Sunshine Girl (Ryan Upchurch)

Horses!

Aaliyahs POV

We spent 3 days making sure I felt comfortable and content. It was finally Friday and I had a full day of relaxing before we head back to my old home. I had 4 horses waiting to come to their new home with me. I had messaged Jamison throughout the week and he mentioned how my horses seemed anxious since I've been gone. I wont lie I missed them most right now. They helped me more than anything. They were a therapy to me when I was struggling with things. They always listened and never judged me. They loved me, even though they could be complete assholes at times. Its a shame I trust my life with something that could kill me, but not with many humans.

I stepped outside and took a deep breath. Life as I knew it was about to be completely different. I was literally about to start over. New rodeos, new horse shows, getting my name out there as a trainer again. New people, new friends, new places. I'm not sure if this is the lifestyle I still want. Do I really want to restart everything about my life? I don't mind the fact that I moved but my work is completely ruined. I have to rebuild my reputation as someone who works with horses all over again. That could take me years!

"Aaliyah?" I heard Ryan call out as he stepped outside.

"Hey!" I replied as I turned around to face him.

"What are you doing out here?" He asked.

"Thinking. I have to restart everything with my horses. Rebuild my reputation. New rodeos. New shows. I don't know if its worth it at this point." I replied.

"If you don't want to work and train for that then don't. Live a life of leisure with them. Just you and them." He said as he put his arm on my back.

"But the money I can make with training other horses is insane. Its just the rebuilding that kills me. Its so hard." I replied.

"You forget I've got rednecks behind me who probably own horses. I have a good following and know plenty of people that can get your name out there. Do you promote yourself on social media?" He asked.

"I had a facebook page at one point but its so much to manage on top of working that I stopped using it." I said.

"I can manage it. Do you have photos and videos of your previous work and training?" He asked.

"Yeah tons! I have it all!" I replied.

"Pick out some of your favorites and send em to me and we will start posting on social media. You ever use tiktok?" He asked.

"No I aint cool like that." I joked.

"Neither am I but I think you would love it." He said as he got on my phone and started downloading it.

I watched as he fooled around on my phone til the app was installed.

"Whats this ranch about to be called?" He asked.

"Well its Ghost Ranch." I replied.

"People can't know its mine dipshit. What do you want your ranch name to be." He asked.

"Ryan we would have to actually call it that get brands and shit like that. Thats thousands. Coggins tests and a regular vet and shit. Money I don't have right now." I replied.