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Reba recognized Taylor Keating. He had been more than happy to sign the rodeo program for her the other day because he said he was normally one of the bullfighters and no one ever asked for his signature before. He said he was trying to pick up some rodeo gigs in between bullfighting to make some extra cash.

Reba had told him there was a steadier paycheck bartending after the rodeos, and it didn’t require risking a broken arm or leg. Taylor had just laughed at her and said he would probably drink up all of the profits. He was a handsome cowboy, with golden hair and dark brown eyes. Usually, he had an easy smile, but right now he looked worried.

“Can it wait, Taylor? I’m almost done here.”

“Sure,” he said wiping his palms on his jeans.

But Reba got the sense that it really couldn’t wait. If an animal was truly in danger, she would never forgive herself if she had put off seeing it.

“What seems to be the trouble?”

“It’s my horse,” Taylor said, his voice shaking. “I think there’s something really wrong with her.”

“Okay,” Reba said. “Let’s take a look.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.” The bulls could wait a few more minutes.

“Thank you so much,” Taylor said and took off at a fast walk.

“Hold on,” she said. “We’ll take the golf cart. It’s quicker.”

They piled in and Taylor gave her directions to the barn where he was keeping his horse.

“Can you tell me a bit about what’s been going on?” she asked, keeping her tone gentle and reassuring.

“She’s been off her food for a couple of days now and she’s been restless in the stable,” he said. “I didn’t think anything of it at first. But today she’s sweating and shaking and I’m real worried.”

Reba nodded, taking mental notes. “Okay, and has she had any changes in her diet or recent medical issues?”

Taylor shook his head. “No, nothing that I can think of. She’s been eating the same feed as usual and she hasn’t been sick before this.”

When they got to the barn, Reba saw that there were a few other cowboys lingering around. The air was one of nervous concern. That didn’t bode well, and Reba was glad she listened to her instincts to come and help right away. When she walked into the barn and saw the horse, she knew she’d made the right decision.

“What’s her name?” Reba asked.

“Dale,” Taylor said. “She’s gonna be all right, right?”

“Let me give her an examination.” Reba was glad she always kept full kit with her when she was at events. In the back of the golf cart there was everything from chains used to deliver a calf that didn’t want to come out of his mama, to thermometers, gloves, and other medical equipment.

“I need you to stand over there,” Reba said, pointing to the front of stall. “Out of my way.”

“Okay,” he said. Taylor couldn’t resist putting a comforting hand on his horse’s neck before he left the stall.

Reba proceeded to examine Dale, checking for any signs of abdominal distention or bloating. The horse’s heartbeat was elevated. She suspected Dale was suffering from colic.

“I’d like to perform a diagnostic test called a nasogastric intubation. It involves passing a tube through her nose and down into her stomach to check for any signs of blockage or impaction.”

Taylor nodded, clearly not understanding because once Reba began the process, he gagged and turned away. Dale wasn’t too thrilled either, tossing her head and pawing at the ground. Reba remained calm and persistent, speaking softly to her as she worked.

Finally, with a gentle hand and steady movements, Reba managed to pass the tube successfully. As she observed the fluid that flowed through the tube, Reba noticed that it was cloudy and contained undigested food. This was a clear indication that the horse was suffering from a blockage in its digestive system.

While Reba worked, she tried to ignore the chatter around her, but Shane’s name made her ears perk up.

“Shand Calland’s bulls are the best,” a cowboy she didn’t know said.

“I don’t know about that,” another cowboy she didn’t recognize replied. “It’s too soon to tell if his bulls can go the distance. This is his first year here.”