Unbridled Beginnings

Chapter 6: White Lies

I'm left standing in shock, on the side of the dusty pebble driveway. Janet and I had just helped guide Damien into the car while he winced in pain. She had told me to stay put and keep an eye on the ranch while they drove to the hospital.

What had just happened? Do they expect me to stay and look after their ranch for hours?

......

I gradually walk back to where I left Sharki tied, and I am glad to see him still standing there. He whinnies to me, wanting to know what all the commotion was about.

"It's all right boy," I say to him, even though I'm not convinced myself.

I decide to go back through the stable towards the arena where I last saw the pinto. Relief floods me when I see him still standing there. At first he munches casually on some tufts of grass that are peeking through the fence of the arena, but soon turns his head in alert when he spots me.

I click my tongue comfortingly as I edge closer, the fear showing in the corners of it's frightened eyes. However, the pinto's stance stays stationary and his eyes follow me wherever I move. Slowly but surely I reach forward and grab the reins that are dangling beside his feet. The pinto seems very wary but allows me to lead him back to the stable. I tie him up with a red halter and lead that I find hanging up, and step back to finally admire his beautiful build and coat colours.

I carefully take off his saddle and bridle and hang them over an empty stable door. Grabbing a brush from a bag of Sharki's supplies, I swap between the horses, grooming them until their coats shine. Then I decide to check my watch again. It's just turned twelve-thirty. I realise that I will need to start heading back around one o'clock, in order to make it home before two.

"Janet and Damien better get home soon, otherwise I'll have to leave this ranch without a supervisor," I say aloud to the horses.

But at the same time I hear an engine rumbling and tires crunching on the pebbled driveway. I quickly walk out to greet Janet, expecting her to tell me whats happened.

"Is that boy ok?" I ask.

"That boy is my grandson" she informs me. "And yes he is expected to make a full recovery while he's in hospital, just a few broken bones. Thanks for looking after the place while we were gone. But anyways who are you and why were you intruding on our property?"

"Uhh, my name's Hayley. I'm looking for a new home for my pony Sharki as I have to sell him," I say, gesturing for
towards him. "I was passing and I heard a scream so I came running to help out." I explain. "I hope you don't mind."

"Oh no no, don't you worry. What did you say about selling your horse?"

"My new foster parents haven't got enough room for him to graze at their house, so they're forcing me to sell him."

"This is my private boarding ranch and my Grandson helps me. People graze their horses here and use our facilities," she says. "We do have lots of space here for Sharki? I'm sure we could keep him here?"

"Really?! I'm sure he would love would love to stay, I certainly would!" Appalled by my luck I give a small giggle.

"Alright but before we make a deal of any sort, I need to ask you something. Do you have much experience training horses?" She inquires.

I think about my answer before saying anything I will regret.

"Yes," I say, lying.

"Well then would like to be our qualified trainer to help us train the horses here instead of paying us a grazing fee? I guess since Damien can't do much we will be needing another one for at least ten weeks."

"Yes please!" I say willingly.

"Well then, let's get started," she announces.

Janet gives me a quick tour of the ranch as I told her I have to be back home around two o'clock. She shows me the tack room, stables, paddocks, arena, horses, schedules, and even tells me the rules of the well equipped ranch.

"Thank you so much Janet, but I better be heading home now. Which stall should I put Sharki in?"

"The one at the end, next to Jupiter. I'm sure they will get on well together," she says.

I lead Sharki through the stable and past the pinto who is sniffing him curiously with his ears back. I continue to stroll towards the stall with thick sawdust bedding, an automatic filling water system, and a wooden rack with hay. I smile when I see him, and the small white pony Jupiter, greeting each other through the stable bars.

"I'll be back tomorrow Janet, thanks for everything!" I call, a huge grin across my face.