Zelle's New Home

It had been a little longer than a year since Hershey came to live with me. He settled nicely into his stall, with a blue jay keeping him company. However, as time passed, I knew he should have a friend. I also became more comfortable taking care of him, and thought I could now handle two. So I reached out to an owner who had the most beautiful palomino Loshenka for sale. I figured if Hershey and this girl could get along, I could potentially have foals later on. 

I found myself packing up the horse trailer one warm Sunday and heading to the farm, it was close by, about an hour or so away. If anything didn’t work out, I was allowed to bring her back. For this Loshie, I had settled with a nice lavender color, and packed her new halter and lead in the truck. 

I headed down the road, fighting back the nerves that were now rumbling around my stomach. I just wanted everything to turn out okay. I knew I had become more confident in my handling ability, but I always worried I wouldn’t be doing things properly. I still worked every week with Katie, and knew I was progressing in knowledge. I let the tunes drown out my nerves, and sat back for the ride. 

I turned the music down as I entered the property, and pulled up to their house. The owners were already waiting outside for me, waving as I ducked out of the truck. 

“Hello!” They called, waving me over. “How was the trip?”

“Oh, it was nice! It is so sunny out, what a lovely day.” I smiled back at them, halter and lead in hand. 

“Well, your girl is in the pasture with the others. Too beautiful a day to leave them inside.”

“I absolutely agree!” I wanted to go fetch her, but I was waiting for their okay to do so. I didn’t want to come off rude. 

“We see you’ve picked out a halter and everything, thank you for being so prepared! She will look lovely in that purple.” The lady nodded towards the halter, and smiled. Her little girl smiled, but she looked sad too. 

I knew the family was in need of some money, from what they talked about, and they were selling the horses as a way to gain back some money. I felt terrible, I never wanted to take a horse away from someone. Especially not a little girl who very clearly loved her. 

“Hey,” I offered the lead to the girl. “How about I get your help, and we can brush her together before she gets into the trailer?” 

“Really?” She jumped, perking up. “Can I put a ribbon in her hair?” 

“Of course!” 

“Thank you,” the dad replied. “She got Zelle as a way to help her calm down nerves. She has bad anxiety, and school makes it worse. When we got Zelle, it seemed to settle down a lot. It means a lot that you’re letting her do one last thing with her.” He looked ashamed that he had to even consider letting this horse go. 

“Well, can I propose something?” I asked him. 

“What would that be?”

“I live about an hour away, what about on your free days, you come down to the stables and we let your little girl hang out with Zelle? If you had the ability, it might help both Zelle and your girl adjust.” 

“Are you sure? We can’t offer much to house her,” he began, but I cut him off. 

“No compensation, I was buying her from you. You just come around when you can, okay? If I need help repairing things, you could help, but money wise? Please don’t worry about it.” I really just wanted to do something good for them. 

“I found a ribbon!” The little girl came running from their house. “It matches that halter! Will this work?” She showed it to me; the cutest lavender ribbon laid in her small hands. 

“Of course! She will look fabulous in that! Let’s go get her ready, shall we?” The little girl nodded, and excitedly led the way to Zelle. 

She ran up to her horse, golden skin flecked with white spots, mane blowing in the breeze. She was the softest, most kind looking horse I had ever seen. She had gentle brown eyes, and lowered her head so the girl could pet her easily. She had a wavy cream colored mane and tail, well manicured hooves, and a soft disposition. She was so patient. 

The little girl busied herself with braiding her mane, and added the ribbon when she was done. I braided her tail, and brushed her soft hair. I loved seeing how well this horse was taken care of, it made me feel firm in the decision to let the family stop by to see her regularly. 

After we were done, I let them say their goodbyes, the little girl lingering longer. Then I loaded her into the trailer and headed out to go home. I watched the family waving in the rearview mirror. My heart broke when I saw the little girl turn and bury her head in her moms leg. I knew she was crying, I just knew it. I sniffled, holding back my tears. I knew for sure that the first time she visited, we would have to do something special for her. 

We pulled into the yard as the sun was high above our heads, and I stepped out of the truck to the warmth. It was just so beautiful, a nice day to get Zelle used to her new home. I unloaded her from the trailer, and led her out to the pasture to relax. She lifted her head when I took off her halter and let out a whinny. Stretching her legs, she trotted off. I saw Hershey in the other pasture, head raised to the whinny. I knew he was curious now. I just hoped they would get along. For the time being, I would keep them separated until Zelle got used to it here. Then I would start to introduce them. 

Once the sun started to set, I headed out to collect Hershey and Zelle from the pastures. I got Hershey collected first, then returned to grab Zelle. I took my time with her, petting and scratching her head gently. I waited for her approval, then slid her halter on. She followed me without any issues, and I led her into the barn. We passed by Hershey, and they studied each other. I took her to her stall, and removed her halter. I handed her a carrot, and then shut the door. 

I would spend the next day getting her familiar with the area, and I couldn’t wait to get to know her better. I had a feeling I would have an easy time working with her around kids. It might just be the opportunity I needed to start my own business.