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Lucy lifted her eyes from her computer screen and glanced out her bedroom window to where Hope was grazing. The mornings were mostly warm in the wide valley and on the light breeze blowing in through the open French doors she caught the gentle scent of the jasmine that hung from the poles of the balcony, reminding her of Jasmine Farm.
Lucy was wearing a teeshirt and denim miniskirt. She felt like she’d been living in the same clothes since the accident! It had been impossible to get jeans over her plastered leg. She was so over the ‘six weeks’ of not being able to wear her jeans and riding boots, she thought. Today, like most days, she longed to ride again, but only one more day and she’d be getting the plaster off.
As much as she tried to focus on her schoolwork, she couldn’t. She gazed at her horse and called, ‘Two minutes, Hope, and I’ll be out to see you.’ Her history assignment was finished – it had taken her the best part of the week. She pressed the send button on her laptop – she’d send that to her teacher now and worry about maths later. For the moment she had more important things to attend to. It wasn’t that schoolwork by correspondence was so bad, she thought. It was just that Hope needed her, especially today! Lucy closed the lid of her laptop and reached for her crutches. Thinking back, it had taken some work to convince her parents that she’d be fine staying on at the homestead. However, she dared not let on to anyone that, at times, she felt a bit homesick. She had had no choice but to stay on a little longer. She and Hope simply had to be together, so Lucy had willingly accepted the invitation to stay on at White Cloud with her injured horse. It had been a slow recovery for both of them, but now, the thought of having her plaster off lifted her spirits.
Lucy smiled when she heard the familiar thud of the helicopter’s rotor blades and held her hand up to shade her eyes as it came in to land. Hope lifted her head and followed the two people as they left the helicopter. Lucy wondered what Hope was thinking, and whether she remembered when the rescue helicopter had rescued her. She certainly doesn’t seem upset by it, thought Lucy, so maybe she’s got over her ghastly experience.
Hope reached over the rail fence and took the morning apple Lucy balanced on her palm.
Every evening, after dinner, Lucy took an apple from the fruit bowl, pretending it was for her supper. So, between the apples she took and the carrots from Cynthia, Hope was doing pretty well as far as titbits went. She eagerly looked for Lucy in the mornings and if she didn’t appear before ten o’clock, Hope would neigh. Lucy knew she was saying, Excuse me, it’s apple time!
Hope bit the apple in half and munched contentedly. Froth foamed from the corners of her mouth as she searched for the next piece in Lucy’s hands. ‘You’re such a greedy girl,’ giggled Lucy. ‘Finish your mouthful first!’
Hope scooped up the next piece.
‘Now,’ Lucy said. ‘See that lady over there, that’s your doctor arriving, Hope. She’s got some other clients first and then she’ll be checking you. Not that any other horse is more important, of course, it’s just that Grandad wants Shannon to do pre-purchase veterinary checks on five of our station-bred horses first. Mike’s got to head back to Uni soon.’
Mike was only back for a few days but it felt like years since she’d seen him! He’d been busy starting the horses with his dad, Calum, who also seemed pleased to have Mike home, even if it was only a relatively short visit. Mike was an experienced horseman for a 18-year-old. Growing up on the station, and being around horses and horsemen like Grandad, their head stockman, Ron, and his father, Calum (who’d recently returned to run the station), had given Mike a diverse range of skills and experience. Like his grandfather, Hector Phillips, he had a passion for anything equine, this being one of the reasons he’d chosen to leave the station for six years to study veterinary science. He planned to work with horses in the area once he qualified. The rural district needed a specialist equine veterinarian and, with Calum, owning and piloting his own helicopter, Mike would be able to fl y to the remote areas of the high country if required.
In the distance Lucy could see Shannon picking up her bag and some other gear. She went into the barn and then rejoined them, carrying only her bag. Then she started the checks.
Lucy moved awkwardly, balancing on one crutch with the halter in her free hand. Hope was obliging and, lowering her head, she poked her nose into the noseband of the halter.
‘Good girl, Hope,’ Lucy said softly, throwing the end of the lead rope over the rail fence. Hope stood, resting a hind leg, and closed her eyes dreamily while Lucy brushed her with the body brush. Her cuts had healed incredibly well and there was very little scarring, which was a relief as Lucy most definitely wanted to show her when they were both fully recovered.
She looked down at her horse’s bandaged leg and closed her eyes. ‘Please, please, please let your leg be mended,’ she whispered.
Lucy kept an eye on the progress of the pre-purchase examinations over in the far yards. Shannon appeared to watch closely as Mike trotted out on a huge grey gelding. Lucy knew how important it was that these horses all passed. She also knew that Peter Smith would be paying a large amount for them, although she wasn’t sure how much and she didn’t like to ask. Lucy wondered if the vet was also doing an ultrasound in the barn when she saw Calum and Ron, in turn, leading horses in and out of the barn, while Mike was busy riding other horses, so they could be examined after being exercised.
At last Mike waved, indicating Shannon was on her way. It was Hope’s turn.
Lucy had had quite a bit to do with Shannon over the past weeks, and she not only trusted her advice but also enjoyed her company.
‘Hi, you gorgeous chestnut horse. How are you doing today, girl? Shannon asked as she approached. ‘Yes, it’s me again . . .’
Lucy smiled. She loved the way Shannon treated her patient. Hope too was calm with Shannon’s quiet approach and moved her mouth (as if chewing), indicating she was relaxed.
Lucy watched intently as Shannon examined her horse. She reached for her stethoscope and listened to Hope’s heartbeat. She rubbed her hands over her rump and down her injured hind leg. Lucy watched closely as Shannon felt over her horse’s body. After examining the mare’s hindquarters, Shannon said, ‘Well let’s get that bandage off then, shall we, and have a closer look at this leg.’
Lucy replied, ‘Yes, please.’
Shannon knelt down on one knee and unravelled the bandage from Hope’s leg. She rubbed her hand down the cannon and felt the fetlock joint. Mike joined them at that point, watching closely, his head tilted and his hands on his hips. At last Shannon responded, ‘I’m very pleased with how this is looking, Lucy.’ She turned to Mike. ‘Hey, let’s get this up-and-coming veterinarian to give his prognosis. I’d like your opinion on this, Mike?’
Mike was slightly embarrassed at an experienced veterinarian, such as Shannon, asking for his opinion. He was only into his first semester at veterinary college, after all. He felt Hope’s tendons and suspensory ligaments on both of the injured legs.
‘Shannon, will you please lead Hope out for me,’ he asked confidently. He stood behind with his head again slightly tilted. Lucy knew that when he did this he was concentrating hard. She just hoped . . .
Mike interrupted her thoughts, ‘Does she look even to you, Lucy?’
‘Yes, I think her gait looks even,’ said Lucy. ‘But I reckon she’s a little light in condition.’
‘She’s in moderate condition, but she is still recovering. Have you got her on the supplementary goodies I suggested?’ asked Shannon.
‘I sure have!’
‘She’ll be a different horse in a few weeks, now that she’s moving around better,’ added Mike. ‘It’s all good, Lucy!’ He smiled, and teasing Lucy, he asked, ‘Do you think Lucy can stop worrying about her now, Shannon?’
‘Oh, I’d say so,’ Shannon said with a smile.
‘Yes, I think so too!’ winked Mike. However, Lucy still looked concerned.
‘You look a bit unsure about something, Lucy,’ said Shannon. ‘We’ve got the ultrasound equipment in the barn; why don’t we make absolutely sure everything is as it should be?’ ‘Okay, sounds like a good idea,’ replied Lucy, stroking Hope’s face.
Mike took the lead rope. ‘I’ll lead her to the barn for you, Lucy. Now can you manage okay on your crutches? Be careful on the driveway.’
***
The ultrasound gave pleasing results. Finally Lucy’s smile was wide as Mike led Hope out of the barn.
‘If she was my horse, Lucy, I’d be bringing her back into light work. A bit of walking, maybe walking in straight lines for ten minutes a day to start with and—’ began Mike, passing Lucy the lead rope.
‘You took the words out of my mouth,’ interjected Shannon, following behind them. ‘You’re on to it, Mike!’
Lucy let out a huge sigh of relief. ‘Cool! Wow. Like . . .’
They started laughing at Lucy’s inability to get her point across. ‘Well, you know what I mean . . .’ she turned away and wiped a tear from her eye. ‘Did you hear that, Hope? You’re okay!’ There were smiles all round. Lucy was a little overcome with emotion. It had seemed like forever for her to finally hear the prognosis.
Mike laughed. ‘Yeah and now it’s your turn, Lucy!’ ‘Yeah, tomorrow,’ she grinned. Shannon turned to Lucy. ‘So, you get your plaster off then, do you?’
‘Yes, I can’t wait! I’m so over this broken leg.’ Shannon laughed. ‘Well, remember to phone me if you have any concerns, won’t you? I know Mitchell doesn’t mind giving me a lift when he’s flying up this way. I always like an excuse to visit everyone here.’
‘Yes I will. Thanks so much, Shannon.’