Horse Power

After work, I followed the directions to Phoenix stables with butterflies playing tag in my stomach. Would I be able to handle Hudson or would I have to tuck my tail in humiliation? I took refuge in the fact that I was doing well at my job. I hadn’t thought that was possible just a month ago. I insisted to myself that I could regain my enthusiasm for riding. I wasn’t prepared for the barns to be yellow, trimmed in orange, with a bronze thunderbird painted on the side. I’d need sunglasses to come here, I mentally joked. I was following another car down the long lane. There was a waif of a child looking out the back window with a scowl on her face. I thought she should be strapped in a seat belt. I could see her mother half turning to speak to the girl. The car swerved a bit each time she looked back. “I hope Hudson isn’t stabled close to her horse,” I muttered. It was a busy place. Despite the chill, three horses were being ridden in an outdoor arena. Huge outdoor lights attempted to hold the encroaching darkness at bay. In the sand arena, a teenage girl was lunging a big liver chestnut that I realized was CastleontheHudson. My eyes were full of him. He had a wide blaze down his face, and a white sock on his left front leg. He was big; at least seventeen hands; beautiful. I was terrified. Other horses were being led into the indoor arena but I was only vaguely aware of them. I had the sinking feeling I was going to embarrass myself. The waif child was now a devil child standing with fists on hips, feet spread. “Why haven’t you come? Hudson was upset. He doesn’t care so much now. He’s made new friends. But you scared him. I hope he kicks you.” “Cindy, stop that! That’s rude!” The woman looked at me apologetically. “I’m so sorry. She’s very opinionated.” I wanted to say it was okay, but nothing came out. I offered only a weak smile. My heart fluttered as I realized she was probably right. What kind of horse owner was I? I wondered how many disapproving looks I was getting. I feared looking around to actually see. I felt frozen in my spot. The sound of Hudson’s hoofs thudding in the sand reverberated in my ears. I wanted to run away and was about to turn toward the car when I felt a presence come up behind me. “Hello. Are you Jewel Fitzgerald?” I swallowed and turned to face her. “Yes. I am so sorry for not coming before now. You must think me horrible.” “It’s always hard starting over,” she soothed. I felt compassion flow from her. She stuck out her hand. “I’m Shelly Weston; stable manager. I’ll bet Hudson will be glad to see you here at last.” “Hudson doesn’t really know me. I’ve only seen him once before. He was Angel’s way of getting rid of a horse not spirited enough for her and of getting me back in the saddle. I used to be quite a rider ten years ago. Now, I’m not so sure.” “Did you have a bad fall that made you quit riding?” “Yes. Marriage.” “Ah, well, it’ll come back to you I’m sure. Let’s go meet your redeemer. When I told Arielle you’d be coming she thought she’d lunge him to calm him down for you.” “I don’t think I’ll ride. I really expect to humiliate myself the first time.” We were walking toward the sand arena. “Arielle, here’s Jewel.” “Whoa,” Arielle called softly to Hudson. He didn’t, and she stepped in front of him still crooning “Whoa,” setting him on his haunches. I marveled at her fearlessness and remembered I was such once. She turned to me. “Hello Jewel. You’ve got a great horse. He’s awesome.” I smiled. “I’m glad you think so.” She took the lead from it’s resting spot draped over the arena rails, slipped the cavesson from his head, snapped the lead onto his halter and handed it to me. I just looked at it with Hudson’s heavy breathing blowing in my face. When I didn’t reach for the lead, the smile disappeared from her face. “I owe you money for lunging him,” I stammered and fished in my jeans pocket. “That’s not necessary. I really enjoyed working with him.” “Arielle, this is Jewel’s first time with Hudson. Why don’t you tag along with her in case she has a problem. Show her where things are.” She turned back to me. “A whole set of equipment and tack was delivered with him so you’re all set. Arielle will stay here while you cool him out. He’s had a good work out so he should be pretty mild for you. Then you can groom him. Why don’t you come to my office after you’re done, Jewel. I want to give you your copy of the contract and rules.” I nodded but wondered if she was going to tell me to take my horse elsewhere. I reluctantly took the lead and started walking around the arena with Hudson’s breath on my neck. Shelly talked with Arielle before going back to her office. Arielle called, “Let him walk beside you.” I stepped over to allow him room between me and the rail. It was hard work walking in the sand. The grit was filling my canvass shoes. “Turn him and walk the other way with you on his other side,” she called to me. “He doesn’t like going to the right so he’ll resist but make him do it.” She was right. He wanted to walk over me. He towered above my head. It was difficult to keep him from turning in behind me. Stiff armed, I tried to keep his head off my left and his hoofs off my heels. When Arielle finally said she thought he was dry enough, we walked back to a grooming bay. She showed me where his tack and grooming tools were in our very own tack locker. I had to smile that Angel had even supplied a bag of apple wafers. Hudson eagerly took the treat from my hand. The hoof pick, stiff brush and soft brush felt familiar in my hands. Smiling, I naturally asked him to pick up his feet for picking and was grateful he did it well. My calves ached from walking in the sand and my arms soon followed suit from the unaccustomed work of brushing my horse. “My horse,” I said out loud as the bristles loosened dust and dry sweat from his coat. I was suddenly aware of his horsy aroma and the background smells of hay and grain. “I’m sorry I neglected you, Hudson,” I whispered. “I’ll do better, you’ll see.” He nuzzled my pocket where I had put a good-bye treat. Hay and grain awaited Hudson in his stall. I gave him a final pat and held out the treat. He ignored both as his nose dove into his feed pan. With a sigh, I turned from his rejection and went to Shelly’s office. She was at her computer. Arielle was filing something. “Jewel, Angel signed temporary contracts but we need you to sign them as the owner. Here’s a list of the rules. You might want to read over them before signing. If you don’t feel you can handle them, you will, of course, need to move Hudson. You’ll be reimbursed the boarding fee that’s been paid in advance if you choose to leave. I must say being paid a year in advance is unusual.” The list wasn’t long: riding at your own risk, visitors riding only your horse, no alcohol, no smoking, consideration of horses being worked, respect toward other boarders. I silently wondered if the devil child had read that last rule. “I don’t see a problem,” I said and reached for the pen to sign the contract. “I’m paid through next April, correct?” “That’s right. Now another matter. You seem fearful of riding. Perhaps it would behoove you to take a few refresher lessons on tamer mounts.” “I like that idea, but I really need to be careful with my money until I start collecting a regular paycheck. Getting set up has taken a good deal of my available funds.” “I’m sure it has but Arielle is willing to give you the lessons for free in exchange for the privilege of riding Hudson until you’re ready to take over that task.” My jaw dropped. “Sounds like I’m getting the better part of the bargain.” “I think I am,” said the teen. “I’ll bet he’s an awesome ride. Besides, I’ll bet it doesn’t take you long to recover your equestrian skill. You just keep grooming him and getting to know him. You’ll be throwing a leg over him in no time.”