Hooves on the Heart: Book 1 Start of Steele

Chapter 7

Hi everyone I am ready to continue the story . Had to take a break for a minute . Life can be so hectic. If yall like the story make sure to comment and vote.

Over the next couple of days my routine consisted of getting up working on farm chores first ;including feeding Steele breakfast, then helping exercise some of the younger horses my dad needed ridden , and by early afternoon I was out with Steele working on groundwork. I was now able to get her halter on easily and lead her around , and at this point I was still building her trust teaching her to yield to me before moving on to lunging. Samuel came by on the days he worked know and would hang out with me at the round pen once he finished riding the young horses.He was helpful giving me advice to different approaches. I still had butterflies every time we talked, but it had become easier and easier to open up to him. Today I was working with Steele on moving away from me in a circle so she would be ready to lunge . She was very smart and didn't have a lot of hesitation when I twirled the rope. She kept one ear cocked in my direction waiting for me to ask her what to do next , so deciding to trust her letting the lead rope out a little farther. I asked again and she moved away from me walking a circle all the way around me. Wanting to take it one step further I decided to asked her to move up a gait. Clicking I twirled the rope again and to my overwhelming excitement Steele started trotting. She completed two full circles before I stepped back stopping her with a whoa. Steele stopped and turned to me both eyes locking with mine. I held my hand up and beckoned her to come into me. She blew through her nose slowly and licked her lips before walking into my hand. I was trying to stay calm but every part inside of me was overly exited as I stood their rubbing my horses head.We were bonding and it was such a beautiful feeling.

After taking off Steeles halter and letting her return to eating I turned around and gasped. My whole family was standing outside the round pen next to Samuel ,except Noel.They were smiling and started clapping . I shut the gate smiling." What are you guys doing ?"I asked. My dad threw his arms around me in a hug. " Khloe that was so impressive." He stated. " Steele has come such a long way in the little bit of time she has been here." My mom nodded in agreement. " Khloe why don't you move her in the barn. I think she has settled in enough to handle it ." Mrs Fagan Suggested. " Ok I will bring her in this evening." I replied. "Just to make sure she stays comfortable put her in the last stall on the right . That way she won't have but one horse by her." Mr Fagan declared. Allie and Ariah ran up talking in unison as twins normally do. "Khloe she is such a pretty horse ." Allie said. " Yeah are you going to start riding her soon?" Ariah questioned.  I nodded . " I hope so . We are kind of just going at her pace. I don't want to rush her." I declared. " That is smart. " My dad stated." Let's go inside and grab lunch. Then later you kids better get the stalls mucked." We all sighed . " Ok dad ." We replied .
Samuel hung back with me as we walked up to the house. " You know once Steele gets used to lunging both ways over the next week or so. The saddle would be good option to approach next." He suggested . " Yeah I think so too. " I replied. " I think I am going to start with an English saddle. It's lighter and not so bulky." We went into the house and my mom had sandwiches ready on the island. Once I made my sandwich and grabbed a bag of chips I sat down at the table. Samuel sat next to me. " That is a good idea using an English saddle first . If she takes to it ok then a racing saddle would be nothing." He declared. I was so nervous having him sitting next to me while I was eating. It felt hard to swallow my food."So how are you liking the young horses my dad bought?" I asked changing the subject. He thought a moment before replying. " Well Sheik is definitely showing a lot of potential she is very willing and likes to move forward on the track. Spartan is slow out of the gate but he moves out at a longer distance. Cowgirl is more of a short distance sprinter and Supergirl is feisty and wants to be in front at all times." Samuel declared. It surprised me how much he had come to know and study each horse's potential. My dad had finished eating and sat down next to me. " I am glad to hear you say that Samuel. What do you think about riding Sheik in her first race next Saturday?" He asked. Samuels eyes grew wide . " Yes sir I would be honored,"He replied. " Good you are just old enough and sheik seems to respond well to you." My dad stated. I was kind of jealous , but I knew it was only going to be a year before I could race." I am so happy for you Samuel," I smiled . He blushed and rubbed the back of his neck. " Thanks," he mumbled. My dad slapped his hands together when we had all finished eating . " Ok I everyone time to hit the stalls ," He declared. Samuel and I along with my siblings including Noel groaned as we headed out to the barn. It didn't take long as we usually mucked three stalls each. Samuel would help and pitch in with the worst stalls. When we would get finished we would all be hot and sweaty.

I decided to head to the tack room for a drink. My siblings went about their normal activities. I grabbed a soda and looked over to Samuel who had once again followed me." Do you want a soda?" I asked. He nodded . " yeah thanks that would be great," he replied . I handed him a coke and he took a swig. He was fidgeting and looking down. " Are you ok?" I asked. He nodded licking his lips. " Umm Khloe would you like to go on a date with me?" He asked. My eyes got wide and my heart felt like it was going to jump out of my chest. " Sure," I stuttered out. He looked up at me his face beaming . " Awesome. I will pick you up Saturday at 6. We can go to the movies." Samuel declared . " Sounds good , " I replied, shakily. He grabbed my hand . " I will see you tomorrow ok? " He questioned. I nodded in reply as he walked out of the barn to go home. My first date I should be exited ,but I am scared out of my mind.