Spirit Horses

by Alan S Evans

  The two immediately started bickering over who was going first. Finally, Jen stepped in, “If you both don’t knock it off, neither one of you will be riding.” Shane chuckled, and shook his head as he walked out the door to go check on the mustang while the kids ate.

  When he arrived at the paddock, the mare was enthusiastically munching on her hay, but she was still jumpy and acting worried about everything around her. Shane could only get within about ten feet of her while she was eating. So he relaxed, leaned on the fence, and talked to her in a calming voice. “You’re a long way from home, aren’t you, girl? You’ll figure out soon enough that this isn’t such a bad place.”

  After a few minutes he slowly moved away, leaving the mare to finish her meal. She was by herself in the paddock, and he felt that her herd instinct would soon have her looking for a friend to hook up with. He knew he could use the fact that she was all alone to his advantage while he was gaining her trust. For now he was happy she’d let him get this close.

  When Shane got to the barn, the kids and Jen were brushing off Tory. “We’ll ride him in the arena. Terry dragged it yesterday so the footing should be good.”

  Shane patted Jacob on his shoulders, “Why don’t you grab the saddle out of the tack room, bud? The girls will finish brushing him.”

  Jacob and Tina were expected to be a part of the whole process from grooming to tacking up. Even though this particular gelding wouldn’t hurt a fly, Shane and Jen made sure the kids knew how to handle a horse safely.

  When they were done riding, Jacob asked if he could watch Shane while he worked with the mustang. Jacob loved being with his dad, and Shane appreciated that the boy wanted to be around him. He realized this would all probably change once his son reached his teen years. “Jacob, I want you to remember, you’re going to have to stay quiet and sit still when I’m working with her, okay?”

  “Yes sir.”

  As the two headed toward the golf cart, Jacob ran up ahead to claim the driver’s seat, and as usual, Shane let him drive.

  When they arrived at the paddock, Shane looked over at Jacob, “You know we’ve got to come up with a name for this horse. You got any ideas?”

  “How about naming her Sloppy?”

  “Why in the world would you want to call her Sloppy?” Shane laughed.

  “It was Tina’s idea. She said that the mustang was the dirtiest horse she’d ever seen, and then she started calling her Sloppy Girl.”

  “Well, the name does kind of fit. Sloppy it is, at least until we think of something better.”

  Shane realized how important it was to try to keep all distractions out of the way during this first session. He was glad it was quiet here and he knew Jacob would sit and watch calmly on the golf cart as he had been told.

  Shane slowly opened the gate to ease his way toward the middle of the field. He knelt down in the grass and watched as the mustang nervously moved from one side of the paddock to the other while turning her hindquarters to him at each stop. At this point, she would let out a quiet snort, settle only for a second, then continue her worried walking from corner to corner. He was very careful not to look her directly in the eye. He had a small amount of grain in his closed hand, but he made sure not to show it to her. This food was not a bribe to get her to come to him, but he would use it as a reward if and when she did make up her mind to come in close. Like any creature with hooves, a horse is an animal that is preyed upon in the wild. Their basic instincts for survival are similar to that of a deer, which would naturally flee from any potential carnivore. Shane knew that once the wild-bred mustang realized he wasn’t after her for his evening meal, she would change her fearful attitude. This would take some understanding on his part to change how she perceived him.

  Shane noticed right off that the louder his voice was the more bothered she became, so he began using it to his advantage. Whenever the mare was moving away from him he would consistently raise his voice, saying things like, “Hey, where are you going? You’re gonna hurt my feelings if you keep walking away.”

  As soon as she looked in his direction, he would soften and lower his voice. “You know you want to be friends. You just have to trust me first, don’t you?”

  She quickly learned that when she faced him, the bothersome loud talking would stop and immediately soften into a much more tolerable, pleasant sound. Timing and consistency were imperative in order to make this work. For now the sound of Shane’s voice was all the pressure she could handle, and he was using it to draw her attention and mind into him. In no time at all, the mare made her decision to stop trying to ignore him. Instead she began standing calmly and watching Shane with curious interest.

  “Atta Girl, see I’m not so bad, am I?” Shane continued softening his tone, still kneeling down on one knee as he rested his arms on top of the other. Finally, the response he was looking for happened. The young horse lowered her head, let out a soft snort, and took a timid step toward him. To someone without Shane’s experience this wouldn’t seem like a big deal, but Shane knew it was a nice breakthrough. He smiled as he figured, This is probably the first time she’s ever thought about approaching a human.

  Most people would now stand and move toward the horse, maybe even try to touch her. But he knew this would only scare her. Instead, as the mare stepped in his direction. he maintained his low profile slowly moving back away from her. This really got her attention, causing her ears to perk up with curiosity as she moved toward him a few more hesitant steps. Now he was drawing in her body as well as her mind. Every time he moved back a little, the mare would take a couple of steps closer. Soon she was close enough for him to open his hand and let her take the small amount of grain that he’d been holding for just such a moment. “There you go, that’s what I was hoping for.”

  This was the perfect time to end this session on a good note. Still staying low to the ground, he smoothly moved about twenty feet away from her. He then stood slowly, careful not to startle her, and walked to the gate. Shane smiled again as he turned to see the lonely little mare still standing calmly in the field where he had left her, as if she didn’t want him to leave. This was a nice change in her behavior, and he felt confident he would have no problem building on this. The session went well, and Jacob had watched his dad intensely with all the wonder of an eight-year-old boy with a bad case of hero worship.

  Before Shane turned away from the mustang, he said quietly in her direction, “You sure are lucky you showed up when you did.” He and Jen had been looking for a horse he could start training for the kids. Although she wasn’t exactly what he had pictured, he felt good about at least considering the mare. Gray in color, she was pretty if you looked beyond her filthy, unkempt coat. Standing at 14.3 hands, she was small enough for the kids, but still large enough for Shane to ride when he put in the many hours of training she would need over the next year. The horse had no real monetary value, but Shane and Jen liked the idea of saving her, and figured they could afford to give her a chance.

  Shane sat in the golf cart, then Jacob started driving toward the house. “So, what do you think, Dad, will she be a good horse for Tina and me?”

  “I don’t know, son. All I can do is put in a lot of time with her and hope for the best. Even if she doesn’t make a good horse for you two, I’ll still keep my word to Mrs. Erickson to find her a good home. At least she won’t end up as meat in a can of dog food.”

  “I think she’ll make a fine horse,” Jacob said confidently.

  Chapter 3

  The farm and family thrived over the next year. Terry was a dad now, and had adjusted well to the job of changing diapers.

  Shane and Jen bought him a joke gift at a novelty store—A fake gas mask that read across the forehead, New Dad’s Survival Kit. Terry laughed when he unwrapped the thing, and claimed he really did use it while changing the baby. He said he enjoyed seeing the

  disgusted expressions on his wife, Beth Ann’s, face.

  Jacob and Tina had really grown, and
the mustang mare was accepting training well. She seemed to look forward to her work, and had become very relaxed around the kids. The name Sloppy had stuck to her, so now she responded to it affectionately. By this time, Shane was starting to put Jacob and Tina on her, and she carried them around with confidence.

  It was a warm Saturday morning when Shane took Jacob on a long trail ride through the plush, green hills and woods surrounding the farm. He was on a client’s horse while Jacob rode the mustang.

  “Hey, Dad, I know Sloppy’s doing real good with her training, but have you noticed how she stands in her paddock with her head down sometimes?”

  “Yeah, I’ve noticed,” Shane replied. He was impressed that the now nine-year-old Jacob had picked up on this aspect of the mare’s behavior. “What do you make of that?” he asked the boy.

  “I think that even though she really likes us she still misses her old herd.”

  “I’ve got a feeling you’re right about that. She was born and raised a wild horse and nothing can take that out of her. She’s very trainable and getting real broke for you guys, but I can tell she still thinks about running free.”

  Jacob was silent for a while. After they rode a little farther along the trail, he asked, “You think one day we could take her back and set her free with her wild herd? I sure would miss her, but I know she would be happier there.”

  Shane felt a sense of pride as he looked at his little boy who wanted to see his horse content, even if it meant losing her. “Maybe when you kids outgrow her in a few years, we’ll plan a trip and see if we can find this herd. Then we could put her back where she really belongs.”

  Jacob became quiet, and Shane could tell his young son was trying hard not to give into his emotions as he thought about the idea of not having the mare around.

  “You know, buddy, it will be a long time before you two outgrow Sloppy. If we do take her back out west someday, I know it will make all of us feel real good. So let’s just enjoy having her at the farm for the time being and not worry about setting her free right now.”

  Jacob remained deep in thought as they rode along at a slow walk. A few minutes later he looked down at Sloppy and patted her affectionately on the neck. That’s when he promised, “Sloppy, some day we’re going to take you back to your old herd. I bet that will make you real happy, won’t it, girl?” Shane smiled as the two of them moved their horses into a trot and headed home.

  When they came within sight of the barn, they could see Tina was waiting for her turn on the mare. Before they rode too close, Shane spoke, “Let’s not say anything to Tina about our conversation. I think she’s a little too young to understand about Sloppy still wanting to be a wild horse.”

  “No problem, Dad. I won’t say anything.” Jacob hardly had time to get off Sloppy before Tina was trying to climb on her. The mustang stood patiently while the girl settled herself in the saddle. Tina rode her off at a trot for a short trip around the field.

  “You sure are riding like an old pro!” Shane hollered. Tina smiled from ear to ear at the compliment.

  ***

  Late spring had now given way to the heat of mid-summer. By now the hot days were taking their toll on everyone at the farm. Shane and Terry always lost a little weight and looked a bit more worn during this time every year. The horses in training were also starting to show the strain. The two men had to be careful not to overwork them in the high temperatures.

  The heat and humidity of summer eventually turned into the drier, cooler air of fall, which was a change both horses and trainers were glad had finally arrived.

  One afternoon while the two men were taking a much needed breather, Shane spoke to Terry about something that had been on his mind. “You know, Terry, you’ve turned out to be a damn good trainer. I’ve taught you about all I feel I can. I think you’re ready to start your own business.”

  “Whoa, boss, you trying to run me off?” Terry joked.

  Shane grinned, “I’d be glad to send you some of my overflow, so you’ll have money coming in while you build up your own client list.”

  Terry shook Shane’s hand in gratitude. “I appreciate the opportunity but, for the time being, I’d be more content to stay here with you and learn. Just knowing I’ll have your support when that day does come means a lot.”

  Shane responded sincerely, “Well, you know I’ll do all I can for you.”

  With the nice fall weather, Jacob and Tina continued riding almost every day. Jacob was now ten years old, and Tina would be eight in a couple of months. Sloppy looked forward to the time she spent with the kids. It seemed they had become kind of a surrogate herd for her because she always perked up when they were around.

  Soon it was the start of December 1998, which also meant Christmas was sneaking up on Shane and Jen fast. This was always a favorite time of the year for their family, especially since the kids had gotten old enough to really get pumped up about it. Shane had been an only child, and both of his parents had passed away. However, Jen’s mother, Helen, from Florida, and her younger sister, Abby, who lived only about forty miles away, spent Christmas with them every year.

  December twenty-third came on a Friday this year, and Terry seemed to be in a holiday mood while he saddled up the last horse of the day. Shane took the horse’s reins from Terry, smiling as he handed him an envelope. “Here you go, my friend.” The hefty Christmas bonus was expected, but in no way taken for granted.

  “Thanks, boss, this check always pays for our trip to my folks for the week.”

  “Glad to do it, Terry, you deserve every penny. You and Beth Ann enjoy your time away with the baby.” A minute later Shane looked over at him from the horse as he tightened up the saddle’s cinch for his ride. “Why don’t you go ahead and take off? I know you’ve got a long drive ahead of you. I’ll finish up around here.”

  He could still hear Terry’s pickup pulling out of the driveway when Jacob and Tina came bounding in the barn full of excitement. The young horse he was holding spooked and jumped backwards. “Hey, easy guys, you know better than to run in the barn like that!” Shane scolded.

  The two had just returned home from the last day of school before a fourteen-day recess, so they were bursting at the seams with excitement.

  Jacob cringed, “Sorry, Dad, we thought you were done riding when we saw Mr. Terry leave. Can Tina and I ride Tory and Sloppy while you finish up?”

  “Sure, go ahead and get ’em saddled. Maybe a good long ride will help you two burn off some of that wild attitude you got going on.” They both laughed, and ran out of the barn to fetch their horses.

  By the time Shane and the kids made it back to the house, Jen’s mom, Helen, and her sister, Abby, had arrived and were helping Jen put dinner on the table. As usual, the two would be staying all week, until New Year’s Day.

  “My babies,” Helen screeched as the two kids ran over to her with open arms. She hadn’t seen them in over six months, which made the reunion very enthusiastic. After they were through with Grandma they ran to Aunt Abby, whom they often saw because she lived so close.

  “Merry Christmas, ladies,” Shane said as he waited his turn, and then welcomed them both with a warm hug.

  The house was always decked out to the hilt both inside and out. Each year, it would consume the best part of a week to take down all the decorations.

  This season a light snow came on Christmas Eve, which put everybody in good spirits. Later that night, Tina jumped out of her bed and scampered into the living room. She was shaking as she shouted, “Mommy, Daddy, I heard a noise on top of the house. I think its Santa’s sleigh landing on the roof.” After that, getting her to sleep was damn near impossible.

  Shane looked at Jen, and rolled his eyes when Tina got out of bed for the third time. He leaned over and whispered, “I know all this seemed cute earlier, but it’s already ten thirty, and I still have two bikes to put together!”

  “Come on, baby girl,” Jen said as she took her by the hand and walked her back to her
bedroom. “You know Santa can’t put presents under the tree until you’re asleep.”

  “I’m trying Mommy, but I’m just too excited! Will you lay with me for a while?” Jen lay down alongside her and rubbed her back until she finally went out.

  Jacob had exhausted himself with the exhilaration of the day and was already asleep.

  At ten years of age, he was kind of on the fence about the whole Santa thing. Even so, he was easily convinced by Jen that the older kids at school were wrong.

  “Santa Claus is as real as the nose on your face,” she swore to him. They both wanted to give him one more year of believing in the fat man in the red suit before their little boy grew out of this short, but memorable time of his life.

  Christmas morning the kids were up by six, and by seven the house was a total wreck with torn wrapping paper and open presents strewn everywhere.

  Shane always took a break between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Every year it blew him away at how fast it went by. This year was no different, and soon it was time to get back in the saddle and resume earning a living for his family.

  The next four weeks flew by and the kids had all but worn out their Christmas bikes.

  It was Wednesday, hump day on the farm, and it was unusually warm weather for the beginning of February. Shane had just finished with his fourth horse of the morning, and glanced at his watch as he climbed out of the saddle. Terry hustled out of the barn to meet him. “Which one do you want next?”

  “It’s only eleven, so I should have time for one more long ride before lunch,” Shane replied. “Why don’t you bring me that big sorrel filly? She only has about sixty days on her, but she’s calm and easy going. I think she’s ready for her first ride out on the trails surrounding the farm. If I’m not back within an hour, come looking for me.”

  “No problem, I’ll keep checking my watch till I see you ride back in.” Terry assured.

  A person can never tell how a young horse will react to this kind of exposure for the first time. Even with a nice one like this, he would have to be very careful to stay out of trouble. The ride was going extremely well, and soon he made his way far in to the hilly countryside west of his farm. Suddenly a covey of quail flew up in front of them. The filly spooked with a sideways jump. Shane quickly grabbed the saddle horn and hung on as he skillfully got her back under control.