Makeover 2024 Phase 3

Viola trotted around the outdoor ring with Duke. The red roan gelding followed her willingly, keeping stride as she led him through his lameness checks. It had been about two months since he’d arrived. He’d been allowed to spend all his time outside on the soft grass and fed special grain to help his hooves heal. She’d already come to the decision that she would probably never ride him, but that was okay. He didn’t need to be ridden to be loved and valued. 

She slowed her jog and brought him to a standstill. “That’s a good boy.” 

He nickered, resting his head on her shoulder. 

She smiled, scratching the end of his nose. He'd settled right down and the already sweet boy had become such a lovely horse to interact with. He got on with the kids, the dogs, the cats and the other horses. Viola was happy that he'd been such a wonderful fit for the stable. She'd known she was going to be keeping him, but he'd made the decision so much easier. 

“He's looking much better,” Alex, commented, approaching the pair. “Still a little bit uneven on his left front, but very much an improvement.” 

“Yeah, I can feel that when we move.” 

The young red headed vet reached out and scratched Duke’s neck, the gelding sighing in contentment as he reached behind his ears. “What’re you plans for him now?” 

“Well,” she stared at Duke, avoiding the vet’s face, lest it stir up the butterflies in her stomach, “I don’t feel comfortable letting him carry weight, and he’s such a lovely boy, he gets on with all the horses, I was thinking he would be a good babysitter. Keep any newer horses company when they’re a bit nervy and need to settle down. And most likely use him for the younger horses and foals after they’ve been weaned.” 

“Sounds like a good plan,” he agreed. “So you’ve got some foals planned? I’m here to help if you need anything.” 

“Thanks. We’ve just got one pairing planned so far, but we’ve got a yearling coming in soon. I, uh, I know to call if we ever need help. And I’m sure that won’t be long. We all know the kind of trouble horses will find.” 

“That they do.” 

They shared a small laugh. 

“Duke seems to be doing well, and as long as no one else is hurt, I should be going.” Alex smiled and stepped back. “I’ll see you around.” 

“Yeah, you too.” Viola watched him leave, taking a breath to calm her heart down before turning her attention back to Duke. It was certainly a weight off her mind to know that he was doing better. They’d have to watch him for navicular syndrome, probably for the rest of his life, but they’d do everything they could to prevent it from getting as bad as it had. He’d be treated well for as long as he lived. They had more than enough room for horses to just be horses. She was glad to have him there.