Sundancer (21 page)

SUNNY WAS READY. HIS tack was clean. His coat gleamed with good health and thorough brushing. His mane was combed and pulled to a short, feathery length and his hooves were coated with shiny black oil.

Earlier, Bird and Julia and Abby had set up a course of eight jumps in the paddock, including a water jump made from an old wading pool. The jumps were on average three foot six, with lots of room to go higher.

Bird's hands were clumsy with nerves as she looked down at the paddock. She dropped the mane comb.

Abby noticed and smiled reassuringly. “It's going to be fine, Bird.”

Bird wasn't so sure. So much could go wrong.

Remember, Sunny, you don't have to kill him.

Leave it with me, Bird, and stop worrying.

Julia popped her head around the corner. “Hey, Bird! Sunny looks spectacular! Mom told me to tell you to slow things down for a while. Mr. Gilmore and Dr. Paul are late.”

Abby frowned. “How much longer do we have to wait? Sunny's geared up and ready to go.”

“Not too long,” answered Julia. “Maybe fifteen minutes.”

“We'll wait five, then we'll walk him out to the paddock and let him take a look around.”

Bird got more anxious.

Calm yourself, Bird girl. You're making me antsy.

I'm nervous! As far as the bad guys know, you're not here. They probably think that we think you jumped out last night and ran away from Merry Fields, but we can't admit it. They think we're bluffing.

You're confusing me, Bird girl. Relax and leave me in charge.

Don't hurt anybody, Sunny.

We'll see.

Bird patted his face. Again she looked out of the barn toward the assembled group. Stuart had just arrived and was hugging Eva hello. There were the Piersons, Lavinia and Kimberly, her grandfather, Elvin Wainright, Leon Parish, and Hannah, down by the paddock. And now Paul Daniels. The vet's truck was turning off the road. Everyone was here.

Bird fretfully motioned to Abby and Julia. It was time.

Showtime, Sunny. Be good.

Just watch me.

Bird raced down to the paddock and positioned herself beside Hannah. She wanted a close vantage point to observe reactions when Sunny came out.

All eyes focused on the equine vision stepping out of the barn, led by Abby. He shone in the sunlight, as if a spotlight was trained on him. His long legs were strong and fit, his haunches and chest filled out and round. He pranced on the spot and danced as he moved ever closer. Shaking his gorgeous head and arching his muscular neck, he looked like a king's stallion valiantly setting off to the wars.

Bird looked at her grandfather first. Although a smile remained plastered on his face, she could see his jaw clenched beneath his skin. Elvin whispered something in his ear, and they both turned to stare at Leon. If the look was meant to intimidate the rider, it failed. Leon was oblivious to Kenneth or anyone else. His eyes assessed the animal from top to bottom, then back again. He let out a low whistle.

Nobody spoke.

Nice work, Sunny. You really laid it on.

When you've got a crowd, play to it.

Bird chuckled as she ran to open the paddock gate. Abby walked him through and Bird closed it after them. She turned to Leon and pointed at him. He looked at Bird with surprise, then sneered.

“What's she pointing at?” he asked nobody in particular.

“She's telling you that Sundancer is ready,” answered Hannah politely.

Leon looked to Kenneth for instruction. Kenneth frowned, then nodded. He flicked his fingers forward, urging Leon to go and ride.

Leon strode out to Sunny and took his reins from Abby.

“Do you want a leg up, or do you prefer the mounting block?” she asked.

“Neither.” He flipped the reins over Sunny's neck and sprang lightly onto his back from the ground.

Sunny jumped back, surprised. He rolled his eyes and hopped up on his hind legs. Bird gasped, expecting the worst.

Not yet, Sunny. First show him how good you are.

Sunny dropped down and relaxed. Leon walked him a few strides, then trotted him around the paddock. Sundancer stepped out firmly and framed up exactly as asked. When they came around to the gate again, Leon waved with one hand and yelled, “Piece of cake. He's a pussycat!”

Bird sat on the fence, slightly away from the crowd.
More like a lion
.

He's a good rider, Bird girl. I'll give him that.

How are his hands?

Soft. Quiet. And he's sitting very still.

Good.

They cantered away. Leon asked Sunny for some side passes and lead changes, then yelled out, “I'm going to jump him, starting with this single vertical.”

Sunny cantered in easily, then sprang carefully over the jump. Leon grinned. “I'll take him around the course. He's a dream. What's all the fuss about? Who said he was dangerous?”

They jumped around the course of eight jumps like a fox hunter out for a Sunday ride.

“Abby, put them up!” yelled Leon. “Let's see what he can do.”

Am I wonderful or am I wonderful, Bird girl?

Perfect, Sunny.

This rider is a show-off. He doesn't need to swing around so much in the saddle, but he thinks it looks cool. He's a fancy pants.

Bird laughed.

He might need a riding lesson from me.

In time, Sunny.

“What's going on?” whispered Paul to Hannah. “Sundancer's behaving like a lamb. Did you drug him?”

“No,” answered Hannah equally quietly. “I can't figure it out. I thought it would be all over by now.”

Abby ran out to the paddock to raise the jumps.

“Stop!” hollered Lavinia. “Let Kimberly ride him over these jumps the height they are, then we'll raise them. He's her horse.”

Leon looked at Kenneth in dismay. “Not a chance.”

Kenneth shrugged. “Do it, Leon. What can it hurt?”

Leon said, “Let me finish, here, Mr. Bradley, then we'll get the kid up. We're on a roll.”

“Who's paying you, Leon?” asked Lavinia demurely. Kimberly sat on the ground beside Julia and hung her head. “Kimberly, get over there,” commanded Lavinia. “Leon will give you a leg up.”

This wasn't part of the plan, Bird girl.

Can you be nice to Kimby, Sunny?

I'll try. Just don't let her pull on my face or kick me or it won't be pretty.

I'll try.

Bird hopped off the fence and sat beside Kimberly. She took the girl's face in her hands and looked into her eyes. Once she had her attention, Bird put her index fingers in her own mouth, pretending they were a bit. She pulled hard and then shook her head, no.

“Don't pull on his mouth?” asked Kimberly.

Bird nodded. Then she showed Kimberly her feet, and mimed digging her heels in as she rode. Again she shook her head, no.

“And don't kick him?”

Bird nodded and gave her friend a hug. Together they walked over to Sunny.

I don't like this, Bird girl. I wasn't expecting this.

Just be nice. I'll be right here.

You better be.

What are you worried about, Sunny?

I've seen how she rides Pastor.

Abby gave Kimberly a leg up while Bird held the nervous horse. Bird looked up and saw a big smile spread across Kimberly's face. Bird smiled back.

“This is great!” Kimberly enthused. “I've dreamed of riding him since the first day I saw him in the field.” She stroked his neck. “He's so beautiful.”

Maybe she's not so bad after all, Bird girl.

That's the attitude.

Bird led Sunny along.

“Let him go!” screamed Lavinia. “Kimberly can ride! Don't treat her like a novice. What have we been spending all that money on lessons for?”

“It's okay, Bird,” said Kimberly quietly. “I'm fine to ride him alone. Mom won't shut up 'til I do.”

Bird wasn't sure.
Are you okay with that, Sunny?

Depends on the kid. Sure, let me go.

They walked around the paddock once. Lavinia called out, “Terrific! Let's see him trot, Kimberly!”

In her excitement at finally being on the horse's back, Kimberly forgot Bird's advice. She kicked Sunny to make him trot, like she always did with Pastor. Sunny jumped up three feet, then shot forward. Kimberly tumbled to the ground.

Leon laughed aloud.

Lavinia came running. “You get back up there, Kimberly!” she demanded. “That was just a small mistake. Could've happened to anyone.”

Kimberly moaned and held her right arm.

Sunny couldn't relax. He trotted away, full of anxiety, shaking his head wildly.

Leon was furious. “See what I was talking about, Mr. Bradley? You don't fool around with a horse like this. Now he's going to be difficult.”

Kenneth glared at the young man. “You said, and I quote, ‘Piece of cake. He's a pussycat.' You gave them the impression that anyone could ride him.”

“You're blaming me for this?”

“I'm blaming you. Now get out there and make this all better.”

“You want me to ride him in the mood he's in?”

“No. I want you to help Kimberly ride him.”

Leon walked out toward Sundancer as he pranced and threw his head around. The reins dangled close to his feet. If he stepped through them, they'd trip him before they broke.

Bird watched mutely, then raced out ahead of Leon.

Sunny, come to me.

I'm finished. My nerves are shot.

How can I help you?

Open the gate and let me run back to the barn. I want out of here. I'd jump but the reins will trip me. That fellow is coming. Quick, Bird girl, let me out before I hurt him.

Can you calm yourself?

Not possible. Let me out!
Sunny reared and pawed the air.

Bird quickly unlatched the gate and let Sunny out. He ran to the barn, right into his stall, and stood shaking. Bird ran in after him.

Close the barn door, Bird. Don't let him come in.

You know people, Sunny. He'll want to fix this.

Maybe later. Take off this tack.

Leon arrived before Bird could do as Sunny asked. “Get out of his stall, girl! You'll get yourself killed. Why'd you let him go? What were you thinking?”

Bird girl, talk to him! Tell him to wait until I calm down!

Bird opened her mouth. She made a big effort to speak. Only a high-pitched noise came out.

Try again! Someone's going to get hurt!

Bird tried again, with all her concentration. “La … t … er, ple … ease.”

“Have you been drinking?” Leon snorted. “Get out of my way. I've got other horses to ride today.”

It was no use. Even when she did speak, people didn't listen. She sat down in a corner of Sunny's stall and buried her face in her hands. There was no telling what would happen now.

BACK AT THE PADDOCK, Lavinia was berating Kimberly who was sitting on the ground in tears. “When you fall off a horse, you get right back up! Everyone knows that.”

“But, Mom, I don't want to ride him any more. I don't want him. He's way, way too powerful for me.”

“If Bird can ride him, you can! You looked fabulous up there. Think of all the ribbons you'll win, Kimberly!”

“I don't want ribbons. I want to go home. My arm hurts. I can't move my fingers.”

Laura Pierson had been listening, biting her tongue. Now she moved in. “You can't move your fingers, Kimberly dear?”

“No.”

Laura took a look at Kimberly's arm. “Lavinia, there's no doubt about it. She's broken her arm. Take her right to the hospital.”

“That's absurd. She had a little roll off the horse.”

“Tell that to her arm, dear. It's turning blue.”

Lavinia could see for herself. The arm was swelling. She realized that Laura was right. She asked, “Kenneth, are you coming?”

“You take my car, honey child. I'm going to stay here to see Leon ride that animal.”

Leon was leading Sunny down from the barn. He'd put a chain over the horse's nose, and carried a thick crop. Sunny twisted and lunged.

“But I need help with Kimberly, Kenneth. And you've already seen him ride,” said Lavinia.

Kenneth took a good look at Lavinia. He spoke slowly, quietly, and clearly. “You take my car. I have to stay. Now, your child has had an accident. Go care for her.” He took his car keys out of his pocket and dangled them.

Lavinia opened her mouth, then shut it. She snatched the keys, tossed her hair, and stomped off. Kimberly followed unhappily, holding her arm to her waist. Her face had gone white.

Julia ran to her and gave her a quick hug, careful not to touch the arm. “It'll feel better soon, Kimberly. As soon as they set it.”

“I hope so, Julia. Oh, no. I'm going to be sick.”

Julia guided her to the bushes and held Kimberly while she emptied her stomach. “Here, take this,” she said, handing Kimberly a tissue from her pocket. “And here's a mint. You'll need it to calm your tummy.”

“And to get rid of this awful taste in my mouth. Thanks, Julia. You're a friend.” Kimberly walked shakily to the car and climbed in.

Julia gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Good luck,” she said. “Call me later.”

As soon as Julia had closed the car door, Lavinia sped off.

In the paddock, Sunny reared and hopped and pulled on the shank. Leon was tough. He yanked and grunted and fought back.

Hannah and Paul watched. “This is more like the Sundancer we know,” said Hannah, “When should we stop it?”

Paul considered the problem. “It could go on a long time, and it won't get better, but they need to figure out that Sunny's not your average horse.”

Bird didn't want to wait. She hopped the fence and walked steadily toward Sunny and Leon as they struggled.

“Get the kid outta here!” Leon bellowed.

Sunny, if you stop fighting, so will he.

I'm so mad I want to kill him.

No, Sunny, don't. Will you let me come to you?

I won't hurt you, but I'll still be mad.

Okay, Sunny, here I come.

“Someone, get her outta here! She's gonna get kicked!” Leon yelled.

Kenneth Bradley yelled back, “She knows him, Leon. Let her come over. Give her the horse.”

“She let him out last time!”

“She won't this time, will you Bird?” asked Kenneth, calling across the paddock.

Bird turned to look at him. She shook her head, no.

“Leon, give her the horse. That's an order.”

“Fine. If that's the way you want it,” shouted Leon angrily. “She's not my problem.”

Bird quietly walked up to Sunny and took the shank from Leon. Leon sneered at her and huffed, “Good riddance.” Then he stalked off.

Sunny snorted and danced.
I can't make this look too easy, Bird girl.

You can make it a little easier. My arm's going to fall off.

Let the shank go slack. I'll just jump around for show.

Okay.

Hannah felt the time had come. Kenneth might not care if his grandaughter got injured, but Hannah did. “The party's over, folks. Sunny's finished for the day.”

Behind her, Elvin spoke up. “Hannah, Leon did a super job of riding Sundancer before Kimberly got on. We're here today to decide this animal's fate. It's important that we get it right.”

Hannah waited.

Kenneth continued Elvin's train of thought. “The horse is rattled after dumping Kimberly, but he'll get over it. What if Bird hops up and relaxes him a little, then Leon can ride him over some bigger jumps? Let's see what he can do.”

“Now?” asked Hannah. She looked at Paul for his reaction. He simply shrugged.

“Yes. Right now.”

“Bird?” called out Hannah. “Do you feel like riding Sunny?”

Sunny, will you let me ride you?

I won't buck you off, if that's what you mean.

Bird nodded to her aunt.

“Okay,” said Hannah warily. “Bird'll get up. We'll see how it goes. If there's trouble, we stop. I don't want her hurt.”

The men nodded.

Bird walked Sunny to the mounting block and scrambled up onto his back. He heaved a big sigh.

This was a good idea, Bird girl. I feel better already.

I'm glad.

Let's do some jumping.

In front of all these people?

What do you care? Are you turning into Fancy Pants Leon?

He intimidates me. He's famous.

Forget him. I'll do it for you. Just point and leave me alone.

Bird laughed and stroked his neck. I love you, Sundancer.

Don't go all mushy on me. We have a job to do.

Bird trotted Sundancer into the corner then slowed him to a walk. She asked Sunny for his left lead at a canter, and they steadily travelled into the first jump, a white oxer. Sunny cleared it, rounding his body beautifully. He landed and gave a happy little buck. The oxer was followed by a multicoloured in-and-out, which he made look easy. Bird and Sunny flew gently and surely over the course, ending with the purple and white triple combination.

Bird's friends and family gave her a standing ovation. Even Kenneth managed a smile. “Well done, Bird! Let's raise the bars.”

Hannah started to protest, but Bird nodded happily. Together, Abby and Hannah raised the jumps three inches.

“Make the last jump in the triple higher yet,” instructed Kenneth. Abby obliged.

Let me at them, Bird girl.

Take it easy, Sunny.

Don't tell me to take it easy. I'm having fun.

They cantered in again, the same as before. Sunny felt a little wild underneath her, but Bird let him have his way. The jumps didn't seem any higher, and even though they were going faster than before, Sunny made no mistakes. They came into the triple, and he figured it out with ease. When he landed the last jump of the purple triple, the little gathering rose to its feet again. Sunny kicked out in triumph.

Take that, Fancy Pants.

“That's enough, Bird,” called Hannah. “Let's leave him on a positive note. He's been a very good boy.”

Leon strode out to the middle of the paddock. “My turn now, kid. Let me show you how it's done. Put ‘em up six inches.”

Bird slid down. She shook her head, no.

“I said, put 'em up. Six inches.”

Do what the man asks, Bird girl. I'm ready.

Bird didn't like the wild, unpredictable look in Sunny's eye.
This isn't a good idea.

He's asking for it. It's payback time.

With trepidation, Bird raised the jumps. They were now all four foot three; the triple even higher. The course looked huge.

Leon sprang up on Sunny's back, oblivious to his mood. Sunny reared and bucked, but Leon stayed on. Sunny calmed right down, very suddenly.

Oh, no, thought Bird. The calm before the storm.

“He just needs to know who's boss,” sneered Leon.

Oh, I do, Fancy Pants. I do.

Leon headed for the first jump. He steered him in straight and at a good pace, but then asked him to take off with more leg than Sunny liked.

You want me to jump, Fancy Pants? I'll jump.

Sunny soared six feet into the air, cracked his back, lowered his head, and landed hard. Leon stayed with him. “This sucker can jump!” he hollered to Elvin and Kenneth.

This sucker can stay on. I'll have to try harder.

Leon turned for the colourful in-and-out. Again he asked too harshly. Sunny flew high, landed, then took one stride instead of two and jumped from too far back. He made an enormous effort and cleared the second jump.

Leon was left behind in the saddle and pulled hard on the reins. He was furious. “Whoa! I didn't tell you to jump!” he yelled.

They headed for the water jump. Leon pushed Sunny, pumping at him to keep him going.

Don't insult me, Fancy Pants. I never stop at water jumps.

Sunny slammed on his brakes and dropped Leon neatly in the water.

Until now.
The chestnut gelding reared up and neighed loudly. He dropped his front hooves to the ground and spun around. He bucked and played and whinnied again. He was unmistakably extremely proud of himself.

Bird worried that Leon would punish Sunny. She wouldn't give him the chance. While everyone was distracted by Leon's fall, she raced out, hopped on Sunny's back, and cantered around the ring.

Did you see that, Bird girl? Served him right.

It was funny, I'll admit.

Let's do the course. Show up Fancy Pants.

Bad idea. They're upset enough.

Then the water jump, Bird girl. I need Leon to see how easy it is when you don't hump and pump at a horse.

Okay. Leon's out of the water now.

Sunny and Bird steadily cantered to the water jump. Over they went as easily as could be. They landed carefully and cantered away quietly.

Leon came running, shaking his arms. His face was contorted with rage. He dripped with water. “Stop that horse! He can't do that to me!”

Bird could see no advantage to sticking around. She aimed Sunny at the four-rail paddock fence. They hopped over and galloped off, leaving the grown-ups to sort out the mess. The show was over.