you want to get Prince Charming, I’ll get his tack and meet you at the mounting steps.”
Zach walked to Prince Charming’s stall while Sophie grabbed the tack and blanket and walked to the mounting steps.
Ollie and Ethan stood with Zach. Zach held Prince Charming by his halter.
“I see we have a new sidewalker,” Sophie greeted as she walked to the group.
Ollie took the tack, and Sophie threw the blanket over Prince Charming’s back. Quickly they got the horse ready for the ride. This time when Zach mounted the horse, things went smoothly.
Sophie led Prince Charming into the ring. She stopped and glanced over her shoulder at Zach. “When you’re ready, tell Prince Charming.”
He nodded. She could see the excitement in Zach’s face.
Zach patted Prince Charming’s shoulder. “Let’s go.”
Prince Charming started forward.
After their first time around the ring, Zach asked, “Why’d you name him Prince Charming?”
Ollie snorted.
“What’s that mean?” Ethan asked.
“’Cause this guy was an unruly beast when we first got him.”
“So how’d he get the name Prince Charming?” Zach asked.
Sophie shrugged, but didn’t turn around. “Because he reminded me of the horse in the storybook I read as a girl. I thought there was a wonderful horse under all that bad behavior. I was right. I worked with him and earned his trust. Prince Charming is only used with adult patients.” She glanced over at Ethan. “We all have our bad moments. The place where Margaret got Prince Charming was a ranch in southern Colorado. Something happened. I think the owner was some city dude and didn’t know much about horses.”
They worked for close to twenty minutes, making rounds of the corral.
“Let me know when you’re tired.”
“I think a couple more times around, then we can call a halt to it.”
Both Ollie and Ethan nodded in approval.
With a final round of the corral, Sophie guided Prince Charming to the mounting stairs. She held her breath as Zach swung his prosthesis over Prince Charming’s back. His artificial foot rested on the platform.
She held her breath and Ethan tensed, ready to dart forward and help his brother.
Zach continued to hold on to the saddle blanket and slipped his good leg out of the stirrup. He paused for a moment, getting his balance. Slowly he released the saddle blanket and stood.
Tears welled in Sophie’s eyes. Zach took a step back, turned and smiled at her.
“I listened to my body this time.”
“That’s good.” She forced the words around the lump in her throat.
He held on to the railing as he walked down the stairs. Prince Charming nodded his head, as if agreeing with Sophie.
“I think this guy needs a carrot.”
Sophie grabbed a carrot and gave it to Zach. Prince Charming took the offered treat.
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