Rescue Heart

Chapter Twelve

C h a p t e r . T w e l v e

There is no ‘I’ in ‘Team’, and I found myself surrounded by the best team in the world. The changes taking place at my little home were incredible, and things seemed on the up in every sphere of my life. Renovation work began, giving the farm yard a fresh look, whilst the bringing on of the horses commenced. Diva was in work five days out of seven, Helen diligently long-reining her up the hill once a week, working her in hand – in a bridle, successfully – another three days, and on the fifth day Helen spent a little time getting the mare used to either the saddle of weight upon her back, or being ridden, as within a couple of weeks the mare had accepted the saddle. Diva was coming on in leaps and bounds, and my joy was immeasurable, if tinged with a slight selfish sadness that it couldn’t be me making this progress with her.

My skills were required elsewhere, in the general grooming and care of the horses. Additionally, I was working a lot with Gladiator, teaching the spirited colt how to be led in hand, as well as practising general show craft manners with him and his mother in the arena in preparation for Sports Horse shows over the summer. It was exhausting, and at times challenging trying to match the bravado and determination of a headstrong young colt, but worth every minute of it. On top of these duties, I was riding Espoir twice a week, just exercising him for Helen. Maintaining my own physical fitness and improving my core and leg strength had become a priority, and I was making slight improvements.

Tom intermittently came to visit to offer help and company, sometimes with Lara, sometimes without, but for the most part it was Helen, Ollie and I trudging on with the work. After a long two months in hospital recuperating from her accident, Mum was eventually allowed home, with strict orders to take it easy. It was an emotional return for both of us. When she saw the stunning transformation that was taking place on our neglected little farm, she burst into tears. It was hard not to be choked with emotion, knowing how much it meant to her to see my father’s beloved farm flourishing.

The reunion between Duchess and my mother was heart-warming. Despite having been apart for a while, the mare recognised my mother before she was even within touching distance of the fence, and she came cantering to the gate calling to her. Gladiator followed, his curiosity piqued by his mother’s delight at seeing her favourite person.

“She is just stunning,” Mum smiled, eyes glimmering with adoration as she ran a hand down Duchess’ silky, copper neck. The mare had changed without her big baby belly, and she had filled out magnificently. As Mum threaded her fingers through the mare’s silky mane, and the mare gently rested her chin on Mum’s shoulder, I knew that the choices about Duchess’ future would never be mine to make. If Mum couldn’t part with her, then I could completely understand.

“She is a beauty,” I agreed with a fond smile. “And her baby boy is just so handsome.” Despite my position of obvious bias, Gladiator truly was a fine example of a sports foal. He was leggy and elegant, with uphill, big paces, and a keen, sharp expression on his face. He had enthusiasm and energy in abundance to match, completing the package.

After spending a little time getting reacquainted with Duchess, Mum accompanied me back to the stables to catch up with Helen. With Tom back in the city, and Ollie at work, the yard was going through a bit of a quiet spell, but with Mum’s return was the final spark of life into the rejuvenation of the farm. Helen and I had grown to coexist harmoniously – spending sufficient time with one another to get jobs done, but still retaining a sense of independence and enjoying time apart. It was important to maintain a healthy working relationship as well as our friendship, and I was relieved that the dynamics of the yard were fitting together so well.

We found Helen in the school on Espoir, practising her upcoming dressage test. There was an impermeable look of concentration on her face, but her body was fluid, free from tension, and this was mirrored in the way that Espoir appeared to float in perfect synchronisation with her. He glided beautifully in an elegant and ground-covering canter half-pass, zig-zagging with perfect ease. Helen openly acknowledged that due to Espoir’s build, he didn’t look quite as light and graceful, particularly in his canter, as some of the Warmbloods did these days, but she still managed to present him so beautifully. Although cumbersome in size, Espoir had the control and poise of a ballerina thanks to all of Helen’s patience and perseverance in teaching him how to balance his big body. Her efforts had paid off in dividends.