by Sioux Dallas
Chapter Seven
By five thirty Sharon was at the stable and eager to go to work. She hurried into the lounge where coffee and doughnuts were on a table. Her eyes closed in pleasure as she sipped the fragrant coffee. She put two slices of bread in a toaster.
“Sharon, I didn’t hear you come in. Did you sleep well?” Lynn hugged her.
“Fine. Everything’s jim dandy. What do you need me to do?” Sharon carefully composed herself because she didn’t want Lynn to worry more over her. She buttered the toast and spread blackberry jam on them. Eating quickly she listened to Lynn.
“We’ve all been up for ages. The horses are fed as are the dogs, cats and fowl. You could muck stalls and groom horses. Check the work chart for today and see what horses will be worked in the classes. When the volunteers get here, they’ll check the tack they’ll be using and make sure everything is ready to roll.” The two girls walked to the stable chatting as they had always done.
“Hi, Jake. What do you want me to do?” Sharon touched his arm and smiled.
“Hope you don’t mind getting dirty,” he answered and then looked puzzled when both girls burst out laughing. Lynn excused herself and ran to answer a phone summons.
“I see Lynn hasn’t told you much about us when we were little. Poor mom is such a lady and we drove her bananas. We not only were dirty most of the time, we often didn’t smell too good, either.”
“Oh,” he smiled, shrugging his shoulders and running his fingers through his hair.
“Well, horses need grooming and stalls need mucking. Which would you rather do?”
“I don’t mind doing either one, but if you don’t mind, I’ll start grooming.”
“Okay by me. Sharon, this is David Baughman. He’s our new instructor and jack of all trades. David, I want you to meet Lynn’s sister, Sharon.”
“Hello, David. I don’t remember seeing you before.”
“I’m glad to meet you, Sharon. I started yesterday. I understand you had some excitement yesterday. If you have any more trouble of any kind, don’t hesitate to call on me.” Hmm six four at least. Great blonde hair and blue eyes. Great body.
“Thank you, David.” She looked puzzled. “Have we met before? There’s something about you that seems familiar.”
“I would sure remember you if we’d met. You know what they say about doubles.” David looked at Sharon with a tender expression. She realized he was still holding her hand and gently pulled away.
“I hope you’ll be happy here. Excuse me, but I have to get to work or I’ll be fired.”
The volunteers began to filter in. Even though they were chatting and laughing, Sharon was pleased to see how carefully each youth inspected each piece of tack and equipment they’d be using. Lynn had trained them well.
“Sharon, would you come here, please?” Matthew Ryder called to her. She remembered he was one who told her he wanted to study law.
“What is it, Matthew?”
“I don’t know whether you’ve been shown the duty chart. Sheilah makes these up by the week. It lists the horses that will be used in each class, the helpers that will be working with that particular horse and the student who will be riding. It’s up to us to learn all we can about the rider and the horse.”
“Yes, I glanced at the chart. That’s good organization. You have to know the temperament of the horse and the rider so that you can match them safely.”
“Sure do, but it gets easier with experience.”
Andrew Nikobi walked up to read the chart. “We also need to recognize if a horse has an injury or a temperature. We wouldn’t want to work a sick or injured animal. It isn’t only cruel to the animal, but it could be dangerous to the rider. And they are in our care.”
“I’m impressed and I do admire all of you young people. You give your own valuable time to help and put your whole heart in it. Dad taught Lynn and me all of this while we were very young. We’ve always known to be responsible for your horse.”
“Working here is a blessing for us - at least for me,” Ashley said as she joined the group. “I find that I have more inner peace when I work with others that have so many physical problems and pain, and yet they smile through it and enjoy the life they have. Too, Lynn lets us ride in our free time and she even lets us use a horse to go on an occasional hunt.”
“Yeah. She gives us riding tips. My equitation has improved more than you would imagine. I thought I was a good rider, and I was - just a good rider. Lynn put some polish on me and now I compete in a show with the best of them,” Jardine told Sharon.
Lynn came into the stable in time to hear the last remarks. “Hi, guys. We may have a new student soon. He’s an adult who had a riding accident similar to the one Christopher Reeve had.”
“If he’s that impaired, I’d be afraid to work with him,” Andrew stated.
“He’s been in intense therapy for several weeks and can now move from the waist up. His leg muscles and nerves refuse to work. His doctor hopes that riding, coupled with massages, might help him. It certainly can’t hurt.” Lynn looked seriously at them.
“Okay. Does he get a backrider?” Andrew asked with a worried frown.
“I haven’t decided yet. I’ll talk to his doctor and let you know. Hope I don’t disappoint you, but I am a certified Master Instructor. I’d like to work with him the first few times, but I’ll need two side walkers.”
“Say the word, Boss, and we’ll hop to,” Andrew grinned.
“Smarty,” Lynn laughed. “You’d better get a doughnut and take a few deep breaths. The day will start and you won’t have time to run back. Besides, when those youngsters get here, there won’t be any food left.”
They hurried off, but they came back soon and began their duties for the day.
Once the teens had left with the horses they were using, Sharon cleaned the stalls as quickly as she could. This task was therapy for her because she didn’t have to think much about what she was doing and it gave her great pleasure to see the finished work.
She watched David start building another row of stalls with an extra wide overhang on the front. “Hey, these are great blueprints. Double Dutch doors on each stall will ensure a lower gate being shut, but allow horses to stick their heads out and look around over it. I don’t know where Lynn got them, but they sure fill the bill. With the additional space she can board more horses. She sure needs the income.”
David grunted and turned to make a notation on the blueprints. Sharon noticed that there was no name of an architect on the bottom. “You drew them, didn’t you?” she asked in surprise. “These are great. Where did you learn to do blueprints?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “Around.”
When she realized he was engrossed in his work and not interested in talking, she decided to go to the back ring and observe. Too late. The class was just being dismissed, and the teens were leading the horses in to untack and groom them and check the chart for the next class. Sharon picked up two brushes so that she could give each horse a rub-down.
Sharon was delighted to meet the young woman who had lost an arm and a leg. “I’m thrilled to meet you and be able to tell you how much I admire your intestinal fortitude. Did I hear correctly? Did Ashley call you George?”
The young woman laughed. “Yes, she did, but it’s a joke. My full name is Georganna Christine Hamilton. During a conversation with these bozos, I said I hated the name Georganna, and ask that they call me Christine or Crissy. Oh, no. Ashley spoke up and said, ‘That’s okay, George. We won’t snitch on you.’ They all laughed and the nickname stuck. Grrr!” she laughed as she reached for Ashley pretending to choke her.
“Yeah but you love it, and we love you,” Ashley smiled hugging her.
“Truthfully, I don’t really mind. These young people have meant so much to me. I was in a car that was struck when a man ran through a red light at an intersection.” She explained to Sharon. “My car was thrown up in the air, then it flipped and rolled. I lost part of my arm and l
ater the lower leg had to be removed. For a short time I felt as if life was over for me because I’ve always been so athletic. Two years later, thanks to Lynn and the encouragement of these wonderful young people, I’m even riding on hunts, taking low jumps and having the time of my life. God bless Lynn for caring and opening such a business. They’ve all made me feel as if I can do anything. Lynn has been my guardian angel.”
“That’s me, Angel Lynn,” she said grinning at Sharon. “You haven’t noticed the outline of my wings under this very tight shirt, have you?”
“Dear, darling, Lynn. Having known you for umpteen years, I think I would have noticed wings. You are an angel though. How blessed I’ve been to have you in my life.”
“Yuck!,” Jardine shouted. “I’m glad I have on knee boots, but I’ll need a shovel if I stay around here long.”
Through the laughing and teasing, Lynn called for their attention. “The next class is in five minutes. Be on time, please.”
Sharon walked out with them to observe the students in the class. LeLand and Kara greeted her as if they were old friends.
“Sharon,” Lynn hesitated and turned to her sister/cousin. “Jardine is backrider for Kara today, so, could you please be a side walker for Leland? It’ll help you learn more quickly if you’re part of the team. I know that you’re aware that your entire attention must be on the rider and the horse. I’m sorry, but I’m short a worker.”
“I’ll be thrilled to work any where I’m needed. Yes, I know to stay alert, but sometime I’d love to walk around during a class and observe more closely.”
Lynn nodded, and being a good instructor, began to look around to see if everyone was being cared for properly.
“Will Kara need a backrider for the duration of her lessons?” Sharon asked.
“Yes, because her muscles won’t support her for more than a couple of minutes. We’re hoping and praying for a miracle breakthrough in her treatments. Her team of doctors doesn’t give us much hope, but I believe in miracles.”
Sharon’s heart went out to Kara, but she hurried over as Leland’s horse was led in the ramps. Sharon hurried up one side of the ramp ready to help lift him on the horse. She realized that she hadn’t yet met the girl being a horse leader or the other side walker.
“Boy! How lucky can you get? Look, Kara. Sharon’s with me,” Leland bragged loudly.
“That’s nice,” Kara said, trying to sound grown up.
Sharon watched carefully as the walker across from her fastened the belt around Leland, gave him his helmet and prepared him to ride.
“We haven’t met. I’m Lynn’s sister, Sharon. Although I’ve ridden since I started walking, there’s a lot I need to learn about this program. I’m eager to work if you’ll be patient with me.”
“I’m Gabe, short for Gabriel, I’ve seen you around, but never got a chance to chat. The person leading the horse is responsible for keeping the horse quiet and under control. These horses are well trained, and we haven’t had trouble yet with any of them. Just walk and stay alert. If you feel it’s necessary, you may walk with one hand on the rider’s leg. Try to remain calm regardless of what may happen.”
Sharon looked with interest at Gabe who was obviously Native American. She moved to one side to see the leader. Sharon grinned broadly when the beautiful girl stuck her head around the horse and spoke. She was the spitting image of Gabe.
“Hello! You two must be brother and sister. You look so much alike.”
“Try twins,” the girl smiled. I’m Rebekah Henderson, and yes, we have Biblical names.
“Henderson? That doesn’t sound Indian.”
Gabe laughed aloud. “Our father is a college professor. He didn’t want his students calling him Limping Bear.”
As Sharon laughed, Rebekah explained. “Gabe’s in a silly mood. Our Great Grandfather worked on a cattle ranch in Wyoming. He was such a good and loyal worker that the ranch owner asked him to take his name of Henderson. Grandfather saved his money and bought a little land. As time went on, he bought more land adjoining that which he had. When the owner died, he had deeded enough land to Grandfather so that he then owned eighteen hundred acres. In his old age oil was discovered on one corner of his property in Oklahoma. He was a rich man. His son, our Grandfather, invested well and became richer.”
Gabe continued. “When our father was born, Grandfather made sure he got a college education. In fact, Grandfather put three sons and three daughters through college. Becky and I are in college and have a trust fund, but we donate our time here helping Lynn.”
Before Sharon could say anything else, Lynn came rushing to them. “Is something wrong? You’re holding us up.”
“Sorry, it’s my fault,” Sharon said and reached to place a hand on Leland’s leg as they walked down the ramp and into the ring.
“Okay, my man,” Gabe turned toward Leland, “while Steamroller is walking, hold your arms out straight from your shoulders and pretend you’re a windmill.” Leland worked his arms in circles backward and forward several times. “Great. Now sit up straight, lean forward from your waist, and see if you can reach Steamroller’s right ear with your left hand. Good! Now reach his left ear with your right hand.” Leland did this five times with each hand.
“Do we walk his entire lesson?” Sharon asked.
“No,” Leland said loudly, “I can trot.”
“Let’s show Sharon how much you’ve learned. Now what do you do?”
Leland looked thoughtful. “I drop my heels a little, keep my knees against the horse and sit up. Oh, yes. I either rest my hands on my thighs or let them drop naturally at my side.”
“Very good. Are you ready?” Leland nodded with eyes sparkling and a big grin on his face. Gabe called to Becky. “Okay sis, let’s do it.” Becky started at a slow trot.
As they completed the second slow trot around the ring, Lynn came to them. They walked and listened.
“Leland, you’re doing so well, and we’re all proud of you. Would you like to try something new?”
“Gallop?”
“Not yet,” Lynn laughed. “See those poles laid on the ground down the middle of the ring?” There were four poles about two feet apart laid beside four more poles that were the same distance. “I walk you to walk over them first. Sharon will tell you how to sit properly. When you feel comfortable doing that, tell her and they’ll help you trot a figure eight over the poles. Either of your walkers can explain how your horse will move differently, therefore, you need to sit differently. If it gets uncomfortable at any time, or you begin to hurt, please tell them. Will you promise me that you’ll tell them?”
“Yes, ma’am. I promise.” The excited little boy almost bounced in his excitement.
“Okay. I’ll leave it to your helpers to start you.”
Leland was so excited, he kept yelling, “Hey! Look at me!” to the other riders.
Rebekah stopped the horse. Gabe looked sternly at the youngster. “Leland, everyone sees you After all, they’re doing things in the ring, too. How can you concentrate and do your best if you’re looking around and yelling? Your horse doesn’t know that you’re bragging on yourself. He hears the yelling and thinks there’s danger.”
“I’m sorry,” he said looking as if he would like to cry. Sharon felt sorry for him and patted his leg.
“The other students are trying to learn, too. They’re paying attention to what they’re doing. If you learn to do this well, you’ll get to do more fun stuff. It’s up to you,” Gabe finished.
“I’ll do it.” Leland solemnly nodded his head. It was obvious that he was making a great effort to stay calm and quiet. The three helpers smiled at each other.
Steamroller was led at a walk in a figure eight four times over the poles. Leland grinned the entire time. Sharon showed him how to keep still from the waist down, but to lean slightly forward from his waist while looking up and forward. They then trotted four times over the poles in a figure eight.
Steamroller was then led to th
e ramp where Leland was lifted off and into his wheelchair. Sharon hugged him and Gabe gently slapped his back while Becky led the horse away.
“Are you hurting any where?” Gabe asked.
“Oh, no,” Leland quickly answered.
Sharon smiled. “I bet you’ll feel a little pinch in your leg muscles, but a good relaxing, hot bath will help that.”
Gabe and Sharon walked to the gate in the ring with Leland sitting in his wheelchair.
“You’ll be back in three days and we’ll see how much you remember,” Gabe told him.
Leland’s parents were waiting outside the ring. “Mom! Dad! Did you see me? I trotted in jump position over those poles!”
Both parents hugged him. “We sure did see you, son, and the whole Pasco county heard you,” his dad laughed. “That looked like fun.”
“I’m so proud of you. You’re very brave and you’re doing well with your riding. Are you glad now that you enrolled?” his mother asked.
Gabe explained to Sharon. “At first Leland dug in his heels. I thought he might be afraid of horses, but he explained to me that he was tired of people making decisions for him.” Gabe looked knowingly at Sharon.
“I love horses,” Leland said with a pout and then he beamed. “Mom! Dad! Have you met Sharon? She’s my new friend. Isn’t she beautiful? And she’s so sweet.”
“I’m delighted to meet both of you. Your son is quite a boy and I’m happy to be working with him.” Sharon hugged Leland and smiled at his parents.
“Are you a new instructor?” Mr. Nesbitt asked.
“Yes and no. I’m Lynn’s sister and have moved to Zephyrhills so I can attend USF in Tampa. Lynn and I have ridden since we started to walk. I’m thrilled to be working with her. Lynn has specific training for this program and is certified, but I’m just a horse nut who feels lucky to be part of this world.”
“Yea!” Leland yelled again.
“Oh, gee,” his father put his hands over his ears. “Let’s get you home, son, before you take off like a rocket.” He pushed the wheelchair to the van.