My RA Ch. 02

April, Sarah and Zoe were really excited now. The foal will be coming soon, April was a little sad at finding out when the kids could see it. She would have to make it up to them. The time table depended on 'Beauty'—4-6 months alone time + 3 weeks before the kids can see it.

The vet was coming every week now to check on 'Beauty' everything was going fine with no problems. He would teach Sarah and Noel new things every time he came out. They would always had questions.

The farm was like a bee hive now. Sarah was glad Noel was learning with her. It was a lot to learn. During the evening hours, Sarah was reading up on everything about the stable area so they could do a better job taking care of the boarded animals. Noel was reading up on how to take care of pasture land, feed, storage etc.

Sarah called several high end boarding stables to see what she could do to provide better service for her animals. Two accepted, they knew Sarah was just starting out but was a dedicated owner. Her asking to make her farm better and getting other people's advice showed her dedication. Noel went with Sarah to the two places as their jobs overlapped.

After they toured the stable area they went to the pastureland on horseback. Noel was unsure of herself on a horse, she would need to learn if she wanted to do her job properly. Zoe would have to teach her, Sarah and Noel asked many questions.

The high end places did not view Sarah as competition, many had waiting lists. As Sarah was more or less starting from scratch, many places called the farmers to suggest how she make her ranch. They let the famers know what the need in the area was. In that way, Sarah could concentrate on certain areas. Boarding horses at a quality place was a huge need. Milking cows could be phased in after the ranch was well established breeding or training could start.

Noel started doing ride alongs with the vet once a week. She did not want to be a vet but wanted to handle some problems that may occur. If she learned more complicated lessons all the better. The vet was grateful for the extra hands. The deal was the vet would have exclusive rights for Sarah's growing ranch unless the problem was too big for the vet.

Sarah tasked April, Zoe and Anne to watch out for her health. Sarah knew she will push herself to hard so she may get sick or stressed out.

Sarah was a rising star in the area, she took an average home farm to an excellent farm. People tried to help her in any way they could. Every improvement she made her deeper in debt. In the long run it would pay off, but she was hurting right now.

She was a good farmer doing all the right things, but she was not making enough money. It was an innate problem farmers had. She called Noel to activate the prayer chain about it. She had a foal on her hands also. She prayed to God and also Mom as she always got good guidance from her.

Then the worse came, 'Beauty' was sick. Sarah and April stayed up nights with 'Beauty'. The vet was called in. The examination was making April a nervous wreck. Sarah held on tight to April.

The vet finally said," Well do you want the good news first or the bad?"

With trepidation April said," The bad news."

"The bad news is we have to change 'Beauty's feed until she foals, then we can check again."

"And the good news?"

"You will have a beautiful foal, it will look majestic in the pasture."

April said to 'Beauty'," We will fix you up, you take care of your baby."

April came to class exhausted and had bags under her eyes. Mistress stopped class completely. Zoe you will take April to the lodge and put her to bed. You will do this before you eat. I will be there after class. Not being there when I arrive is not an option. After they left, Miss Dawn continued with her class.

You see you don't to punish a sub, you do need to look out for their well-being. April has been spending nights with 'Beauty', she is exhausted and needs sleep.

After Dawn checked in on April and saw she was fast asleep, Dawn asked Zoe if she could borrow 'Companion', who was outside the Lodge.

"Yes Mistress."

Dawn was adjusting the straps very short. Zoe thought Dawn had just been on a horse once or twice and did not know how to fit the stirrups. Zoe soon found out Dawn is a world class rider.

Sarah was very confused as Dawn handed her the reigns of 'Companion'

Dawn said," That was a blast, to bad there were no three rail jumps.

Dawn said she had to talk to 'Beauty', Sarah showed Dawn the stall. "'Beauty', Miss April got sick because she stayed up with you to much when you were real sick. She has to be here when you foal. Could you hold out two or three more days?"

Dawn felt 'Beauty's belly.

She checked 'Beauty's' feed first and wrote some notes about now, nursing and weaning. She did notice 'Beauty' was sick.

Dawn also checked the DIY stalls, Sarah decided that some of the stalls would be for people who wanted to, saves money by doing things themselves, and Dawn was shaking her head as she wrote notes for each of the four horses.

The owner was just arriving when she saw Dawn looking at her horses. Dawn took the owner aside to point out every detail. The owner was skeptical, how could a teacher at a small university know anything about horses?

"Don't take my word for it, call a vet."

She asked Dawn to stay as she called a vet. Dawn sensed a trap, but was confident in her diagnosis.

The owner was smug when the vet came. The owner and Miss Sarah handed over the notes that Dawn wrote down. "I am a moron, this is ten times better than what I was going to do, especially for the foal. Even the amount of hay is covered, ma'am I would follow this to the letter and get any other info from Miss Dawn that you can get to help your horses. "

The vet asked," Were you a racer or a jumper?"

Dawn said," I jumped over a few thousand rails or so in my time, so I guess I know a thing or two about horses. By the way 'Beauty' will foal in three days.

I have a trophy case of a couple hundred ribbons and trophies. Granted that was over three disciplines. I won my first trophy on a horse named 'Apache.'

My mom was the best, she and her horse rode as one. My mom made a pact with her horse, she promised never to whip him. My Mom would sometimes race, she would walk back and put a heel mark on the track. When she hit that mark she went into overdrive. The others had nothing left, it was a race for second.

When asked why she does not race more she responded," I never use my own horse, I gave my word to my horse that I would never whip it. Giving your word is the principal of the thing, not who or what you give it to.

If I finish up in last place so be it. I can hold my head up high knowing I did not break my word to my horse. I have a large trophy case as does my daughter, who has also given her word to her horse. I guess it has not been detrimental to us

Dawn called Zoe to tell April that 'Beauty' will foal in three days. April needs to be here.

April worked hard on her homework to get ahead. She ate well and went to bed early. On the third day, April was in the stall. April called for the vet.

It was almost as if 'Beauty' was waiting for April to come. Dawn asked Sarah to help the vet with the foal. She asked April to talk to 'Beauty', the trick is not to make her stressed out.

April started talking to 'Beauty'," Hi 'Beauty' it is April, I got better so I could see your baby. You will be an excellent Mom. You will be proud of your little girl. Miss Sarah's Mom is looking down on you, she will be your comforter."

Once April said that, 'Beauty' went into a trance. She did not make a sound while giving birth.

The vet said," Dawn that had to be the easiest foal I have ever delivered, what did you do?"

Dawn said," It was not me, it was Sarah's Mom. Did you see how relaxed she got after April mentioned her? Good job April."

April took many pictures of the foal and also the foal and 'Beauty'."

The next day Dawn said to Sarah," I am going to get my training and teaching certificates, it should be easy. You should get the teaching one."

Dawn got a letter for her training test. She had to be tested the next day. She chuckled," They never give you any time, you to have to know your stuff right on the spot."

When Dawn arrived at the testing ranch she saw several cow pokes trying, and failing to break a horse. An official confided to Dawn," It is a shame it is unbreakable, they are going to put it down tomorrow. "

"You can't put an animal down for no reason. How much do they want for it? I demand to be tested on that animal! "

The official talked to the owner. He came back to Dawn," They have already written it off as a loss, if you can break it you will pass and you get the horse.

"Deal."

A cowboy handed Dawn a rope, Dawn coiled it and put it on the fence. Dawn walked out to the horse and started talking to it.

One official said," Why is she doing that. That is no way to break a horse."

Another said," Maybe not, it is her test. He has not been broken by traditional means, let's give her some leeway. She does not want it killed."

Dawn talked to the animal for some time, she then got the rope and showed the horse. "You see baby all it's just a rope, no reason to get nervous. If am just going to put it on your neck and take a walk, not far just around here."

Dawn started her walk to calm the animal down. Dawn worried, can you break a horse in a day? It was already noon and she barely started.

By this time everyone on the farm was watching, most with disapproval, some with intrigue.

The horse sensed Dawn's worry. He nudged Dawn.

Dawn looked back and said, "Really"

The horse nodded once.

The cow pokes were saying," What the hell is going on? Are they talking to each other?"

Dawn went to the barn and put all the tack on the horse and made the appropriate settings.

Dawn said," Which way to the big meadow?" All pointed east. "Open the gate please, I'm going to have some fun with my horse."

Dawn ran the horse through all its paces until all the officials nodded, then she took off in a gallop.

Everyone was dumbfounded," We have been trying to break that horse for weeks and she walks in and is riding all over our farm in four to five hours. What did she say to him? How did it understand?

"We have never seen anything like it, she passes with flying colors."

The owner said," It is a shame to lose such a beautiful beast now that it is broken. I made a deal with her. I am a man of my word so I have to keep my end of the deal. If I did not I'll would lose all respect with you.

Dawn came back with the horse in a lather. Just for fun, she jumped the corral fence.

Dawn took the horse into the barn and took care of its needs.

"How did I do?"

The officials said," You will get your license soon."

The owner said," As agreed you can have the horse, I will get the paperwork. What will his name be?"

Dawn said," He looks exactly like my first horse. In honor of him, I will name him 'Apache'."

The owner said," You should be the only one to ride that horse."

Dawn called Sarah and said," I passed, I will get my license soon.

Sarah could you bring your horse trailer here. I am bringing home more than I came with."

When Sarah pulled in she asked Dawn," Why do you need the horse trailer."

Dawn said," Come on 'Apache' your ride is here."

Sarah was shocked," 'Apache', wasn't that the name of your first horse?" Sarah was in disbelief as Dawn loaded 'Apache' into the trailer.

Once they were on the road Sarah could not wait for the news. "OK Dawn what is the story with 'Apache', how much did you pay for him?

Dawn chuckled," They have been trying to break him for weeks and were going to put him down tomorrow. I could not allow that to happen. The deal was if I could break it, I would pass, and I got the horse."

Sarah said," OK, I do not know much about breaking a horse. Dad told me it took months to break a horse, not hours."

Dawn said," I had a long talk with it before I started. I did mention they were going to kill you tomorrow. I could save you if you let me control you. I guess death gives everything motivation. Whatever what the reason was, I broke him. He even nudged me to tell me he was ready."

Dawn called the vet," Can you meet me at the farm, I need you to check out a horse for me?"

The vet just shook his head when he heard the story. "You amaze me Dawn. How do you do it?"

Dawn said," Not sure doc, one thing we have to watch is when he gets horny. He is not a gelding, we might be able to use his swimmers. That maybe one of the problems they were having, too many hormones. I think there is a stall next to 'Friend' can you help me?"

April and Zoe could not believe it," Such a beautiful horse, how could anyone even think about killing it. I am glad it is in a loving home now."

April drove into town and went into the club. "Who wants to see pictures of the baby?" said April. All the kids were thrilled to see the baby. "You were right she is a girl."

"What is her name Miss April?"

April said," I'm not telling anyone until all of you are there for the unveiling. The animal doctor said it will be awhile, 'Beauty' needs alone time with her baby. Do you want to see another surprise?" all nodded.

April placed the remaining pictures on the table. "Who is that Miss April?"

"That is 'Apache', Miss Dawn's new horsey. Would you believe they were going to kill this beautiful animal? Miss Dawn wouldn't allow it.

They all shook their heads, they may only be seven, but they had seen far too much of death and destruction. Between: Miss Joy, Mr. David, Miss Sarah and Miss Zoe, Miss Faith, and the flood they had heard that a lot of people who "Went to see Jesus."

Sarah received a telephone call," Miss Sarah are you going to be home all weekend?"

Sarah said," Yes, who is this."

The caller said," This is a friend, we have a surprise for you so I can't say anymore. We will be there in twenty to thirty minutes."

Sarah ran up to her Dad's room and grabbed her Dad's shot gun, loaded it and pocketed a few more shells. Dawn, April and Zoe were shocked when they saw the gun.

"What? Being out here you need to be able to protect yourself. I am a sharpshooter. My motto with guns is one shot, one kill. I have never shot a person, but I feel safer that I have it, that is what my Dad taught me. That call was just too weird to not be suspicious."

As the first truck came in, Sarah greeted it with a raised shotgun. "Come out slowly, I am a sharpshooter so running will not help." As they came out Sarah got the biggest smile and lowered her shotgun. He was one of the owners of one of the bigger ranches.

"Sorry about the cryptic message, I guess I deserved that. Can I bring in your surprise?"

"What surprise?" said Sarah.

Huge truck and huge truck filled with lumber came in.

"I have been toying with this idea so I had some plans made up. I want your approval first before we start. He handed the plans to Sarah," As you can see if we are going to build you two big stables, you will need a larger barn to store all the hay and feed and what not.

We all feel bad about our waiting lists so, we are going to build you a good horse farm and help alleviate those lists. We do not feel like it is competition, you will be doing us a favor. Some of the people on our lists are good friends, but we just can't handle it.

Everyone has heard about Dawn and 'Apache' already. Let us know when you guys get your licenses.

We all knew your Mom and Dad and we are sorry for your loss, they were very kind hearted people. They would be proud of you bringing this farm back to life. It is very hard work, but look how far you have come already.

I would not have done this for anyone else Sarah. Your family has to be the most honorable families in the state. In my book, that ranks near the top. It is all three of you, I do not think I ever heard you tell a lie.

Sarah looked at the plans, then out on the field. The barn was huge. Each of the stables were bigger yet. How could she keep up with it all? It was beyond her friend's means and she could not handle all of it or pay anyone. She was in debt up to her eyeballs.

The kind man asked Sarah if he could look at her books and budget to see it things can be slimmed down. Sarah was desperate for any kind of help. The man was on her lap top and saw a large number which was not needed.

The man said, "Some of these numbers are here for one time startup costs. You are paying way too much for feed and hay. I think we can lower your loan rate at least two points. I think we can lower costs on some other things and maybe charge more for boarding and start teaching."

Sarah's eyes were big as saucers. Two points would be huge. She could only hug him.

The man took out his phone and started writing down one contact number after another. After fifteen minutes he put his pen away and said," Just say I sent you."

Sarah called the bank manger the next day, she got a meeting for that afternoon. She brought just about all the paperwork he may be interested in, laptop, plans, schedules, present loan information among others.

The manager looked at everything then took great interest in the plans. They could show great short term profit. "How long before all the stables and barn is finished?"

"Sir, I am very sorry, I do not know that. They are keeping everything very secret from me, even the cost. The frames are going up now. I don't know what is going inside, No doubt hay warmers for cold days."

The manager said," These plans change everything, they show that you can make a profit much faster than your current banker. We like businesses that make a profit. What do you think about this loan rate?" He scribbled down a number with a rough estimate of monthly cost.

Sarah just stared. "Are you serious?"

"Bankers are very serious. I will give you the paperwork and you have your lawyer look it over. Then we can proceed from there."

The first call Sarah made when she got home was to Jacob," Jacob, do you have any lawyers in your church who knows banking stuff. I need one to check over my loan."

"Yes, some very good ones, I will send one to the farm tonight."

After a good meal Sarah prepared, the lawyer sat down and looked at both loans. "Young lady, this loan offer is straight forward, no hidden anything. I would be in your car in the front of the bank tomorrow and call from the car as soon as the bank opens."

The next day the manager saw Sarah sitting in her car outside the bank. He walked over and escorted her in. "I assume the loan passed muster?"

Sarah just nodded as the manager gathered all the forms to sign. Sarah was just beaming as she signed the last form. The loan was three points less than the old bank and one third the monthly cost. It was a longer term, but the ranch was starting to come together.

She asked farmer one," I have to figure out the staffing problem, a bigger farm means more people to run it. She needed a manager and I do not want the manager stealing me blind. I would need to have a double check for the manager. I don't have $40,000 to pay any one person."

I need staff and workers beyond that. Perhaps a couple supervisors to run their sections. How many supervisors do you think I need? I am too overwhelmed to do that job. That was what Dad did."

When the famer got home he made a call to his brother in Denver," Dale do you still have those friends who are unemployed cowpokes and some supervisors?"

"Yup, brother, and they are burning through their savings. They are truly desperate."

"Well, get them the hell down here, we got a startup rancher, she is dedicated and needs staff. Unfortunately, it will be just room and board until she gets established, but you will not have to pay rent so you will save money. Then she will pay them properly. Her friend is Miss Dawn and 'Apache'."