Sundancer was mad. Great? You want to see great? He sat back on his hind end and leapt over the fence. Hannah, Bird and Charlie watched as the tall chestnut gelding began jumping on his own. He circled in an elegant canter then jumped around the course with a steady tempo, leaving every jump intact. He was perfect.
“Bravo, Sunny!” shouted Hannah. “I’ve never seen anything like it in my entire life!”
No kidding, thought Bird grumpily. Normal horses don’t do crazy things like that.
“Good job! Bird, get Sundancer tacked up and jump him around, since you’re showing him tomorrow.”
No way.
Sunny, what’s wrong?
There’s nothing wrong with me. You’re the one with the problem.
Two cars drove up the driveway — Hannah’s students. “I’ve got to go. Kimberly will have a good time with Charlie tomorrow. Get Sunny around the course, and I’ll check back with you, okay?”
Bird nodded and watched her aunt stride up to the barn.
Charlie stood beside her. Now can I go back to graze?
Sure, Charlie. Thanks. You were really fun to ride.
Thanks, Bird, but I might not want to go to the show. It’s boring.
You decide.
She removed his tack and put him in his field next to the grass ring. What a lovely, uncomplicated horse, she thought.
Uncomplicated? telegraphed Sunny. Are you implying that I’m complicated? Just so you know, the reason I don’t want you to ride me is that you’re full of turmoil and stress.
Bird was taken aback. He was right. Totally right. She was stressed after the police interview. She was worried about Tanbark. She wondered if she would ever speak again. She feared making a fool of herself at the show. She was afraid of all the weird things happening around them.
I’m sorry, Sunny.
You can’t just assume that I’ll be fine if you’re not fine.
I didn’t think about it like that.
When a person can’t drop their garbage, horses can’t relax, and if horses are not relaxed, they can’t think.
Well said, Sunny.
If you’re upset, I’m more upset.
Bird sat on the ground with her saddle and bridle. I need to put everything else out of my head.
Charlie is cool. He’s able to work when you’re stressed, but I can’t. I have enough nerves of my own without yours, too.
I hear you, Sunny. Bird put her head in her arms and closed her eyes. She breathed deeply. As she inhaled she thought, “In with the good,” and when she exhaled she thought, “Out with the bad.” By the third breath, her tension began to leave her.
Sundancer got closer and closer until he was standing over her. He bent his neck and reached down to nuzzle her burnt hair. I’ll be happy to let you ride me now, if you want.
Bird looked up into the horse’s intelligent brown eyes. I’d appreciate that, Sunny. I want to go into that ring tomorrow and clean up.
Me, too!
15
THE PALSTON HORSE SHOW
Tan was deeply unhappy. His mother was gone. He hadn’t seen her leave and he didn’t know where she was. In her place, his father was sitting beside his bed. The man troubled him. He made Tan extremely uncomfortable. Also, his bandages were too tight and the air was too still. Everything smelled like antiseptic. He had to get out. He had to leave this place or he’d smother. The sooner the better. Freedom was everything.
THE NEXT MORNING DAWNED with a clear blue sky. Songbirds chirped and tweeted heartily, and small animals scurried to and fro. Bird woke up feeling much better. She’d slept well. She was ready to take on the world. She jumped out of bed and ran downstairs, still in her pajamas. She hopped the split-rail fence into Sunny’s field and gave him an apple.
You’re in a good mood. You’re jumping around.
I’m really excited about the show. Are you ready to bring home some major ribbons?
Do horses love apples? Yum, that was good.
Bird laughed aloud. See you in a little while. I’m going to have breakfast and get dressed.
What about my breakfast?
There’s Cliff now. He’s bringing you a feast.
I should have known. He never forgets me.
Cliff saw Bird and waved. “Hi there, Smokey!” He’d taken to calling her that since the barn fire. “Did you listen to the news this morning?”
Bird shook her head. She wasn’t sure she wanted to know.
“There was an item about Tanbark Wedger. Uncle Tanbark, to you!”
Let it go, she told herself. Put everything except the show out of your mind.
“And you’ll never believe this! A group, Justice for the Innocent, admitted to starting the fire. A CBC reporter got an email claiming responsibility. Sort of. I guess they lit a fire in a trash can under Pierre’s window to scare him. They say they’re shocked and appalled that it spread. Idiots!”
Idiots was right, but the news didn’t surprise Bird. She shook her head in dismay to let Cliff know she’d heard, and set her jaw as she watched Sunny eat.
Cliff grinned at her. “Good luck today, Bird. You sure look ready to win!” He waved goodbye and continued to the next field with his buckets of feed.
The Saddle Creek rig nabbed the best parking place at the show, even though they’d pulled in a little later than they’d hoped due to unexpected loading problems. Charlie wouldn’t get on the trailer. He’d warned Bird the day before, but Kimberly was understandably upset. Finally, Hannah had to make the difficult decision to leave without him, or they’d be late.
Bird felt bad for her friend. First, she couldn’t take Pastor because of the abscess, and now Charlie. Kimberly came with them anyway, because her mother Lavinia had other plans for the day and couldn’t come back to get her. Just like always, Bird mused, Lavinia was too absorbed in her own life to give her daughter much thought.
Here, though, was a piece of good luck. The very best parking spot was being vacated just as they arrived. It was up on the ridge in the shade and close to both the practice and show rings.
Bird couldn’t believe how busy the grounds were at seven in the morning. Classes didn’t start for over an hour, yet horses were being schooled in every available area. Ponies, jumpers, hunters; kids, teens, adults; even older riders in their fifties and sixties. They came from near and far, but when Bird recognized vans from professional barns, her stomach knotted up.
“Okay, folks.” Hannah was using her take-charge teacher voice. “Check your horse first, then let’s go get our numbers and riding sequence. Kimberly, you help the younger girls.” Hannah opened the drop windows on the trailer to allow in more air, and to let the horses see what was going on.
Bird felt the growing excitement around her. The Saddle Creek horses were standing tall, ears pricked to catch every sound and necks arched with tension. Their nostrils flared in an effort to smell the equine news. The people were no calmer. Julia and Liz and Kimberly were giggling about nothing and shivering with nerves, even in the growing heat of the summer day. Only Hannah was calm and in control, but she’d been taking kids to horse shows for years.
Bird ducked under the trailer partition and stood up beside Sunny as he watched all the action from his window. With so much competition, she wondered briefly why she was there.
No negative thoughts, Bird!
Easy for you to say! Yesterday you were thinking nothing BUT negative thoughts.
Today’s a new day. We’re gonna win big.
How can you say that? We just got here.
I’ve looked around. This new fashion is a killer.
What new fashion? Bird looked across the grounds, wondering what he was talking about.
Pulling the draw-reins up tight and see-sawing on our mouths. It’s making the horses angry, which makes it easy for you and me.
Bird’s eyes settled on the practice ring. Sunny had a point. Everywhere she looked, horses were prancing angrily and riders were picking and pulling and fiddling with
their reins.
There must be a reason everybody’s doing it, Bird considered. Does it do any good?
A little give-and-take might be a good thing to help us drop our heads and use our hind ends, but this is ridiculous.
Hannah uses draw-reins to train horses.
But she doesn’t crank them up like that. Look at that one!
Bird noticed a young woman on a pretty bay mare. The reins were so short that the mare’s chin almost touched her chest. Her tail swished and her eyes flashed. Her flattened ears warned of an impending problem.
Wait for it!
The thought was barely out of Sunny’s head before the mare decided she’d had enough. She couldn’t buck with her head held so tight, so she leapt straight up in the air and twisted fast. The rider came off and landed in the dirt, and the trainer came running.
Now for the hard part. Sunny was not at all amused. She’s going to be punished for reacting to cruelty.
Sure enough, the trainer took the mare by the bridle and backed her up harshly. He shook her mouth hard and yelled.
Bird winced. I don’t even want to know what he’d do if nobody was watching.
I’ve been there.
Wait!
What?
Bird stared at the mare. Did you hear the name he called her?
After the swearing part? No, but I know who she is. So do you.
Bird studied the little bay mare in the ring. She had certainly not expected this. It’s Moonlight Sonata!
The same.
She’s Abby Malone’s eventing horse! I didn’t know Moonie was showing now. I haven’t heard about her for a few years.
She’s a good mare, but look at her ears. Bird noted that they lay flat on her head. She won’t stand for bad treatment. Good for her.
Maybe, but it’ll go harder for her than if she accepted it.
Hannah stood in front of Sunny’s window and looked up at Bird. “Are you ready to come and get your number?”
Bird nodded.
See you in a few minutes, Sunny. Don’t get into any trouble.
Like I can get into trouble standing here in the trailer, tied up.
Others have done it before you.
Hannah and the girls headed to the office to get their paperwork done. On their way past Moonlight Sonata, Bird noticed that the trainer had turned his attention from the mare to the girl on the ground. Bird telegraphed the mare a message.
Don’t worry, Moonie. Everything will be fine.
The mare’s ears flicked, startled. Who are you?
I’m Bird.
Sundancer’s Bird?
Yes.
I’ve heard about you.
I’ve heard about you, too! You’re famous for winning the Caledon Steeplechase the very last year it was run.
With Abby I could do anything. With this girl I can do nothing. It makes me sad.
The trainer held Moonie’s reins in one hand. With the other, he was trying to help the girl to her feet. She was crying in pain, and Bird thought her ankle looked odd.
“Can somebody help me here?” the trainer bellowed. “Candace needs a medic!”
Two paramedics ran out to the ring. Hannah and the girls stopped to watch as Candace was strapped to a gurney and carried out. Now the trainer hopped up into the saddle, determined to teach Moonie a lesson. After backing her up across the ring, he raced her around and dragged her to a halt. He repeatedly jammed his heels into her sides and spun her in tight circles.
Let me outta here!
He’s only showing off, Moonie.
He’s scaring me!
Go with it, Moonie. It’ll be over as soon as you give in.
I’ll try.
Moonie dropped her head and slowed down, adopting a docile manner. The trainer’s face broke into a wide grin. He dropped the reins to wave to the group that had gathered to watch.
I hate to make him so pleased with himself.
Agreed, but at least it’s over.
I’ll get him back.
Bird laughed out loud.
Hannah turned to her. “What’s so funny? I’m so mad right now I could scream! Dexter Pill should know better. I’d take that mare off his hands in a minute! She’s a real sweetheart.”
An idea crept into Bird’s head. Moonie, buck him off.
What?
Now. While he’s so cocky.
I don’t want to get in any more trouble.
Now, Moonie! Do it. I’ll help if there’s a problem.
Moonie didn’t argue. With a mighty lurch, she launched herself into the air with her back rounded and four feet off the ground. Dexter Pill landed in precisely the same place as his student before him. Moonie stood beside him with wide eyes, looking at Bird for directions.
Everything will be fine. Don’t worry.
The trainer started shouting. “Someone get in here and help me!”
Hannah rushed into the practice ring, with Dexter yelling as she approached, “Take this horse!” He was covered in dirt and he was furious. Hannah didn’t hesitate.
As she led Moonie safely away from the other horses and riders in the ring, a surly, well-dressed woman in her late thirties came up to her. “You can keep her for all I care.”
Hannah stopped. “What have you got to do with this mare?”
“I’m Kelsey Woodall, Candace’s mother. We leased her from Fiona Malone.’
“Of course! Moonlight Sonata.” Hannah took another look at the bay mare and rubbed her soft nose. “I thought she looked familiar. She belongs to Abby Malone.”
“Thank gawd she doesn’t belong to me! You can take her away.”
Hannah was puzzled. “I can take her? How exactly is this my problem?”
“Well, it sure isn’t mine. I wash my hands. Oh ...” The woman undid the girth and slipped off the saddle. “It’s an Hermès.” She turned her back and began to walk away with the saddle braced on her hip. “The bridle’s not mine,”she called over her shoulder.
Hannah looked toward Dexter Pill, who was up on his feet and brushing himself off.
Bird stepped up to Moonie and took the reins from Hannah. So far so good.
Moonie was trembling. I sure hope so.
Kimberly had quietly approached and now she stroked Moonie’s face. “It’s okay, girl,” she crooned. To Bird she said, “She’s so pretty.”
I like this girl, Bird.
Bird smiled. You see my plan, Moonie?
Hannah left Moonie with Bird and Kimberly, and approached the angry trainer. “Dexter, two things. First, are you all right?”
“I’m fine, no thanks to that crazy mare.”
“Second, Kelsey Woodall told me to take her. I have no idea about your deal with Fiona Malone, but you’d better take Moonlight Sonata back to your trailer and sort this out.”
“I’m going to call Fiona to come pick her up. This mare is on trial for a lease. Bucking is a deal-breaker. I don’t have time for this.” He turned to go.
“Pardon me? I came in the ring to help you, and you treat me like this?” Hannah became even more upset. “Bird! Bring the mare here.”
Bird did as she was told. Kimberly followed.
“Hand her over to Mr. Pill.”
Bird gave him Moonie’s reins. Dexter took them haughtily.
“We’ll be on our way.” Hannah wiped her hands on her pants, her face flushed with anger.
I don’t want to stay with him!
Step on his toe.
“Gosh darned stupid animal!” Dexter Pill hopped on one foot. “She stepped on my toe!” He smacked Moonie hard on her shoulder with his crop and Moonie shied in fear.
Bird looked at Hannah. She put her hand on Moonie’s neck, and then motioned to their trailer. She raised her eyebrows in a question and put her hands together as in prayer.
Hannah’s mouth tightened as she thought it over. She was a sucker for maltreated animals, and Bird didn’t need to be a mind reader to see that her aunt had taken a liking to the mare.
&nb
sp; “Take Moonie and put her on our trailer. We’ll drop her off at Fiona’s on the way home.”
Bird nodded happily and patted Moonie’s nose. See? You’ll never see that guy’s face again.
“I’m billing you for the transport,” Hannah told Dexter as he hobbled away. Her icy tone prevented any argument. “This is totally unprofessional behaviour.”
For a moment they stood and watched him go. Kimberly broke the silence. “Is there any way I could ride her today, Hannah? I mean, if nobody else is and she’s here and everything?”
Bird waited.
“I have my saddle,” Kimberly pleaded. “We put it on the trailer this morning, remember? Before Charlie refused to get on? I’m dressed and everything. My entry fees were prepaid. I even have my hat.”
“Let me call Fiona.” Hannah pulled her cellphone from her pocket. “I’m sure she’ll be delighted.”
Kimberly jumped up and down and squealed. “I can’t believe it! Finally, some good luck!”
You be nice to Kimberly, Moonie. She’s a little green.
I’ll get her some ribbons. Thank you, Bird. Thank you so much.
“Bird, take Moonlight Sonata to the trailer and stay with the horses,” said Hannah, her phone still pressed to her ear. “I’ll get your entry number.” Hannah walked off with Liz, Julia and Kimberly. The girls’ arms were entwined and they were barely able to contain their shared joy.
16
GOSSIP
Tan strove to ignore his father’s negative energy. His father was smart, but Tan was smarter. He could feel his brain working. Even at half capacity, he was way smarter than most people. Everything was under control. His body was healing and his mind was getting sharper every minute. He was busy devising a plan. He’d be out of here in no time.
BIRD LOADED MOONIE in the spot right beside Sundancer. It would have belonged to Charlie, had he decided to come.
Hey there, Moonie! Welcome aboard! Bird had never seen Sunny so charming to another horse. Was he flirting?
I’m so happy to be here. Those humans really don’t care about us. They’re in it for the people-money.
That’s not good.
Mystery at Saddle Creek Page 11
