Sundancer

by Shelley Peterson

  Sundancer kept moving, trotting now instead of cantering. His bucks and kicks were becoming minimal, and his energy was rapidly being depleted. Still he eyed Hannah with suspicion. How long could he go on like this? Or Hannah, for that matter?

  As Bird pondered, the unimaginable happened. The big chestnut gelding sat down on the ground. He simply dropped his rump onto the dirt and skidded to a stop. Then he fell down on his side, breathing hard.

  Bird involuntarily rose to her feet.

  Hannah ran and crouched beside him. A moment later, she stood, hand on her hip. “You should see his eyes, Cliff!” she shouted. “He knows exactly what he’s doing. He’s trying to rest without submitting.”

  She flicked the whip. “Get off the ground! Up! Up!”

  Hannah one, Sundancer zip, thought Bird with a smile.

  The horse was startled. He had not expected Hannah to persist. He staggered to his feet, then put his head down and rushed at her. She jumped out of his way. Crack went the whip. “Raaaaaa!” she hollered, sounding more like a lion than a human. “Raaaaaaa! Get up!”

  Bird could see that Hannah was mad. “Move on!” she cried again as she forced him into another round of circles.

  Finally, two long minutes later, the big chestnut dropped his head. Hannah watched closely as he trotted around with his nose almost touching the ground. When his ears began to flick towards her, indicating that he was paying attention to her, she softened her voice. “Good fella. Good boy.”

  His jaws started to chew. He was declaring defeat. His tongue licked his upper lip.

  “Whoa. Whoa, boy. Good fella.”

  Now the gelding stood quietly. His eyes were lowered, his posture gentle. Sweat dripped off his body, creating a damp spot underneath him in the sand. Hannah walked up and placed her hand on his neck. He quivered at her touch, then relaxed.

  Bird jumped down from the seats. She was impressed. Hannah hadn’t given up. Now, Bird could finally have her chance.

  “Cliff, the saddle and bridle, please.”

  Cliff entered with the tack and helped Hannah put on the saddle pad, saddle, then tighten the girth. They slipped the bridle over his head and fastened the buckles. The horse made no move.

  “Hannah, you’re so exhausted you’re shaking. No way you’re getting up. I’ll do it,” Cliff said.

  “I’m a big girl, Cliff.”

  Bird tapped Hannah on the back. Hannah turned to see who was there, and before she could react, Bird had pulled herself up onto the horse’s back.

  “Sun … dan … cer,” she croaked.

  “Bird!” Hannah hesitated for a moment, deciding how to react. Her eyes blurred. “You named him Sundancer? Well, then, Sundancer it is.”

  Hannah led Sundancer around the pen with Bird sitting proudly atop. Bird could feel that his attitude had changed. He was mellow and sweet. He was going to be okay. She signalled to Hannah to let go of the reins.

  This is just what I imagined, thought Bird. He’s big and strong and even after his workout there’s more energy in him than I’ve ever felt in a horse before. Power. Wildness. Danger. His ears are flicking around, picking up every sound and reading every nuance. He’s sensitive beyond what’s good for him. Each sense seems magnified a hundred times. It must hurt him to live each day.

  Hannah did the right thing, Bird thought. Now it’s up to me to earn his trust. He doesn’t trust because he’s worried about being tricked. I won’t trick you, but you don’t know it yet.

  Every human tries to trick me.

  Sundancer?

  Who else is here?

  Well, I won’t trick you.

  Why should I believe you?

  Because you can hear what I think.

  Hmm. But you can hear what I think, too, girl. I didn’t know humans could do that.

  Some can, I guess. I can’t be the only one.

  You’re the only one I know. Still, don’t count on getting the better of me, girl. I’m very smart.

  I’m smart, too.

  I’m smarter. I scared you silly.

  True, but I came back for another try.

  And I dumped you. I can do that again. Any time I want.

  Do you know what “putting down’ means?

  No.

  It means putting to sleep. Permanently. Understand something, Sundancer. You were going to be put down because you’re dangerous. You’re here for your last chance at life.

  You’re making that up.

  No, I’m not.

  I don’t want to die, girl.

  I’m glad.

  The woman thinks she got the better of me. She didn’t.

  She shook you out of your snobbiness.

  What do you mean?

  You wouldn’t talk to me before.

  Oh.

  You’d better treat her well. She owns the place.

  So?

  So it’ll be game over if you cross her.

  She wouldn’t do that. I’m the best-looking horse here. By far.

  Hannah always says beauty is as beauty does.

  Crap.

  “Ohmygawd! Look at Bird! She’s riding Phoenix! He’s bee-you-tyful!” Kimberly’s shrill voice surprised Sundancer, and the chestnut gelding’s head shot up. He was immediately tense. He skittered sideways and threw his head around to find the source of the noise.

  There’s nothing wrong, Sundancer.

  The horse let out a big breath.

  He’s always waiting for punishment, Bird thought.

  Because I always get punished.

  You won’t get punished here unless you deserve it.

  That’s what they all say.

  That’s because they don’t know better. Here, we understand horses.

  I’ll be the judge of that.

  “Kimberly, you know how to behave around horses,” Hannah scolded in hushed tones. “Look what happened. You scared him.”

  “I know, and I’m sorry, but I didn’t expect this! I woke up and didn’t know where anybody was, and I looked all over the place and I finally came here. I thought you said he was unrideable.”

  “Today’s the first day. We’ll know more about him as we work him.”

  “Can I get on?” Kimberly asked.

  “No, Kimberly. We’re going to take it slow.”

  “But Bird’s riding him.”

  “Bird was bucked off this morning. She’s now back up.”

  “Phoenix looks awesome.”

  “He’s got a new name. Bird named him Sundancer.”

  “Right. She can’t talk.”

  “She said, ‘Sundancer’ when she got on. Sundancer is his name.”

  “When I buy him, I’ll name him Phoenix.”

  Moments later, Jo, Melanie, and Peter arrived. Soon, everyone was talking at once.

  “Who’s that horse?” asked Peter. “What’s his name?”

  “Is that Bird riding him?” wondered Melanie.

  “Can’t be!” exclaimed Jo. “That’s the new horse. My mother told me to stay away from him. She says he’s mean.”

  Hannah turned to face them. “Yes, yes, and yes. Yes, it’s the new horse, and his name is Sundancer. Yes, Bird is riding him. And yes, I’ve heard stories about him, too. That’s why we worked him into the ground before Bird hopped on. Literally.”

  “He’s good looking,” said Peter. “I like his colour, except for the sweat. Which is all over him.”

  “And check out his shape,” added Melanie. “He’s got excellent conformation.”

  Hannah nodded her agreement. “But beauty is as beauty does. Never forget that.”

  “And I am definitely going to ask my father to buy him for me,” said Kimberly. “Or my mother’s new boyfriend. He’s old and rich. We’d kick some butt. The judges for sure would notice him.”

  “What’ll you do with Pastor?” asked Jo. “He’s a cool horse.”

  “Do you want to buy him? As of yesterday when he bucked me off and made a fool of me, he’s for sale.”

  “I�
�ll never sell Gem,” answered Jo loyally.

  “Whatever, but Pastor runs rings around her.”

  Hannah sensed a quarrel about to start. “Kids, all of you. Get your tack cleaned and your horses groomed. Kimberly and I brought them home and bedded them down after the show. We didn’t fuss with them. They still have their manes and tails braided.”

  Kimberly whined, “Can I please ride Phoenix?”

  “No, and his name is Sundancer.”

  “I’ll always call him Phoenix. You said it was a good name.”

  “It is a good name, for all the reasons that you said. But you have to admit it’s rather special that Bird named him.”

  “Just because she never talks?”

  Hannah smiled at the girl’s persistence. “Exactly.”

  Kimberly grimaced and went off to catch up with the others.

  By now Hannah’s stomach was rumbling with hunger. “Bird, let’s call it a day and get some breakfast.”

  Bird nodded. She pulled the reins to stop Sundancer so she could dismount. He reared up so suddenly and so unexpectedly that Bird slipped in the saddle.

  I’m not a plow horse, you know!

  She threw both arms around his neck and managed to stay on. What’s your problem?

  Don’t pull at my mouth. I’ve got blisters from the last bozo who rode me. Just relax your legs and sit back.

  You didn’t need to rear up.

  I made my point, didn’t I?

  Hannah rushed to take the reins. “Well done, Bird. Now sit tight while we get him quiet again.”

  Sundancer threw his head and sidled. This is boring, woman. I’ve had enough. He pushed against Hannah, testing her authority again.

  “We’ve got to end on a good note. We can’t let him win, Bird, or all our work today is worthless,” warned Hannah.

  Bird sat quietly while Hannah led him. I meant what I said about Hannah, Sundancer. Give her a break.

  I’ll think about it. Begrudgingly, Sundancer walked nicely again. Hannah brought the gelding to a halt. “That’s enough. We’ll quit while we’re ahead. Take your feet out of the stirrups and slide down.”

  Bird did as she was told, and safely alit on the arena floor.

  Peter came running at full tilt, waving his arms. He yelled loudly, “Hannah! There’s a coyote outside the barn!”

  Sundancer panicked. His eyes glazed and showed white all around. Hannah braced herself and held on to the reins as he pulled and reared.

  Easy, Sundancer. Easy, boy.

  No answer. He’d shut down again.

  “Sorry, Hannah,” panted Peter. “I didn’t mean to scare the horse. But there really is a coyote. Right outside!”

  “Calm down, Peter. Speak softly.” Sundancer reared and walked on his hind legs. He’d begun to sweat heavily again.

  Behave yourself!

  Bird got no response. Interesting, she thought. He’s truly so frightened that he can’t think.

  “But what about the coyote?” asked Peter shrilly. He jumped up and down with anxiety.

  “Peter, please. Calm yourself. Don’t worry about the coyote.”

  “Can I help?” asked a young woman in jeans and half-chaps. She had come in through the side entrance.

  “You sure can. I’ll hold this rascal. Can you get his saddle off?” The girl efficiently unfastened the girth and removed the saddle while Sundancer twisted and jumped around. “Done. What about his bridle?”

  “I’ll take it off once I get him to the field.”

  “I’ll help.”

  Bird followed silently as they led Sundancer through the barn and back to his pasture. The young woman opened the gate, and Hannah led the prancing horse into the field. After turning him to face the gate for safety’s sake, she quickly and carefully slipped the bridle over his ears and dropped the bit from his mouth. Sundancer reared up, twisted, and threw himself into a gigantic buck. Hannah closed the gate behind her and let out her breath.

  “What a devil,” she muttered.

  “No kidding,” agreed the younger woman. “I heard he was here. I came over to see him. He’s everything I was told, and more.”

  Hannah turned to look at her visitor. “You’re Abby Malone. I would’ve recognized you right away, but I was a little preoccupied.” Hannah smiled. “You were a teenager when we last met. I’m Hannah Bradley. So Peter really did see a coyote.”

  Abby nodded. “Yes, he sure did. Cody. I’m sorry he caused all that trouble.”

  Hannah shook her head and laughed. “This horse was causing trouble before you came.”

  From the bushes, Bird took a good look at the person standing beside Hannah. Abby Malone was close to Hannah’s height, and slight. She possessed self-assurance and directness. She was fair and attractive, with a natural good humour that was appealing. Bird guessed her age at about twenty. She listened to their conversation.

  Hannah inhaled deeply. “I’d better get this over with. I don’t know if you remember, but my father is Colonel Kenneth Bradley.”

  Abby nodded. “I know. That’s not something I’d forget.”

  Bird studied her more closely. From family lore, Bird knew that Abby’s father was Liam Malone, who had been her grandfather’s lawyer for many years. Kenneth Bradley had accused him of stealing money from the family trust fund, and Liam had been sent to prison, based on false testimony. It was Abby’s detective work that had uncovered the truth and resulted in Liam’s release from prison. Kenneth was later convicted of stealing the money himself, from his own family’s fund, and served time in jail.

  Hannah was talking now. “I’m very sorry about what you and your family went through because of my father. I can’t explain why he did those things. I’m still embarrassed.”

  “No need. We got the letter you wrote after the trial. It meant a lot to all of us. In fact, my father kept it. But that’s long over now.”

  “I hear that your father’s doing great. I’m glad.” Hannah smiled. Bird emerged from her cover and stood beside Hannah, head down. She wanted to get closer to this young woman who had a coyote.

  “Hi,” said Abby. “My name’s Abby. What’s yours?”

  Bird said nothing, just stared.

  “This is my niece, Alberta,” Hannah interceded. “Eva’s daughter. She was born in Calgary, and my sister named her in memory of the clear air and the smell of pines. We call her Bird.”

  “I like both names. Alberta and Bird.” Abby paused thoughtfully. “Birds can fly. They simply open their wings and they’re in a place all their own. Do you do that?”

  Bird said nothing, but studied Abby with interest. I like you, she thought. I think you might understand me. A little.

  4

  SUNDANCER

  I am apprehensive. I wait to see what the new humans want.

  Hannah invited Abby to stay for breakfast and the younger woman accepted. With Bird tagging along, the three went inside the house and sat at the kitchen table. The buttercup-yellow walls were bathed in morning sunshine and a slight breeze fluttered the gauzy white curtains. They helped themselves to toast and jam, scrambled eggs, a bowl of fruit salad, and steaming coffee.

  It wasn’t long before the talk turned to the new horse.

  “Bird’s named him, haven’t you, hon?” Hannah looked proudly at her niece.

  “What did you decide to call him?” Abby leaned forward as she spoke, genuinely interested in what Bird might say. For a moment, Bird considered answering. She quickly changed her mind and focused on her hands, now folded neatly in her lap. Abby didn’t give up. “Oh, you don’t need to be shy with me, Bird. I won’t bite, promise.”

  Bird looked up and saw an open, encouraging smile. She knew she wasn’t being fair, but she just couldn’t help it. She looked to Hannah for assistance.

  “It’s not you, Abby.” Bird heard the note of resignation in

  Hannah’s voice. “She doesn’t speak.”

  “At all?”

  Hannah shook her head. “Not at all. To anyo
ne.”

  “Why not?”

  “That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it, Bird?” answered Hannah. “The doctors call it “elective mutism,” which basically means that she can speak, she just chooses not to. I’ve heard it called “selective mutism,” too.”

  “Really.” Abby’s brow furrowed. Bird saw the look that passed between the two women. Abby felt sorry for Bird and sorry for Hannah. She didn’t understand. No one did. Bird thought about leaving, walking out of the kitchen so Abby and Hannah could talk about her to their hearts’ content. But before she could push her chair back from the table, Abby spoke again.

  “I’m sorry you don’t feel like talking, Bird, because I bet you have some interesting things to say. But sometimes, I think I know how you feel. Sometimes quiet is better, right? It gives you a chance to listen.”

  Once again, Abby smiled at her. This time, Bird decided to smile back.

  “Actually,” said Hannah, “today was a big leap forward. Today, Bird spoke for the first time since she was six. Only one word, but she spoke.”

  “And what word was that?”

  “She said ‘Sundancer’ when she got on the gelding in the round pen.”

  Abby’s eyes widened. “Good name. Why did you name him that?”

  Hannah looked at Bird, waiting to see if she might offer an explanation. When none came, Hannah just shrugged, “I haven’t given it much thought. I guess because his coat is brightly coloured, like sunshine, and he skitters and dances in his movement. Good reasons.”

  Abby nodded. “True. But when you told me she’d named him Sundancer, I thought of something different.”

  “What?”

  Abby paused, then said, “He totally reminds me of Dancer.” Hannah nodded. “Absolutely, he does. Same manner, same colour. Nobody knows Dancer better than you, Abby. Well, besides Hilary.”

  Abby Malone smiled. Abby and the great equine athlete Dancer had won the Grand Invitational a few years back. They’d made local history. Owned and ridden in his prime by Hilary James, the stallion was regarded by many as one of the finest horses in Canada. He still lived at Hogscroft, the nearby farm owned by Hilary James’ family.