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Now parking near the barn, she climbed from her truck and hurried across to visit them. A rail separated their pastures, and she stopped in front of it so she could say hello to both of them as they put their heads over the fence.

“Hey, you two,” she said as she fed them a treat. “Henry you look so calm.”

“He is!”

Turning around she found Blake marching towards her.

“Tell me everything!” she said excitedly. “How have they been?”

“Great. After Henry kicked up his heels for a few minutes he introduced himself to the horses in the bigger paddock next to his. There was some squealin’…normal horse stuff, then Shadow came up and they became instant buddies.”

“That’s wonderful. What about you?”

“Lesson after lesson as usual. Are you plannin’ to ride?”

“I want to take Apollo up Smoky Hill. I think it would be good for his brain after being at that show. The only question is, will Henry freak out?”

“He and Shadow spent quite a bit of time together. Take Apollo out and let’s see what happens.”

“Will do,” she replied, lifting his halter from the hook and entering the pasture.

Sliding it over the horse’s head, she began leading him out the gate. Though Henry began whinnying, he suddenly spun around and galloped across to Shadow who appeared to be waiting for him.

“Wow, that’s fantastic, they really did connect,” she exclaimed happily. “I was worried.”

“I’m not surprised. Shadow’s such an easy-goin’ guy, and I’m sure Henry picked up his energy the minute they met. But would you like some company? My next lesson isn’t for another hour and I need to exercise Big Ben.”

“I would love that! By the way, where’s Butch?”

“Funny you should ask,” he replied as they started towards the barn. “I haven’t had a chance to tell you. He’s fixated on your trunk.”

“My trunk? Why?”

“No idea. Did you finish sortin’ through it earlier”

“Actually, no, I’m only halfway done.”

“Then I’d better clear it out for you. There might be a rat in there.”

“No! Oh, my God! Please, be my guest.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

As Heather and Blake made their way up the trail Butch trotted along beside them, sometimes disappearing into the trees only to suddenly reappear panting happily. Blake was on Big Ben, a stout roan he’d owned for many years, sitting on a saddle pad with only a rope around the horse’s neck.

“Isooowish I could do that,” Heather remarked dramatically.

“I assume you mean ridin’ without a bit and bridle. You say that all the time and I’ll give you the same response I always do. You can.”

“What’s wrong with me? I trust Apollo completely. Why can’t I bring myself to try?”

“That’s a good question. What do you think?”

“I suppose I’m not brave enough. But I’ve always been this way. When other kids in school were about to do something daring I’d leave.”

“I have a suggestion. When we get back we can go into the round pen until my lesson arrives and I’ll work with you on the lunge line. That way—”

“Yes!” she exclaimed, cutting him off. “Thank you. Why didn’t I think of that sooner. I’m desperate to break through these fears.”