
"Best decision I ever made."
She responded with a happy face emoji.
"Ugh. Now we are stuck in traffic. Wish we didn't have to depend upon these darn shuttles to get around..."
Amy thought back to her own experience. It was so different than Andrew's. For one, she had a driver so she didn't have to be inconvenienced.
"I feel a bit like cattle." He pasted a mooing cow gif in the chat.
"Funny pic."
"How are you Bebe?" He typed.
"Good. Met with my UC advisor yesterday. I have to enroll in the Open Studies program for non-degree students, otherwise I have to wait til next fall to apply. So I will take Accounting 101 and Small Business Management this summer."
"Interesting. What about the Equine Behaviors class?"
"The Vet School doesn't allow Open Studies students in their classes." She added a frowny face.
"Disappointed?"
"Kinda. But, I have an appointment with a UCVM advisor on Monday to discuss further. If we can't resolve for the summer semester, I might just take a biology class instead."
"You know. Montreal has an Equine Studies Program.."
"I know." Amy typed. But, she didn't want to get into that discussion.
"It's always an option if you don't find what you want at UC. Keep an open mind."
"I will...Regardless, I will enroll at UC this summer." She explained. "I may find that I do not like school after all."
"You never know until you try."
"Yeah."
"...Well...hey. We finally arrived. Got to go. Love you."
"Love you too."
She closed the app, placed her phone on the counter, put her glass and plate in the sink, then picked up one of the leaflets from UM. She liked their Equine Studies Program because it combined biology, physiology, and behaviors of horses with managerial aspects of the equine industry.
She knew she didn't want to be a traditional vet. But, unfortunately, UCVM Equine Health program was rooted mainly in veterinary medicine, either clinical and research, from a degreed perspective, very little about equine business management.
She also knew she wasn't ready to give up her two businesses, Heartland and Fairfield Stables, or at least not yet. And, running a ski resort just didn't appeal to her.
"First world problems." She muttered to herself.
Adjusting her white cowboy hat on her head, sliding her feet in her boots, she grabbed a handful of sliced apple, descended the loft steps into the barn. From the looks of things, Simon had already been there working for some time. The horses were fed and watered, Maggie May, Champ, and Buddy were turned out, their stalls empty and mucked. Only Spartan, Harley and Copper remained in the barn.
"Hey boys." She happily greeted all three horses, but made a beeline for Spartan and Harley, standing side by side, each vying for her attention. She chuckled, gave each a couple of slices of the Honeycrisp apple, her favorite, the only ones she ever purchased. She ate a sweet, juicy slice herself.
"Alicia's coming to a ride in a few hours. So, Spartan need to stay here, rest up." She instructed. "Don't want to tire you out before our ride. We're going to the river. Harley promise, I'll get him back by noon then you can go out into the field together."
Being suddenly giddy and silly, she broke into an Al Green song, swaying ever so to the tempo of her words.
"Take me to the river, drop me in the water
Take me to the river, dip me in the water
Washing me down, washing me down
I don't know why you treat me so bad
Think of all the things we could have had
Love is an ocean that I can't forget
My sweet sixteen I would never regret my
I want to know that you'll tell me
I love to stay
Take me to the river, drop me in the water
Push me in the river, dip me in the water
Washing me down, washing me
Hug me, squeeze me, love me, tease me
'Til I can't, 'til I can't, 'til I can't take no more of it
Take me to the water, drop me in the river
Push me in the water, drop me in the river
Washing me down, washing me down
I don't know why I love you like I do
All the troubles you put me through
Sixteen candles there on my wall
And here am I the biggest fool of them..."
Her singing stopped mid sentence, Amy pressed her lips, blinked quickly as the song's lyrics registered. She let out a heavy exhale.
She was very particular about who rode Spartan, but even more so with Harley. No one, not even Jack, rode Harley. She was the only one, and mostly she just ponied him. After all, he was Ty's horse. That was the unspoken rule.
Reaching up, she entwined her fingers in his mane, spoke directly to him. "Oh Harley. It really is just you, me and Spartan. Isn't it?"
Nodding, in agreement with her thoughts, she continued, determined. "Harley. I'm riding you to the river today. No more ponying for you."
She kissed his nose, then nodded. "You are a good boy."
Then she stepped closely to Spartan. "Spartan. We are going to stick together. The three of us. Right? But, today that means Alicia is riding you today, boy. Okay." She kissed his nose.
Both responded to her with low snorts, their lips and nostrils sounding a bit like a fluffle noise. "Thanks guys." She whispered. "Not sure what I'd without you."
She looked across the way to Copper, wistfully. She sighed then crossed the barn's breezeway to his stall. "Morning Copper. Change of plans. But good news. You get to play out in the field today." She gave the chestnut gelding a slice of apple. "Good boy." Then she gave him another.
Then she moved to Calpurnia's stall.
"Hey girl. Don't you look pretty today." She said to the bay mare as she held the last slice of apple out as an offering. "How would you like some apple?"
The horse eyed her warily, standing her ground, swishing her log tail, back and forth. Noticing the apple slice in her outstretched hand, Calpurnia took a deep inhale, nodded her head once, then walked one half step forward. Then she stopped, gave Amy another once over inspection, then focused on the apple, her nose twitching with desire. Reaching her nose forward, leaning her entire body, stretching her lips like silly putty, Calpurnia nibbled Amy's fingers snatching the apple slice.
Amy chuckled. "Good girl. Up for some bonding?"
She quickly haltered her, leading her to the round pen, positioning herself in the center. She swung and curled the long lead towards the horse's back legs, never connecting, urging her to move counterclockwise, slow at first, gaining momentum. After several laps, Amy stopped Calpurnia, pushed her to reversed direction by swinging the lead, occasionally snapping the ground. The pressure mounted, relented, then built again over three quarters of an hour. Calpurnia was glistening with sweat, stress.
Simon arrived at the pen with tack. He hoisted the saddle and blanket onto the top rung of the fence. Without missing a beat, he gracefully stepped over the rails, situated himself there on the fence as well. Soon after, Calpurnia began to relent, chew and lick her lips, pointing her ears, focusing her eyes, looking hopefully towards Amy. Sensing the horse's acceptance, she released the pressure on her to move, turned her back. The mare trotted quickly to join up with Amy at the ring's center. Praising her with words, gentle contact, Amy crinkled the cellophane wrapped around the pink Canadian mint, letting the minty scent tickle the horse's nostrils. After a drawn out enticement, she rewarded her with the mint. Calpurnia wasted no time in snatching it from her hand, making Amy laugh.
"So, Simon. Do you think it's time for a saddle?" Amy questioned him.
"Never know until you try." He responded with a mixture of sarcasm and cowboy talk.
"True that."
"At least, try the blanket and a lay down." He suggested.
"Fair enough." Amy walked to Simon, with Calpurnia a few steps behind, snatched the worn, multicolored saddle blanket from the fence. Amy turned slowly, and approached the horse from the side, then deposited the blanket on her slightly sway back, talking all the while. Calpurnia did not flinch. Next, Amy put her hands on top of the blanket, applying gradual pressure, gradual extension of her arms, cooing.
"Give it a whirl." Simon urged.
Amy nodded, then jumped, laying her torso across the horse's back applying even more pressure, more weight. The horse did not step away, but did looked back at her without much concern or interest. Amy laid there motionless for several minutes as she talked, reassured her.
She pushed the horse a bit more, swung her right leg over so that she fully mounted the horse. With her hands, she stroked, rubbed both sides of the horse's neck, played gently with the coarse hairs of her mane. Tenderly gathering a handful of mane, Amy rested there for a moment, then clicked her tongue, squeezed her thighs, urged Calpurnia into a slow walk.
After several loops around the pen, Simon clapped. "Way to go Amy!" He laughed. "Wanna try the saddle?"
"No. This was been a good morning. Don't want to push too hard."
"Get that."
"Whoa!" Amy instructed, Calpurnia came to a standstill.
"Let's get her cooled down, groomed and out to play." She suggested.
Opening the gate, Amy led her to the water hose, dismounted. Together they untacked her, hosed her down, brushed out the dirt and knots, then let her loose in the field.
The immaculately groomed horse dropped to its knees immediately, then rolled in the mud.
"Well that sure was a waste of time." He said sporting an exaggerated frown.
Amy laughed. "Hey. Alicia is coming for a ride soon so Spartan and Harley need tacking." She grinned, raised her eyebrows, as she asked. "Do you mind? I need to get ready."
"Of course not."
"Thanks Simon. I owe you."
"You already pay me." He deadpanned.
"Oh yeah...that's right. I do." She laughed.
Simon scrunched his lips, looked up in thought, then asked. "Hey. Thought you were taking Copper, not Harley?"
"Change of plans."
"Oh. Okay. I'll turn him out then."
"Could you give him some exercise first?"
"Sure." He added. "So. Where are you going?"
"To the river...for yoga."
"Yoga? Why?"
"Alicia." She said her name as though it explained everything.
"Of course." He smirked.
"What's on your agenda?"
"Copper first, mucking stalls, cleaning tack. And, Dad wants me to ride fences this afternoon."
"Full day. Taking Copper or Maggie May?"
"Maggie May. I think she's ready. We've been riding for short stretches."
"Well. You know best. She's looking good."
"Yeah, she is still a bit thin. But, she's improving."
"You've been doing a good job with her." She said, catching his eye so he knew she meant it. "Simon. I mean it."
"Yeah. She's my girl." He smiled.
"Hey, in case I don't see you when we get back.."
"Yeah?"
"I'm going with Scott Cardinal on his field calls today. He's coming by at noon."
"Okay. Will I see you at dinner?" He asked.
She shook her head, No. "Probably not. Maybe at night check?"
"See you then, unless I see you first!" He teased.
She laughed as she ascended the steps into the loft. Twenty minutes later, there was light knock at loft door.
"Come in!" She hollered.
The door opened, Alicia called back as she entered. "Hey Amy. It's me."
Amy gave her a once over. "Well, don't you look all yoga cowgirl chic!" She teased.
Knees to neck, Alicia was dressed like she was going to a yoga class, clad in black leggings topped in a loose gray muscle tank embossed with some sort of an astrological new age design in rose font with the words...What you seek is seeking you. But, on either end, she looked like she was going out to a honky tonk. On her feet, she wore very expensive, tall black Lucchese boots with white stitching, on her head a brand new black cowboy hat.
"Like my boots? They just got delivered yesterday." She grinned as she strutted, then posed.
"Pretty fancy boots for riding."
"I don't plan on mucking a stall." Alicia retorted.
"Fair enough." Amy laughed. "I packed us a snack. Ready?"
The papers on the dining room table caught Alicia's attention. "What's all this?" She said as she picked up a brochure.
"Stuff for school. I had a meeting with an UC advisor yesterday."
"So, what's this from Montreal?" She held the UM brochure out to Amy.
Amy shrugged. "Just looking at my options."
"Oh I see." Alicia eyed her with suspicion.
"Come on. Let's go!" Amy headed down the steps with Alicia right behind her.
On the flat above the glistening, babbling river, the two friends lay, side by side, on a soft gray tartan blanket after their ride and yoga session. The bright sun warmed their relaxed shoulders and kissed their noses. Their hats were perched on the top of their boots.
"Well, that was better than last time." Amy commented.
"Hmmm. Yeah. Much." Alicia murmured from her relaxed state.
"Hungry? Brought PBJ on honey oat bread and clementines."
"Starved!" They both sat up, Amy with her legs outstretched, Alicia cross legged. They ate in silence, enjoying the gentle breeze, the cloudless sky, the endless vista to the mountains.
"How are your folks?" Amy asked.
"Same. FaceTimed mom this morning. She looked tired but as always she was chipper. She doesn't want me to worry."
"When do you plan on going to visit?"
"The weekend after next. I think she needs a break. Plus, I want to see dad."
"Alicia. I know this is really tough on you. Anything I can do?"
She shook her head No. "Just keeping being my friend. Being able to talk about it helps. A lot."
"I am here for you. Always."
"Well, you could get my mind off things. So tell me about that brochure from UM." Alicia asked.
"Oh that?"
"Thinking of moving?"
"No. No. It's just that UC doesn't really offer the degree that I really want."
"What's that?"
"I want to learn everything about running a horse business. Soup to nuts... from the health, behavior, nutrition, breeding, you know, vetting of horses to the business management side. Everything."
"So what's stopping you?"
"UC only offers separate Vet and business degrees. Not combined. So essentially, I will spending a ton of time time learning stuff I will never use."
"So UM?"
She nodded. "Honestly. They have this terrific equine program. But..it's in Montreal." She frowned. "I don't want to leave Hudson, my businesses. I have worked too hard."
"Can't you design your own degree at UC? It's not like you need to take Rocks for Jocks or Basket Weaving."
"Ha! Funny. Rocks for Jocks?!" She cracked up.
"It's a real course. Believe me." Alicia said seriously. "Just ask any university hockey player."
She laughed again, then got serious. "That UC advisor said my only option was to enroll as a non-degreed student in Open Studies. I can only take certain classes if they have extra capacity. And. None of the classes are in the Vet School."
"That's ridiculous."
"I know. I have a meeting with an advisor with the Vet School on Monday."
"Not to burst your bubble Ames, but any UC advisor is only going to give you the traditional options. You need to go higher."
"Higher? I don't know anybody at the school."
"Do some research, ask Lisa. Bet she knows someone in the chancellors office who can help."
"Okay. I'll ask her."
"Whatever you do, don't back down. You want a degree that you can use... not just a bunch of classes that have excess capacity...Plus, you have a lot to offer the school."
"Now that is ridiculous."
"Think about it. You are a successful owner of two businesses. You have trained two teams for the World Games. You a great reputation among horse owners. You are the Miracle Girl, to boot. They love to brag about their students and alumni. It's great PR for any school vying for top students and big donations."
She gave her friend a quick hug. "Thanks A!"
"That's what friends for." Alicia hugged her back. "So. Moving on. What's news from Andrew?"
She shrugged. "I texted with him on WhatsApp earlier today. He's good. They're in Rome. Their competition starts tomorrow...Um." Amy hooked her hair behind her ear, signaling to her friend there was more to come.
"Is there more?"
"Sort of." She looked across the river. "Well. I talked with Grandpa about Andrew a few days ago..." she paused. "Actually right here. Well, down there on the river's edge."
"And?"
"We talked about Grandma Lyndy giving up her singing career, to get married and settle down."
"Amy. They lived in a much different time." Alicia said nonplussed.
"True..." she paused. "He told me it was her decision to make. Whether to give up her career or get married. That the decision was very hard on her.. both deciding and living with the decision. But that it worked out for them." She became quiet.
Alicia did not respond, did not fill the silence.
"He also told me that I didn't have to follow in her foot steps. That I needed to decide for myself."
"Good."
"He just wants me to think long and hard. That both of our lives will be affected by my decision either way, so I need to be sure. Then essentially stick with my decision."
"Good advice...but, Amy. You've already said No."
"Yeah. But, it was more like a, I'm not ready, answer." Her shoulders slumped, briefly hid her face in her hands as she sighed heavily. "Arrhggh."
"What's that about?" She put her arm around her friend's shoulder.
She shook her head No. "Its just that I told Ty No more than once when he proposed. Or at least, I said that I wasn't ready. When I finally said Yes, everything fell apart."
"Amy. That was years ago. You were younger. You both were. This is different."
"It is different. Andrew is different." She frowned. "Here's the thing. Ever since I ran into Michael, you know Ty's friend from Vet School, I just keep thinking."
"What are you thinking?"
She had a hard time coming up with her words so she stalled. She pushed her hair behind her ear. She folded her legs into a crossed position. "Oh. I don't know. Lots of things. Really. I mean. I've moved on. I really have. I've grown up. I am more confident than I have ever been. I have two successful businesses. I trained two teams for the Games. I have wonderful friends...like you." She smiled at her. "I live on my own. I travel. I am about to start university. I have Andrew who I love and who loves me."
"But?"
"Not a but..And. I have everything I want...And. Ty moved on too. He never looked back. He's doing what he loves in Vancouver."
"But?" She pushed.
"Okay. But. In the back of my mind, I wonder." She shrugged her shoulder.
"About?"
"If I am hanging on. Hoping he will come back."
"Are you?"
She shrugged again. "I don't know. Maybe."
"Amy. He was your first and only love for 8 years. He was there to pick you up after your mom died. You were kids who grew up together. You gave your whole self to him. In every way."
Amy nodded, but didn't respond.
"Of course, he will always be in your heart and mind. It's like he imprinted on you." She rubbed the back of her neck, then continued. "It is natural to think about him in a positive light. Especially now that time has passed. Your wounds have healed. Well mostly." She sighed.
Amy nodded, looked at her friend.
"Amy. I don't want to see you torture yourself over him. Again. He lied. He cheated. He hurt you so much. He really did. I don't think I could watch hurt that much again. You truly are better off without him."
"I know." She said almost inaudibly. "Maybe. I just need a sign to tell me to let go." She suggested. "Once and for all."
"Give yourself time. As my dad would always say, this too shall pass." She patted her knee.
"Yeah. Hope so."
They sat in silence, eating sections of clementines.
"So...When is Andrew coming?" Alicia asked.
"Wednesday after next. He'll be here through that Sunday morning."
"That a nice long visit. Where's he staying? Your place?" She elbowed Amy in the ribs.
"Funny." She smirked. "No. He's staying in his old place at Fairfield. Lisa and Grandpa are headed to France for a few weeks and she's asked him to stay there."
"Hmm. Maybe Andrew should stay over. Maybe he could break the spell, the myth. Maybe if it's good, maybe that would be your sign." Alicia teased.
"No. I don't want that until I am certain..." Amy shot back.
"Fine. It was just an idea." She shrugged, knowing she hit a sensitive nerve.
"Not possible anyhow...Get a load of this. Dad's moving into Heartland while Grandpa's gone so."
"So, no overnight guests."
"Nope!"
"How very convenient."
Amy looked at her phone, ignored her. "Hey. We best be going. I gotta meet Scott at noon."
"Yeah." The two put on their boots snd hats, packed up their blanket, mounted their horses.
"So. My turn to grill you. Tell me about your blind date with Brad. Spare no details. Especially the steamy ones. Was he good?" Amy grinned.
"Finally." Alicia grinned in response. "I thought you'd never ask."
True to form, Scott Cardinal arrived at Heartland in his white Chevy Silverado 1500 extended cab truck, parked in front of the barn, precisely at noon. Hearing him pull up, Amy exited the barn, met him as he opened his door, a large white envelop in his hand.
"Hey Scott."
"Hey Amy. Here's your recommendation letter. There's two different ones and made three copies of each." He looked at her earnestly as he handed her the envelope. "You can pick."
"Wow. Thanks Scott. I really appreciate it." She smiled at him. "Hey. Let me put these in the loft. And then we can go."
"No problem."
She reconsidered. "Do we have a couple minutes?"
"I guess. Why?"
"Why don't you come upstairs with me? You haven't seen the remodel, have you?"
He scratched his head. "No. Can't say I have."
"Well. Then. You are in for a surprise then. Come on." She grinned, took his arm, led him upstairs, gave him a quick tour.
"Wow. I can not believe this place!" He gushed. "It's hard to believe I once lived here."
"It's not big, but it's home." She grinned as she truly was proud of her space.
"It's real nice Amy."
"Thanks. Want a drink before we head out?"
"Yeah. Water would be great. Thanks."
As she got him a glass of water, he noticed the brochures on the table.
"What's this? Thought you decided on UCVM?"
"Long story. We'll talk in the truck."
"Okay." he drained his glass. "Let's go. First stop is JP Farms. Cattle and canola farm. It's about a twenty minute drive."
On the road heading west toward Longview, Scott listened intently to her concerns about college.
"Well. Let me get this right...You want to study Equine Health and Equine Business Management?"
"Yes. Preferably at UC, or at least close to Hudson."
"Uh huh."
"And. I want to learn through hands-on education. Not online."
"Okay."
"The degree itself is important. Like a joint Equine DVM and MBA. I don't want to take a bunch of classes and not get a degree."
Scott nodded. "Right."
Amy frowned. "I am being picky, aren't I? It's all probably a pipe dream."
"Maybe. Maybe not." He smiled.
She sighed, looked out her window deep in thought.
Bringing her back into conversation, he reminded her. "We'll be doing vaccines and pregnancy checks at JP Farms on about 60 head."
"Okay." She said thoughtlessly, then looked at him. "Wait. Pregnancy checks? It's kinda early for that, isn't it?"
He chuckled. "This ranch calves pretty early in the season, January actually."
"Wow. That is really early."
"They are following winter calving practice guidelines, something researched extensively by UC Vet and Agg schools."
"What's the benefit?"
"Unlike Jack's purely cattle operation, they need to balance land usage between crops and cattle. Plus, this method gives the calves extra time to put on weight for the fall sale."
"Hmm. So, how many head did you say?"
"About 60. It should take us a couple hours to complete."
"Small place then?"
"Actually, a few thousand acres. Mostly farm land, like I said, canola."
Arriving at the ranch, they greeted the owner Jeff Patel and got to work. First, they separated the cattle, males from females. Scott tested the first female through recital palpitation to determine if she was pregnant.
"Amy. This one is pregnant. Want to try?" He handed her a rolled orange polyethylene glove.
"Sure. What am I looking for?" Amy unrolled it, blew in the end, then shoved her right hand into the shoulder length glove.
"Put your hand in there." She did as instructed.
"Can you feel the calf's head? Or at least the pulse in the artery supplying blood to the uterus?"
"Yeah. I can." She said excitedly.
"About 6 to 8 weeks after conception, you should've able to feel that. Also the shape of the uterus changes."
"Wow. That's so neat."
"So, let's tag her and give her the non-live vaccine, it's safer for the pregnant ones. All males, calves and open females get the live vaccine as it's more effective. We need to record it too."
"Okay. I'll record."
"And do pregnancy checks. I'll verify." Scott grinned at her.
"Well. Okay." She was surprised.
"You wanted hands on learning. How about this one?"
She smiled back. She reach into the next young heifer in the shoot. "Not pregnant."
Scott checked behind her. "Right." He administered the live vaccine.
"Darn. This year we're hoping to beat our pregnancy rate from last year's 51 percent." Said Mr. Patel.
"That's a pretty commendable rate." Scott confirmed. "Hope you succeed."
"Me too. Lots of big calves are where the profit is." Mr. Patel replied.
As Scott predicted, it took all of two hours of non-stop work to vaccinate and pregnancy test the herd. 22 of the 40 females were pregnant, hitting the 55 percent mark. Mr. Patel was elated.
Back in the truck, Scott looked at her from the driver's seat, gave her a goofy smile, eyebrows raised.
"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" She asked, a little taken back.
"Knew you were good with horses. But, Amy, you are a natural with cows too. You got every one right."
She laughed. "Beginner's luck."
"Hardly." He buckled his seatbelt, turned the key and headed out the gravel drive.
She looked at him as he watched the road ahead. "So where are we going next?" She was eager for her next lesson.
"We're headed north to a small farm. The owner called this morning to say that two of her horses had runny noses."
He paused, took his eyes off the road briefly to look at her. "So if you were the vet, what would you have asked the owner about this situation?" He challenged.
"Well. I guess I would ask first how old are horses." She jumped right in.
"Two foals, a colt and a filly, six weeks old. And the mare does not have those symptoms."
"How long has this been happening?"
"The owner noticed yesterday but it's getting worse."
"Oh no...Okay. Did the owner already separate them from the other horses? In case it's contagious."
"Yes. Well, the foals are still nursing so they are with the mare."
She nodded, taking in the information. "What color is the discharge and is it out of both nostrils?" She looked at him as he kept his eyes on the road.
"Thick yellow and both nostrils." He stated.
"A lot?"
"Moderate."
"Okay. Do they have a fever?"
"Elevated temperature, checked by hand touch."
She pursed her lips. "Okay. Are the horses still eating and drinking?"
"Nursing some."
"Hmm. Breathing troubles or coughing?"
"Slightly labored breathing and light coughing."
She closed her eyes, scrunched her nose. "Please tell me its not Strangles. Are there any pustules inside the mouth? Or inflamed guttural pouches?"
"No pustules, abscesses or inflamed guttural pouches reported." He glanced at her.
"Thank god. Strangles is horrible. I remember when that happened at a Heartland. It took Pegasus. It was awful."
"I remember too."
She sighed heavily. "Dad blamed Ty."
He replied quietly. "Ty did the right thing Amy. I would have done the same."
"I know." She looked out the passenger window, got lost the past.
He glanced at her. "So not strangles...what is your next question?" He brought her back to the present.
"Maybe some type of virus or bacterial infection?" She guessed.
"Infection of what?"
"Respiratory system. Upper. Sinus issue would most likely be just one nostril." She said more confidently.
"Very good. Anything else?"
"How are the foals behaving, are they quiet or willing to play?"
"Quiet."
"Hmmm. Their waste?"
"Nothing out of the ordinary. Anything else?"
"I don't think it's a summer cold or allergies, those are usually clear or white discharge."
"Okay. What about the smell?"
"If the discharge stinks, it's serious. So does it? Stink?"
"Nope."
He slowed the truck, made a right turn on to a dirt road.
"Okay. Could it be pneumonia? That's pretty common in foals." She continued to speculate.
"Could be." He smiled. "We are about to find out."
Despite driving slowly, thick dust rose behind them as he drove the first yards. He stopped at a metal gate that crossed the road, blocking their passage. A hand painted wooden sign hung from the gate, proclaimed "Harper Farms - Organic Cooperative."
Scott got out of the truck, opened the gate as Amy slid into the driver's seat, pulled the truck through the open gate. He closed the gate behind her, then got in the passenger side.
"Is this a commune?" She asked.
"Well. I suppose you could have called it that at one time. The owner, Madison Harper, who now goes by Sunny Ray, went to a sustainable agriculture college in the states, I think in the Carolinas. Anyhow, when she first graduated, she moved north, bought this farm and some of her classmates joined her."
"So what do they do here?" She asked as she put the truck in gear, drove down the dry, rutted road trying to avoid deep holes and worn ruts. Plumes of smoky dust danced behind them.
"They grow a variety of crops, mostly niche things like specialty greens like kale and arugula, herbs, beets, pumpkins, berries. Flowers. Lavender, sage, the edible ones. That kind of stuff."
"So all crops?"
"No. They also raise goats, bison, chickens and bees too. So they make cheese, milk, butter, honey. They sell them at Farmers Markets and to Farm to Table Restaurants."
"Hmm. Interesting."
Amy brought the truck to a stop in front of the ramshackle house. It's covered porch stretched across the entire front of house, was lined with rocking chairs and hanging baskets of petunias. A woman in bibbed overalls and cotton long sleeved shirt approached the driver's side of the truck. Before Amy shut off the engine and took her seatbelt off, the sixty-something year old lady with light gray eyes peered in. Her tanned face was dotted with freckles, her white hair topped with a wide brimmed straw hat, her broad smile faltered only briefly when she saw that it was Amy behind the wheel of Scott's truck. She stepped back from the truck to let Amy open the door and get out.
"Hello there young lady." She said, a noticeable southern drawl, twang to her words.
"Hello. I'm Amy Fleming. I'm here with Scott Cardinal." She said as she held her hand out for a shake.
The woman smiled, showed her worn but white teeth. She removed her gardening gloves, her rough fingers softly grasped only Amy's fingertips, not in a manly handshake, but in like a lady-like clasp.
"Very nice to meet you Ms. Fleming. I am Madison Harper. Welcome to Harper Farms." She replied, then nodded to Scott. "I am tickled that Scott brought you by."
"Thank you Ms. Harper. Please call me Amy." She smiled, then shot Scott a puzzled look as he put his vet case on the ground.
"Well Amy. Please call me Sunny. My dear Scott has told me so much about you. I understand that you are a very talented horse behaviorist, trainer and healer."
"Oh." She blushed, dropped her eyes slightly.
"And. Modest too. But. We'll talk later, dear." She patted her hand, finally releasing it.
Sunny stepped aside, Scott walked up, hugged her tenderly, but very briefly.
"Hello Sunny." He smiled.
"Dr. Cardinal. So wonderful of you to come all this way on such short notice."
"Of course. Glad you called."
"Who else would I call?" Then she laughed, like there was an inside joke between them, then pointed to the house. "Would you two like some refreshment first? I made fresh lemonade."
"You know I love your lemonade Sunny. But. Let's get started first." Scott said decisively.
"Naturally. I would expect no less from you, Scott. Work before rest."
"Tell us what's going on." Scott asked.
"Well, yesterday morning, I noticed that the little ones, both Harebell and Clover, had runny noses. Figured it was allergies. But at night check, the gunk was running a little cloudy from both nostrils. This morning, it was yellow and Aster's teats seemed to be engorged. The twins have curtailed their nursing."
As Sunny talked, she led them past a large barn to a single stall horse shelter, enclosed on three sides with a simple gate on the open side. They stopped in front of the gate, Sunny standing in the middle.
Inside the foals stood, one either side of their mother, huddled to the back of the stall, withdrawn. The mare stood ahead of her offspring, in a protective stance, her head raised.
"Amy. As Scott can attest, Aster here does not take kindly to strangers. Especially now that she has babies. Be careful." Sunny warned.
"Promise. I will." She said. "Which one is Harebell? The female?"
"Yes, the black one on the right." Harebell had a black coat with a slight bluish sheen, a white bell-shaped mark on her forehead, white socks. Clover was a full coated chestnut, a miniature version of Aster.
"Scott tells me they are six weeks old."
"Yes. That's right. About six weeks. The birthing was tough on Aster as it her first pregnancy. And with twins no less. Scott was here all night to help her along. She's a very good mom, but overly protective."
"Aster." Amy cooed quietly to the chestnut horse with a black mane, muzzle and tail. "You are so beautiful. And your babies are beautiful too. Sunny tells me your babies aren't feeling well." The mare did not move, she eyed Amy cautiously. "Oh. Poor mama. You're not feeling so great yourself." She said as she looked down at her inflamed udder. "Are you?"
Harebell, who was standing next to her mother, took a few steps forward, stood in front of Amy, coughed then snorted. A glob of thick yellow snot ran down her lip.
"Oh poor baby." Amy took off her over shirt, reach over the gate, then gently wiped the gunk from the foal's face and nose. With her other hand, she petted side of the young horse's head, played with her mane. "You are a sweet girl." Not breaking her visual contact with the foal, she added. "She really is hot, Scott."
Abruptly, Aster moved in toward Amy.
"Watch out Amy." Scott cautioned. The mare stretched her nose protectively, to separate forcefully Harebell from Amy, pushing her hand away.
Amy did not flinch, remained calm. "Hello again mama. You are a good mama, aren't you? Protecting Harebell. I promise we won't hurt your babies or you." The horse sniffed Amy's open hand, her whiskers twitching.
"Good girl. Scott needs to examine your babies to figure out what's wrong and make them better." She said as she stroked the horse's forehead in light circles. Aster blew, snorted making a low rumble. She pulled a mint from her pocket, offered it to her. A quick sniff, a gentle lipping, she snatched the treat making Amy chuckled. "Good girl. You are such as good mama."
Aster pushed her nose into Amy's shoulder, rubbed along her neck.
"Oh dear. I didn't expect that. I believe she's taken a shining to you." Sunny remarked.
"Sunny. Do you have a halter? Let's move Aster out of the shed so Scott can examine the foals."
Sunny nodded, retrieved the halter from the hook on the side of the shed and handed it to her.
Haltered, she rewarded Aster with another mint then led her out of the shed tethering her just outside the gate. "You wanna watch over your babies, don't you girl?" The horse nodded, seemed to respond to the question.
The vet and his new pupil stepped into the shed. He instructed her how to check each foal, their heart rate, their respiration, temperature. He taught her how to listened to their breathing, heart beat, internal organs with a stethoscope. He showed her how to swab their noses, culture the sample, draw a blood sample, test it. He was a patient, kind teacher, she a willing, able student.
"Amy. You called it, it's pneumonia. Its probably a combination of the dry weather, the dust particles in their lungs, both foals being stabled with Aster. It's pretty common at this age. Sunny. Glad you caught this early."
"Oh thank heavens." Sunny responded.
"I'll get them on an antimicrobial regime immediately. I'd like to get them some IV fluids as well. In a few days, they need to be out in the pasture, get more sun and exercise. Don't keep them stabled as much."
After the foals were attended, Amy asked about Aster's udder. Scott suggested some exercise, cool water and relieving the pressure with makeshift breast pump with a modified large syringe.
"Come on girl." With two syringes, one in each back pocket, she led the mare away for long walk around the property ending up by the barn and hose. Aster tethered, Amy began to run cool water over her with the hose in one hand, gently rubbing her coat with the other, inch by inch over her back, shoulders, sides, flanks, legs, relaxing her, desensitizing her. She slowly moved towards the horse's stomach, udder, teats, maintaining constant gentle contact with her hand, watching for resistance, a tail swish or leg kick, letting the cool water draw out the heat. Under Scott's watchful eye, she attached a syringe to a teat, pulled the plunge back slowly, releasing the pressure, filling the large receptacle with creamy warm milk. She did the same on the other teat. Aster did not resist.
Again under Scott's watchful eye, Amy fed the pumped milk to each foal for additional nutrition.
After more than two hours, the horses finally settled, quieted in a mucked stall, the three rocked on chairs on the front porch sipping lemonade. Sunny talked about growing up in Arkansas, her college days at North Carolina State University, finding the dilapidated farm, setting up and running the collaborative with her college friends. Falling in love with her best friend, Partha, marrying, then raising their family there at the house, on the farm.
Two large white vans with Harper Farms logos on the side, pulled up to the house. Two teenage girls, three men and two woman boisterously exited the vans, slamming doors, talking, laughing, streamed on to porch with greetings for the guests and kisses for Sunny.
"Hey grams." Said the girls in union.
"Hello Sarah, Hello Finn. Good day at the farmer's market?"
"Pretty good. Sold all the flowers, cheese and butter." Said the younger of the two teenagers.
"Most of the greens and herbs sold too." Added a woman. "It's still early in the season. The market wasn't packed."
"Please forgive my rudeness, Amy. Let me introduce you to my family. This is my husband Partha Singh. Our daughter Celia, her husband Tom Carpenter, their two daughters Sarah and Finn. Our son Shaman Singh and his wife Priti."
"Nice to meet you all." Amy replied.
"Of course, Scott knows everyone." She added.
Shaking hands, everyone settled in with lemonade, exchanging stories of the day, getting to know each other.
"So Amy. Sunny tells me that you are applying to University of Calgary." Partha asked, leaning toward her, his dark eyes soft, his bushy steely eyebrows raised.
"Yes." She smiled, pushing a lock of hair behind her ear.
"What will you study?" His eyes remained fixed on her.
"Equine health and business. Unfortunately, university does not have that specific program for that. I am meeting with a Vet School advisor on Monday to explore my options."
"Horses specifically?"
"Yes. I run two equine businesses. Heartland is principally concerned with rehabbing and rehoming unwanted horses. My mom started that business when I was a kid, but I have run it on my own for, gosh, eleven years now."
"And other one?"
"Yes. Fairfield Stables, which is my step grandmother's family business. Anyhow, it's a breeding and training facility for racehorses and high end jumpers. I am part owner and lead trainer."
"I see. Why do you need a degree? You just want the token letters behind your name, for your business letterhead." He asked pointedly.
"No. Not at all. Everything I know I learned by watching others, by doing. But, I have no doubt that I could be a better horse practitioner if I learned the science behind horse health and well being. I could be better business owner if I learned established accounting and management principles. I want to learn every about horses, soup to nuts." Her eyes focused back on his.
"I see."
"No doubt. The degree is important to me too." She bowed her head slightly, then confessed. "Some times I feel less..." she shrugged. "I have barely a high school degree. Prospective clients don't always take me seriously."
"I see."
Sunny cleared her throat, catching her husband's attention. "Partha, I watched Amy first hand today. With Aster and the foals. Clearly she has the temperament, intuition, intelligence and talent to be an excellent student and veterinarian."
"I see." He nodded, then smiled at his wife. He turned back to Amy. "Sunny is an excellent judge of character. Will you come visit me at my office on Monday?"
"Um sure. What would you like to discuss?" Amy was surprised and confused.
Sunny laughed. "Oh my dear. I should have mentioned. Partha is the Dean at the agriculture school at UC. His brother is the Dean of the vet school."
"I would like for you to meet my brother, Baljit." He pulled out his wallet, handed her a business card. "Call me at this number first thing, Monday morning. Bring your application materials."
"Thank you. I would like that very much." Amy pulled out her phone case, handed him a card in return. "Here's my card. Please call me at any time."
"Well. Then. That is all settled then." Sunny turned to Scott. "Time for dinner. Will you two stay and dine with us? We are having lamb vindaloo, rice, palak paneer."
Amy looked at Scott, nodded Yes. "Is naan in the menu Sunny?" He asked, with a crooked smile.
"Of course." She laughed. "Both garlic and rosemary."
"Well then Sunny, we'd love to stay." They both laugh.
"Splendid." Partha added.
After a wonderfully delicious meal of Indian cuisine and lively conversation at Harper Farms, Scott and Amy drove back to Hudson, replaying every bit of the day.
"Did you know that would happen?" Amy asked.
"Know? No." He smiled. "Hoped?"
"Thank you, thank you."
"No problem."
"Two letters of recommendation?"
"One for Dr. Partha Singh and one for Dr. Baljit Singh."
"You thought of everything."
"You might want to consider classes in the Agricultural school too. Believe they have a couple of courses in hernias remedies." Then he added. "You might want to check out the course catalog before Monday."
"I will. Thank you again Scott. Today has been so incredible." She leaned over, awkwardly hugged him. Then she kissed his cheek, making him blush.
Amy hopped out of Scot's truck at Heartland just after 9. Seeing Lisa's SUV and her grandfather's truck parked outside the ranch house and the lights were still on, she ran to the house. She was elated about the day, she wanted to tell them of her good news.
"Grandpa, Lisa." Amy yelled out as she entered the house, shucked off her boots.
"Well, this a surprise. Come on in Amy." Jack yelled back with delight in his voice.
"We're in the living room." Lisa added.
They sat closely on the couch, husband and wife, his arm around her, her head in his shoulder, fitted together. Amy smiled at the cozy sight, happy for them both. "I'm sorry it's so late. We can talk in the morning." She said, realizing that she may be interrupting something.
"Nonsense. It's never too late for a visit from you. Sit." Jack said.
"Come Amy. We're just watching the news." Lisa added.
He patted the couch next to him. Amy sat next to him, her feet tucked under her as she leaned into him. His arm went around her shoulder.
"It is good to see you stranger."
"You too." She cuddled a little closer. "I've missed you."
"Eagle Rescue in Vancouver" in bold letters was flashed on the bottom of the TV screen.
"Oh Jack. I heard about this. Turn up the volume." Lisa asked.
"A dramatic ending to a dire situation." The news anchor said, with trained inflection in his voice. "Nine eagles and one hawk were found by a local volunteer group on Sunday, poisoned after consuming a euthanized hog illegally dumped at the Vancouver Landfill. After round the clock care from the Vancouver Animal Rescue, five eagles have recovered and were released into the wild today. Let's roll the clip from the release."
"Oh. Isn't that so great." Lisa smiled, eyes glued to the news.
"Yeah. It is." Jack sensing her excitement and wonder, he leaned over kissed his young wife's cheek.
The TV screen was filled with a close-up of an eagle, it's golden eyes sharp, scanning the vista, calmly perched on what appeared to be gloved hand. Within seconds, the eagle crouched slightly, flapped it's wings, pushed off. The camera followed the eagle into flight, out into the distance.
"Wow. That was beautiful." Amy sighed staring at the screen.
"Oh so majestic." Lisa swooned.
"Yeah." Jack added.
Next the camera cut to the news reporter, a perfect coiffed blonde woman smartly dressed. "I am here at Fraser River Estuary where Freedom, the recovered eagle was just released back into the wild. And, with me are the veterinarian, the volunteer and the donor who supported this incredible story.
Then the camera then cut to the three. In the middle a scruffy, bearded veterinarian, flanked by a grinning young woman tightly holding on to his left arm. On his right, a grinning man stood closely, his arm wrapped around the vet, displaying proudly a check in the other hand.
"Is that?" Jack leaned up closer. "Ty?"
"Oh my god." Lisa's hand covered her mouth.
"This is Dr. Ty Borden, the veterinarian, Kerry Nichols, the volunteer, and her father Blake Nichols who donated ten thousand dollars to the cause." The reporter announced.
"Well my word." Jack muttered, leaning back, eyes fixed in the screen.
"I can't believe it." Lisa said. "I would not have recognized him. That beard."
An anguish sound from Jack's lips. Tears gathered in his eyes. He glanced at his granddaughter, his arm protectively drew her closer.
Amy sat frozen, staring at the TV screen, numb, speechless as she watched Ty break into a lopsided grin as the young woman kissed his cheek. A single tear rolled down her cheek.
Dear Readers. Hope you enjoy this chapter. Did you like it??? Let me know. Happy Sunday. Next up. Learning to Fly.
SBR