Trickster

Chapter Eight

David really blew it this time. Major, big time, blew it. Mr. Quinn will never let David ride. He’ll tell all the other stable owners about it. Nobody will let David near their horses ever again. Even though David wants to go home, he heads for the barn.

David sullenly tells Dr. Mac that Mr. Quinn needs her help with Trickster in the woods. He got away from David and ran. He hurt his leg again. David has trouble admitting the truth. But it doesn’t matter because Dr. Mac grabs an equipment box and blows past David.

Zoe calls out to David when she notices he’s there. She asks if he’s okay, but David doesn’t want to explain anything. It’d all make David look really stupid. He turns to go call his mom. Maybe she can pick him up. Besides, Mr. Quinn won’t let him ride. He’s a danger to horses. He messes everything up.

Zoe gently smiles. David doesn’t mess everything up. David just… messes up a lot. They’ll work on it. Zoe leads David back to where Gertie, Claiborne, and Gus are waiting in the stalls, ready for grooming. They’re each standing between two wooden posts with a rope attached to each side of their halter.

Brenna asks how David is doing. Mr. Quinn looked really angry. Sunita explains they heard what happened. It was brave of David to try to help Brenna. David mumbles that “brave” isn’t how Mr. Quinn saw it.

Maggie confidently says Mr. Quinn just needs to cool off. Sunita suggests they groom. Linda told them what to do, but then had to go do something else. So they all need David’s help. David suggests that Zoe help. She’s been around horses before at summer camp.

Zoe explains it wasn’t that kind of summer camp. They were sent to ride, not clean stables or give horses baths. She can braid manes though.

David might as well help them. That way at least he can do something right today. David picks up the body brushes on the shelf and explains how to brush the dirt off, starting at the neck and moving in the direction the hair grows. He tells them to use muscle. If their arms aren’t getting tired, they’re not brushing hard enough. They need to brush the entire animal. It feels cool to be the one giving instructions, instead of the one being yelled at.

When all four horses are clean, Zoe asks if they’re going to braid their manes. David says that’s not needed. Zoe says it is! Claiborne is an elegant horse. He needs to look his best.

Then, Trickster, Mr. Quinn, and Dr. Mac pass them. His hooves clop on the cement floor in an uneven pattern. He’s limping badly. David’s chest tightens. He’s been feeling so rotten that he hasn’t even given a thought to Trickster. Mr. Quinn is right. He doesn’t think.

David swallows and follows Trickster down to his stall. When Trickster hobbles inside, Dr. Mac and Mr. Quinn notice David behind them. Mr. Quinn stares at David for a moment, and then leaves for his office without a word to David.

Dr. Mac says not to worry about Lucas. He’s got a lot of things on his mind. Dr. Mac kneels down to check the wrap on Trickster’s leg. She says she gave Trickster an injection for the pain. He’ll need to rest completely for a few days. If the swelling doesn’t go down, he’ll need to be taken to an equine clinic for an ultrasound exam. If he’s torn the tendon, that’d mean surgery. It’ll be a while before they know if he’ll run again.

When Dr. Mac leaves, David looks at Trickster. Trickster nickers softly. David apologies.