A Home For MacKenzie

Chapter 8

            The following Friday Mackenzie sat on the front porch with her legs up on the railing.  She had her sketchpad open on her lap and was sketching the horses grazing contentedly in the pasture.  She noticed that her sketchbook was almost full and had to chuckle.  She had sketched Bailey in different poses and there were also sketches of Jeremy and Cassidy and Caleb and Fern.  Maybe one day she would actually show someone her drawings.

            The teen looked up from her newest sketch when she heard a snort that sounded closer then the pasture.  Her eyes widened in disbelief.  Cassidy was just leading Bailey up to the house.  She couldn’t believe the change in the little filly.  Her roan coat looked healthy and shiny and she had filled out quite a bit that now her ribs didn’t even show.  Even her eyes were shining once again and her ears were perked.  Not to mention she looked gorgeous in the leather western saddle and matching bridle.  She whinnied and tossed her head.

            “Bailey!” Mackenzie exclaimed, closing her sketchpad and leaving it on her chair.  “What’s going on?”

            Cassidy smiled as she patted Bailey’s neck.  “Well, Jer helped me set up the poles before he left for work this morning and I thought you might like to give it a try.”

            “Would I ever!” Mackenzie said excitedly.  “Do you think Bailey will be alright trying this?” she asked, not wanting to injure the blue roan.

            Cassidy nodded.  “We’ll take it slow, but I lunged her this morning and you’ve been giving her light workouts, so she should be fine.”

            Bailey bobbed her head as if in agreement.  Mackenzie smiled and jogged down the porch stairs.  She hugged the filly and then moved over to hug Cassidy.

            “What was that for?” Cassidy asked, returning the hug.

            “For being a great foster parent.  You and Jeremy have been the best.”

            Cassidy smiled and handed Bailey’s reins to the teen.  “I’m glad you like it here, Mackenzie.  Later this evening Jeremy and I would like to talk to you.”

            Mackenzie nodded, very curious now.  Although she could tell by the look in Cassidy’s caring hazel eyes that she wasn’t going to say anymore.  The teen shrugged and walked beside Cassidy down to the indoor arena.  Bailey trotted along at Mackenzie’s shoulder, seeming as excited as Mackenzie was.

            Mackenzie stopped Bailey by the outside wall and carefully mounted.  The filly snorted softly, but stood perfectly still.  As long as you kept your hands light and didn’t kick her she went like a dream.  Although if she got scared she would either bolt or just freeze.

            Cassidy moved over by the wall, so she could watch and be out of the way at the same time.  “Alright Mackenzie, let’s just walk her through the pattern a few times and see how she reacts to it.  If she does okay we can try a trot.  Just remember to guide her with your seat and legs.  Press with your outside leg when you want her to weave.”

            “Okay, I’ll try,” Mackenzie said, clucking softly.

            Bailey moved into an easy walk.  Mackenzie walked the roan around the arena a couple times and did a few figure eights before heading for the poles.  She knew Cassidy had already lunged her, but she wanted to get Bailey used to her weight again before trying anything.

            Mackenzie walked Bailey by the poles a few times.  The filly’s ears twitched, but other then that she didn’t seem bothered by the poles.  The teen smiled and patted Bailey’s neck, praising her.  The filly seemed to drink in the praises.  Mackenzie grinned and walked Bailey up the right side of the poles.  She gently turned the filly’s head around the first pole.  She used her legs and seat to help Bailey weave through the poles.  The filly hesitated a couple times, but with a little coaxing she finished the pattern.