Phase 3: “Taking the ‘boom’ out of Kaboom”

Once the Grey family figured out that Kaboom was originally trained in Western riding and preferred that, it was pretty much smooth sailing from there on. Though Thatcher and Katy were both primarily English riders, they helped with all the training and rehabilitation Kaboom required. Their mother, Sheila, was an all-rounder kind of rider and trainer who specialized in Western as her favorite pastime, so she was able to cement a bond with the traumatized horse.

Normal routines returned to the barn and all was well with the family and their horses, with Kaboom settling into their herd like he'd always been there.

However, even with all the positive experiences and bonding Kaboom had with the Grey family, specifically Sheila, it became apparent he would perform his tasks as asked, but lacked the passion and enjoyment one might see from a horse who had that "special bond" with a person.

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On one Sunday afternoon, after the chores were completed, Thatcher and his sister, Katy, are found walking slowly through one of the four dusty riding rings, with a sleepy stallion lumbering behind them.

"Well, I think we've succeeded in taking the 'boom' out of Kaboom," Thatcher mused to his sister. She rolled her eyes but smiled good naturedly. 

"Yeah, I've been waiting for you to admit I was right about this whole thing for a while now," She grinned wickedly and crossed her arms as she stopped abruptly, causing Kaboom to halt with her, even if she wasn't the one holding the rein.

Thatcher frowned. "You're supposed to be on my side," he whispered into the stallion's droopy ear. He shook his head in response and snorted snot onto Thatcher's shirt.

"HEY!"

"HA! See? He's on my side too. Now, about that $20 you owe me..."

"Guys, come over here for a moment, I need to tell you something!" Sheila called them over from the fence line, her big sun hat hid her expression.

"What did you do this time?" Katy sighed.

Thatcher shook his head and tried to lead Kaboom over to the fence with him, but he had fallen asleep and wouldn't budge.

"Just leave him, I only need you for a moment."

Shiela led the pair away from the ring and down towards the main stable.

Kaboom napped in the fading sun, his ears flicking occasionally, listening to the birds and enjoying the soft breeze. He hadn't felt this happy and relaxed in a long time.

Suddenly, there was a scent in the air that had him pausing. It was familiar, and yet...different. Intrigued, he cocked his head towards it and huffed. Opening his eyes, he saw a human figure at the fence line. She studied him quietly before climbing through. He remained where he was, his ears betraying his interest as she got closer.

"Hey, stop!" Thatcher was calling to her and waving his hands frantically as he ran up the hill with his mom and sister. The young woman ignored him and came to a stop in front of Kaboom.

"I've heard a lot about you, boy," she smiled, her eyes meeting his. They were almost the same color. Slowly, she lowered into a crouch. All that could be heard was their breathing and the frantic steps of the Grey family as they hurried up the walkway.

"It's all right, Thatcher. I wanted to introduce you guys before she met Kaboom, but seems she couldn't wait any longer," Sheila chuckled and rested her arms on the top of the fence as she watched the two, a sparkle in her eye. 

"Who is she?" Katy asked.

"That would be Grant Ridgeton's younger sister."

Thatcher and Katy gasped, looking back at the blonde woman with renewed interest. 

She remained crouched while Kaboom sniffed her hair for a while, nosing at it with his soft muzzle. Eventually, he lowered his head to her level and the two remained like that for a few moments, as if sizing each other up. 

Eventually, she nodded to herself and stood. She didn't touch his reins, but walked confidently towards the small waiting family. Kaboom turned and followed her obediently, his head bumping the back of her arm playfully.

"Hey, I'm sorry about that. I was just really excited to meet my brother's horse. I'm Clara," her smile was kind and open, instantly drawing the siblings in.

"Wow, it is so nice to meet you. I'm sorry for your loss," Thatcher shook her hand.

" Are you going to be Kaboom's owner now?" Katy blurted. Sheila pinched her arm. "OW!" Clara laughed. 

"I would love to be, but it's really up to Kaboom," she ran her hand over his shiny neck and he pushed his head into her chest.

"This is the most affectionate we've ever seen him, to be honest," Sheila mused. "We're happy to have you here though, I could use another Western rider to help me out around here."

"Wait, you're staying?!" Thatcher's cheeks burned with embarrassment as he blurted the question out. Katy snickered behind her hand.

"Yes, if that's alright with everyone," 

"Absolutely," Sheila confirmed. Thatcher and Katy nodded. They all looked at Kaboom. After a moment of silence, he nickered softly, the first sound he ever made.

"I think that's settled then,"

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