Chapter 1: It's A...
A stocky, aging man bent over a powerful, struggling mass of muscle. “Easy, girl,” he coaxed the straining beast, a well-built mare in the last stage of pregnancy. The contrast between the lean horse and the plump shaggy man beside her was completely opposite. His graying hair and trace of a stubbly beard were prominent on his stern and business-like face. His lips were tight, as he unconsciously began to share in the mare’s struggle. The sharp, blue eyes were fixed into the horse’s pain-filled black ones.
“Easy, little girl,” he soothed again, shifting into a more comfortable position from the crouch he had been in for the last thirty minutes. His slightly raspy voice was strained with anticipation and pride. He was business all the way, but he could still take a joke, or two.
The mare, fit as she was, was sweating with the effort of giving birth. Her nostrils flared dramatically as her lungs demanded more air. Her heaving sides twitched as another spasm of pain demanded her full attention. She groaned softly, bandaged tail sweeping the clean straw in discomfort.
The elderly character turned to his companion gnawing on a strip of brown tobacco. “Get off that stall door and over here.” he demanded roughly. “Is the vet here?”
The younger man he was addressing rolled his eyes and reluctantly pulled his left leg over the half-door of the spacious stall and made his way over to the mare. “Ya, boss,” he said in an un-educated drawl. “Just saw the car lights.”
The older figure nodded his satisfaction. “Good.” he lay a work-hardened hand on the mare’s forehead.
“It’s just a horse.” came the younger man’s voice. He made no attempt to hide the annoyance in his words.
“It’s my life, Cory.” came the quiet reply.
Unbeknownst to his boss, Cory rolled his eyes before sinking down into the freshly laid straw. He glanced at the softly lit room. The covered bulb above him provided a warm, soothing lighting to the large stall. It was clearly a wealthy environment as the big wooden panels that surrounded the box-stalls were stained a deep red and firmly positioned steel bars to keep the horses from escaping. It was a lovely place for a foal to be born.
New footsteps, hasty but determined sounded faintly from the front of the barn and soon were outside the birthing stall. A young but experienced female tucked a long stray strand of hair behind her ear before entering the stall. At the slight grating noise of the half-door opening, the shimmery brown mare lifted her head to look at the newcomer before sinking into the straw again.
“What took you so long?” the old man asked, rising and offering his hand.
“Traffic.” was the simple reply. “How long has she been down, Hal?” she addressed what was clearly the mare’s owner.
Hal glanced at his fancy silver watch, Rolex by brand. “Ahh, around ten minutes.” he replied.
“Should be soon then.” the vet nodded. She knelt by the Thoroughbred. “What’s her name?”
“Look on her halter. It’s got a nameplate.” Hal chuckled amusedly. Even with his strict manner, he could still find humor in things.
The sturdy vet glanced down at the red halter. Sure enough, a thin strip of brass could be clearly seen with the mare’s name. “Hold The Banner.” The vet mumbled. “What a mouthful!”
“Actually, Sandra,” Cory broke in with the ease of a friendship. “We call her Banner for short. There is a lot riding on her. She had better have a good foal. That stud fee was outrageous!” he sighed, remembering.
Sandra nodded and watched the mare’s struggles with a careful eye. “I won’t interfere unless she needs some help.” she decided. “Fine mare you have there!”
Hal nodded his approval.
With a sudden grunt, the mare stretched out her neck.
“The foal is coming!” Cory shouted excitedly.
“Shut your trap, boy!” Hal hissed. “I didn’t hire you to scare the poor thing.”
His pride fallen down a notch, Cory nodded and sat subdued in a corner.
“Do you think it’s going to be a colt or filly?” Sandra asked, a steady hand on the mare’s flank.
“It’s got to be a colt. This is my big chance. Just think! He might win the derby!” Hal pushed back his velvet black hat and stared off into space.
“A colt huh?” Sandra smiled.
A minute later, with one last final push, the mare delivered a slimy dark brown foal. With expert hands, Sandra pulled away the thick, gooey “bag” enveloping the new foal and cleared it’s nostrils of the wet mucus. The foal blinked its black eyes in bewilderment and lay still.
“Colt or filly?” Hal asked eagerly.
“It…it’s a filly.” Sandra answered.
“What?” Hal snorted angrily. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.” came the reply.
Hal pushed himself to a standing position and kicked the straw in disgust. “Well if that don’t beat all.” he muttered slapping his hat against his knee.
“I’m sorry,” Sandra apologized.
“No, no. It wasn’t your fault.” Hal assured her.
“I know.”
Believe picked her head up and slowly clamored to her hooves. Bits of straw clung to her sweat-soaked body and her muscles involuntarily twitched to rid themselves of the itchy nuisance. The mare lowered her nose to her new foal and sniffed her gently.
Banner began to clean her foal with a long pink tongue. “She’s accepted the foal.” Sandra smiled. “I guess I will be heading out then. Call me if the foal doesn’t get up and nurse in the next two hours.”
Hal nodded. “How much do I owe you?” he asked reaching into his slightly dirty jeans and pulling out a fat wallet.
“Just fifty. I didn’t have to do anything.”
“Geeze!” complained Hal, pulling out a fifty dollar bill. It didn’t make much of a difference in the size of the billfold though.
Sandra took the money and pat Banner fondly on the nose. “Enjoy that new baby!” the vet grinned. “By the way, what is her name?” she asked Hal.
The old man thought for a moment. “Star Spangled Banner?” he asked. “One word of course, to fit the eighteen letter requirement to register. It is quite a mouthful though. Around here we’ll probably call her Star. A pet name.” he added.
Sandra’s eyes widened in surprise. “Ok,” she nodded. “You race people sure come up with the most unusual names.”
Hal grinned, slowly getting over his disappointment with the wrong gender of foal. “Want me to explain?” he asked, ready for a long discussion.
Sandra quickly shook her head. The loose lock of hair fell over her face again and she encouraged it back with a push of her hand. “I’d better be going. See you around!” she turned away from the two men and headed out of the darkened barn.
“Bye!” Cory waved enthusiastically bringing a glare from Hal. “What?” he asked, annoyed at his boss’s look.
“Get lost.” Hal answered dully. He moved back to the corner of the stall.
Banner had finished washing the foal’s right side. It was wet and shaggy, almost looking like a recently plowed field. She nudged Star’s neck encouragingly.
Star lifted her head and gave her first little whinny. She pulled her legs under her small body and struggled to stand.
Hal’s still sharp eyes were trained on the foal. “Come on girlie!” he urged, the thrill of a new birth grabbing hold of him yet again. “Get up!” he winced as the filly’s legs tangled and she flopped ungracefully on her nose.
Banner nudged her baby again. Star determinedly untangled her long toothpick legs and finally was able to stand. She wobbled shakily, but she was up! Star gave a triumphant neigh before slipping on the straw and tumbling yet again. But she had learned and was much quicker getting up next time. She took a few hesitant steps towards her mother’s side.
Banner nuzzled Star’s other dirty side before settling down to the task of cleaning him up. Feeling hungry, the filly began to drink her mother’s milk. Believe snorted and nipped Star a bit as she moved out of her mother’s reach.
Hal smiled and stood up. His work was done. With a slight limp, he exited the stall. Hal yawned dramatically and glanced once more at his time-keeper. “Three in the morning! I’d better hit the hay. See you in the morning, Cory.”
The two left the barn as Banner finished cleaning her foal.
Early the next morning, little Star awoke to the sliding of the barn doors being opened. Cory strode into the now light barn. The sun was streaming through the open doors and hungry horse heads could be seen peering out of the bars of their stall doors. Many of them neighed as they saw the feed bucket in Cory’s hands.
“Alright, alright!” Cory whined, sliding open the door to Banner and Star’s stall. Banner obediently stood back, Star pressed cowering against her side. Cory grinned and placed the bucket into the holder by the side of the sliding door. “Hey, Star!” he greeted reaching a hand out to the foal.
Banner pinned her ears back and stepped forward. “Ok!” Cory backed off hands raised in the air. He was just a bit frightened at the menacing attitude of Star’s mother.
“Cory!” a voice exploded behind him.
The young man jumped and spun around. “Goodness, Hal! You startled me!”
Hal frowned. “You also startled the mare. Get out of that stall now and don’t go back in there until I tell you.” he glared menacingly.
“Of course, boss!” Cory agreed readily. He was not going to risk losing his job!
Hal snorted and approached the mare. “How are you doing, Banner old girl?” he asked fondly. Banner sensed his calm presence and nickered a greeting.
Hal ran his hands over the slightly rumpled coat. The mare was mostly muscle, and her coat gleamed from the natural light of the windows to the outside world. She was stunning.
While she and the foal ate, Hal finished making sure Cory fed the other mares in his barn. He came back about twenty minutes later.
The stocky oversized man eased his way around the two bodies and unlatched another door opposite the one he had entered through. He pushed it slowly open so as not to frighten the filly.
Star blinked at the bright sunlight. Banner eagerly stepped out the door to the small paddock beyond.
“Now I can get a good look at you!” Hal smiled.
Star’s glossy coat was slightly darker than her mother, and was rich brown in color. Almost the color of the stained wood of the stall. Her black eyes were eager yet frightened as she took in the new sight before her. the hooves were tiny, and perfectly molded. She had four white socks and the tiny star on her face. Star was a bit skinny, but with her mother’s rich, nourishing milk, she would soon fill out.
Hal laughed as the filly hesitated before following her mother outdoors. The sun was shining strongly on the two horses and the glare of the two healthy coats was almost enough to make the old man look another way.
Star stared at the vast farm just outside of the small paddock. As far as the eye could see, grass and pastures dotted the landscape. The grass was of the greenest in color, as is custom in Kentucky, and the white fences looked spotless.
The slightly sloping landscape dipped down to a huge white house, sure to sell for millions along with the three-hundred acre property they were situated on. Trees also gave texture to the landscape and provided a darker shade of green and protection from the blazing sun. The sky was clear and blue. Only a few fluffy white clouds dared to challenge the sun.
The temperature was pleasant. A slight breeze played with the grass.
Banner ignored the foal’s curiosity and fell to grazing an especially green patch. Star curiously sniffed everything in reach of her small nose but did not make a step away from her mother. Finally, she mustered up the courage to move just a bit towards the fence on her right side. Nothing jumped out at her so her boldness grew.
Just then, a fly landed on the fence. Eyes almost crossed, Star slowly reached out to sniff the buzzing bug. It flew away, causing the filly to jump in surprise.
Hal stifled a laugh and forced himself away from the two. It was best if they were left alone. At least for a while.
“It’s too bad you’re a filly. You could have been worth something. Ahh well, maybe you’ll win a race or two.” Hal shook his head in remorse and went to find Cory.
Chapter 2: Not All Fun
One week later, Hal hurried over to the stall with a halter. Banner lifted her head to make sure her filly was not in danger, but when she saw Hal, she immedietely relaxed.
“Atta girl!” Hal praised the mare and slipping clumsily into the stall.
Star looked curiously at the “thing” Hal held in his hands. Even though it had only been a week, she had grown. He sides had filled out and were even a bit plump. She was growing slightly bolder and loved to play.
Hal held out the halter to let Star sniff it. She did and was not concerned. At least not until Hal gently began to slip it over her head! Star gave a frightened whinny and jerked her head up. “Easy, girl!” Hal soothed. He tried again and managed to get Star’s nose through the noseband. The filly snorted as Hal pulled the headpiece over her ears, but did not resist.
Finally, Hal buckled the straps and stared in satisfaction at the red halter that matched her mother’s. “I had it engraved too! You are a mini picture of your mother.” he teased.
Star rubbed her head against the smooth wood on the stall trying to rid herself of the unfamiliar straps that were around her face. She couldn’t get it off, but stopped trying when she smelled something new!
Hal was holding his cupped hand under Banner’s muzzle. The mare took the horse cookie and crunched the sweet treat, making a pleasant munching sound.
Star sniffed her mother’s muzzle and snorted as a whisker tickled the inside of her nose.
Before she knew what was happening, Hal had pulled out a long flexible lead rope and had secured it to the ring under Star’s muzzle!
He tugged it gently, encouraging the foal to take a step forward. Footsteps clopped behind Hal.
“Hey Cory! Grab Banner’s lead rope and give me a hand over here, will you?”
“Sure thing!” Cory stuffed the wad of tobacco he was about to chew into his pocket and grabbed the rope hanging on a painted hook outside of Banner’s stall. He easily clipped it onto her halter as Hal stepped back to let him lead the mare out of the stall.
When Star saw her mother leaving, she immedietly stepped forward to follow. Hal grinned and let her walk beside her mother down the isle to the barn’s open doors.
Curious mares looked at them through the bars, but Star paid no attention.
Banner sedately walked beside Cory, but Star kept stopping to look around them. Now that she was not enclosed by stall or fence, the world around her looked so big!
“Come on, keep up with your mother.” Hal encouraged, tugging a bit harder on the lead rope. “I hope Snickers has her foal soon. She’s my last big hope this spring. If she doesn’t have a colt, we’re doomed.” he said to Cory.
“Well I hope ya get your wish.” Cory answered.
“Why don’t you just say yes?” Hal asked, slightly annoyed.
“I don’t know, I guess I’ve just grown up saying it.”
Hal rolled his eyes. “I only hired you because of your father’s horse influence. It makes me look good. Don’t go ruining my name.” he warned.
“Don’t worry, Hal. You just keep talking to your mares.” he chuckled silently.
Hal bit his lip to keep from an angry retort. The foal could sense he was getting worked up and he didn’t want to spoil her. Even if she was a filly.
After about fifteen minutes of walking, Star was finally comfortable with the halter and lead rope. They had made a big circle on the smoothly paved road and were back at the barn.
Star waited until Hal unclipped the lead-rope and then collapsed onto the straw, exhausted. She had had enough exploring for one day.
Late that evening, almost the next morning, Star awoke to a commotion towards the front of the barn. A worker she had never seen before was leading a sleepy looking Hal and Cory towards a distant stall. “Snickers is foaling!” he said.
Cory was more awake than Hal who barely managed to mask a huge yawn with his hand. “I just love her name.” he chuckled. “Snicker Me Timbers.”
Hal finished his yawn and smiled. “It is quite humerous.” He agreed. “Come on!”
The vet Sandra arrived soon after and though Star could not see anyone, she heard voices and the faint groans of the mare. It grew quiet after awhile and Sandra headed towards the entrance of the barn to her car. She stopped to check on Banner and the young filly, smiling at the healthy looking two. Then she left.
Hal came back a bit later looking very pleased. “I’m just so glad it was a colt!” he was saying. “That puts me ahead for the year. Boy! He’s so strong. He’s got potential.”
Cory just nodded.
The rest of the afternoon passed quickly. The next morning dawned bright and clear, bringing promise of another pleasant day.
Star awoke to the sound of whistling. Hal sauntered into Banner’s stall emitting a rough tune to the song of My Old Kentucky Home. He seemed distracted. “Morning, Star.” the elderly man greeted.
Star neighed and pressed up against her mother as Hal clipped the lead-rope onto her halter.
A stocky, aging man bent over a powerful, struggling mass of muscle. “Easy, girl,” he coaxed the straining beast, a well-built mare in the last stage of pregnancy. The contrast between the lean horse and the plump shaggy man beside her was completely opposite. His graying hair and trace of a stubbly beard were prominent on his stern and business-like face. His lips were tight, as he unconsciously began to share in the mare’s struggle. The sharp, blue eyes were fixed into the horse’s pain-filled black ones.
“Easy, little girl,” he soothed again, shifting into a more comfortable position from the crouch he had been in for the last thirty minutes. His slightly raspy voice was strained with anticipation and pride. He was business all the way, but he could still take a joke, or two.
The mare, fit as she was, was sweating with the effort of giving birth. Her nostrils flared dramatically as her lungs demanded more air. Her heaving sides twitched as another spasm of pain demanded her full attention. She groaned softly, bandaged tail sweeping the clean straw in discomfort.
The elderly character turned to his companion gnawing on a strip of brown tobacco. “Get off that stall door and over here.” he demanded roughly. “Is the vet here?”
The younger man he was addressing rolled his eyes and reluctantly pulled his left leg over the half-door of the spacious stall and made his way over to the mare. “Ya, boss,” he said in an un-educated drawl. “Just saw the car lights.”
The older figure nodded his satisfaction. “Good.” he lay a work-hardened hand on the mare’s forehead.
“It’s just a horse.” came the younger man’s voice. He made no attempt to hide the annoyance in his words.
“It’s my life, Cory.” came the quiet reply.
Unbeknownst to his boss, Cory rolled his eyes before sinking down into the freshly laid straw. He glanced at the softly lit room. The covered bulb above him provided a warm, soothing lighting to the large stall. It was clearly a wealthy environment as the big wooden panels that surrounded the box-stalls were stained a deep red and firmly positioned steel bars to keep the horses from escaping. It was a lovely place for a foal to be born.
New footsteps, hasty but determined sounded faintly from the front of the barn and soon were outside the birthing stall. A young but experienced female tucked a long stray strand of hair behind her ear before entering the stall. At the slight grating noise of the half-door opening, the shimmery brown mare lifted her head to look at the newcomer before sinking into the straw again.
“What took you so long?” the old man asked, rising and offering his hand.
“Traffic.” was the simple reply. “How long has she been down, Hal?” she addressed what was clearly the mare’s owner.
Hal glanced at his fancy silver watch, Rolex by brand. “Ahh, around ten minutes.” he replied.
“Should be soon then.” the vet nodded. She knelt by the Thoroughbred. “What’s her name?”
“Look on her halter. It’s got a nameplate.” Hal chuckled amusedly. Even with his strict manner, he could still find humor in things.
The sturdy vet glanced down at the red halter. Sure enough, a thin strip of brass could be clearly seen with the mare’s name. “Hold The Banner.” The vet mumbled. “What a mouthful!”
“Actually, Sandra,” Cory broke in with the ease of a friendship. “We call her Banner for short. There is a lot riding on her. She had better have a good foal. That stud fee was outrageous!” he sighed, remembering.
Sandra nodded and watched the mare’s struggles with a careful eye. “I won’t interfere unless she needs some help.” she decided. “Fine mare you have there!”
Hal nodded his approval.
With a sudden grunt, the mare stretched out her neck.
“The foal is coming!” Cory shouted excitedly.
“Shut your trap, boy!” Hal hissed. “I didn’t hire you to scare the poor thing.”
His pride fallen down a notch, Cory nodded and sat subdued in a corner.
“Do you think it’s going to be a colt or filly?” Sandra asked, a steady hand on the mare’s flank.
“It’s got to be a colt. This is my big chance. Just think! He might win the derby!” Hal pushed back his velvet black hat and stared off into space.
“A colt huh?” Sandra smiled.
A minute later, with one last final push, the mare delivered a slimy dark brown foal. With expert hands, Sandra pulled away the thick, gooey “bag” enveloping the new foal and cleared it’s nostrils of the wet mucus. The foal blinked its black eyes in bewilderment and lay still.
“Colt or filly?” Hal asked eagerly.
“It…it’s a filly.” Sandra answered.
“What?” Hal snorted angrily. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.” came the reply.
Hal pushed himself to a standing position and kicked the straw in disgust. “Well if that don’t beat all.” he muttered slapping his hat against his knee.
“I’m sorry,” Sandra apologized.
“No, no. It wasn’t your fault.” Hal assured her.
“I know.”
Believe picked her head up and slowly clamored to her hooves. Bits of straw clung to her sweat-soaked body and her muscles involuntarily twitched to rid themselves of the itchy nuisance. The mare lowered her nose to her new foal and sniffed her gently.
Banner began to clean her foal with a long pink tongue. “She’s accepted the foal.” Sandra smiled. “I guess I will be heading out then. Call me if the foal doesn’t get up and nurse in the next two hours.”
Hal nodded. “How much do I owe you?” he asked reaching into his slightly dirty jeans and pulling out a fat wallet.
“Just fifty. I didn’t have to do anything.”
“Geeze!” complained Hal, pulling out a fifty dollar bill. It didn’t make much of a difference in the size of the billfold though.
Sandra took the money and pat Banner fondly on the nose. “Enjoy that new baby!” the vet grinned. “By the way, what is her name?” she asked Hal.
The old man thought for a moment. “Star Spangled Banner?” he asked. “One word of course, to fit the eighteen letter requirement to register. It is quite a mouthful though. Around here we’ll probably call her Star. A pet name.” he added.
Sandra’s eyes widened in surprise. “Ok,” she nodded. “You race people sure come up with the most unusual names.”
Hal grinned, slowly getting over his disappointment with the wrong gender of foal. “Want me to explain?” he asked, ready for a long discussion.
Sandra quickly shook her head. The loose lock of hair fell over her face again and she encouraged it back with a push of her hand. “I’d better be going. See you around!” she turned away from the two men and headed out of the darkened barn.
“Bye!” Cory waved enthusiastically bringing a glare from Hal. “What?” he asked, annoyed at his boss’s look.
“Get lost.” Hal answered dully. He moved back to the corner of the stall.
Banner had finished washing the foal’s right side. It was wet and shaggy, almost looking like a recently plowed field. She nudged Star’s neck encouragingly.
Star lifted her head and gave her first little whinny. She pulled her legs under her small body and struggled to stand.
Hal’s still sharp eyes were trained on the foal. “Come on girlie!” he urged, the thrill of a new birth grabbing hold of him yet again. “Get up!” he winced as the filly’s legs tangled and she flopped ungracefully on her nose.
Banner nudged her baby again. Star determinedly untangled her long toothpick legs and finally was able to stand. She wobbled shakily, but she was up! Star gave a triumphant neigh before slipping on the straw and tumbling yet again. But she had learned and was much quicker getting up next time. She took a few hesitant steps towards her mother’s side.
Banner nuzzled Star’s other dirty side before settling down to the task of cleaning him up. Feeling hungry, the filly began to drink her mother’s milk. Believe snorted and nipped Star a bit as she moved out of her mother’s reach.
Hal smiled and stood up. His work was done. With a slight limp, he exited the stall. Hal yawned dramatically and glanced once more at his time-keeper. “Three in the morning! I’d better hit the hay. See you in the morning, Cory.”
The two left the barn as Banner finished cleaning her foal.
Early the next morning, little Star awoke to the sliding of the barn doors being opened. Cory strode into the now light barn. The sun was streaming through the open doors and hungry horse heads could be seen peering out of the bars of their stall doors. Many of them neighed as they saw the feed bucket in Cory’s hands.
“Alright, alright!” Cory whined, sliding open the door to Banner and Star’s stall. Banner obediently stood back, Star pressed cowering against her side. Cory grinned and placed the bucket into the holder by the side of the sliding door. “Hey, Star!” he greeted reaching a hand out to the foal.
Banner pinned her ears back and stepped forward. “Ok!” Cory backed off hands raised in the air. He was just a bit frightened at the menacing attitude of Star’s mother.
“Cory!” a voice exploded behind him.
The young man jumped and spun around. “Goodness, Hal! You startled me!”
Hal frowned. “You also startled the mare. Get out of that stall now and don’t go back in there until I tell you.” he glared menacingly.
“Of course, boss!” Cory agreed readily. He was not going to risk losing his job!
Hal snorted and approached the mare. “How are you doing, Banner old girl?” he asked fondly. Banner sensed his calm presence and nickered a greeting.
Hal ran his hands over the slightly rumpled coat. The mare was mostly muscle, and her coat gleamed from the natural light of the windows to the outside world. She was stunning.
While she and the foal ate, Hal finished making sure Cory fed the other mares in his barn. He came back about twenty minutes later.
The stocky oversized man eased his way around the two bodies and unlatched another door opposite the one he had entered through. He pushed it slowly open so as not to frighten the filly.
Star blinked at the bright sunlight. Banner eagerly stepped out the door to the small paddock beyond.
“Now I can get a good look at you!” Hal smiled.
Star’s glossy coat was slightly darker than her mother, and was rich brown in color. Almost the color of the stained wood of the stall. Her black eyes were eager yet frightened as she took in the new sight before her. the hooves were tiny, and perfectly molded. She had four white socks and the tiny star on her face. Star was a bit skinny, but with her mother’s rich, nourishing milk, she would soon fill out.
Hal laughed as the filly hesitated before following her mother outdoors. The sun was shining strongly on the two horses and the glare of the two healthy coats was almost enough to make the old man look another way.
Star stared at the vast farm just outside of the small paddock. As far as the eye could see, grass and pastures dotted the landscape. The grass was of the greenest in color, as is custom in Kentucky, and the white fences looked spotless.
The slightly sloping landscape dipped down to a huge white house, sure to sell for millions along with the three-hundred acre property they were situated on. Trees also gave texture to the landscape and provided a darker shade of green and protection from the blazing sun. The sky was clear and blue. Only a few fluffy white clouds dared to challenge the sun.
The temperature was pleasant. A slight breeze played with the grass.
Banner ignored the foal’s curiosity and fell to grazing an especially green patch. Star curiously sniffed everything in reach of her small nose but did not make a step away from her mother. Finally, she mustered up the courage to move just a bit towards the fence on her right side. Nothing jumped out at her so her boldness grew.
Just then, a fly landed on the fence. Eyes almost crossed, Star slowly reached out to sniff the buzzing bug. It flew away, causing the filly to jump in surprise.
Hal stifled a laugh and forced himself away from the two. It was best if they were left alone. At least for a while.
“It’s too bad you’re a filly. You could have been worth something. Ahh well, maybe you’ll win a race or two.” Hal shook his head in remorse and went to find Cory.
Chapter 2: Not All Fun
One week later, Hal hurried over to the stall with a halter. Banner lifted her head to make sure her filly was not in danger, but when she saw Hal, she immedietely relaxed.
“Atta girl!” Hal praised the mare and slipping clumsily into the stall.
Star looked curiously at the “thing” Hal held in his hands. Even though it had only been a week, she had grown. He sides had filled out and were even a bit plump. She was growing slightly bolder and loved to play.
Hal held out the halter to let Star sniff it. She did and was not concerned. At least not until Hal gently began to slip it over her head! Star gave a frightened whinny and jerked her head up. “Easy, girl!” Hal soothed. He tried again and managed to get Star’s nose through the noseband. The filly snorted as Hal pulled the headpiece over her ears, but did not resist.
Finally, Hal buckled the straps and stared in satisfaction at the red halter that matched her mother’s. “I had it engraved too! You are a mini picture of your mother.” he teased.
Star rubbed her head against the smooth wood on the stall trying to rid herself of the unfamiliar straps that were around her face. She couldn’t get it off, but stopped trying when she smelled something new!
Hal was holding his cupped hand under Banner’s muzzle. The mare took the horse cookie and crunched the sweet treat, making a pleasant munching sound.
Star sniffed her mother’s muzzle and snorted as a whisker tickled the inside of her nose.
Before she knew what was happening, Hal had pulled out a long flexible lead rope and had secured it to the ring under Star’s muzzle!
He tugged it gently, encouraging the foal to take a step forward. Footsteps clopped behind Hal.
“Hey Cory! Grab Banner’s lead rope and give me a hand over here, will you?”
“Sure thing!” Cory stuffed the wad of tobacco he was about to chew into his pocket and grabbed the rope hanging on a painted hook outside of Banner’s stall. He easily clipped it onto her halter as Hal stepped back to let him lead the mare out of the stall.
When Star saw her mother leaving, she immedietly stepped forward to follow. Hal grinned and let her walk beside her mother down the isle to the barn’s open doors.
Curious mares looked at them through the bars, but Star paid no attention.
Banner sedately walked beside Cory, but Star kept stopping to look around them. Now that she was not enclosed by stall or fence, the world around her looked so big!
“Come on, keep up with your mother.” Hal encouraged, tugging a bit harder on the lead rope. “I hope Snickers has her foal soon. She’s my last big hope this spring. If she doesn’t have a colt, we’re doomed.” he said to Cory.
“Well I hope ya get your wish.” Cory answered.
“Why don’t you just say yes?” Hal asked, slightly annoyed.
“I don’t know, I guess I’ve just grown up saying it.”
Hal rolled his eyes. “I only hired you because of your father’s horse influence. It makes me look good. Don’t go ruining my name.” he warned.
“Don’t worry, Hal. You just keep talking to your mares.” he chuckled silently.
Hal bit his lip to keep from an angry retort. The foal could sense he was getting worked up and he didn’t want to spoil her. Even if she was a filly.
After about fifteen minutes of walking, Star was finally comfortable with the halter and lead rope. They had made a big circle on the smoothly paved road and were back at the barn.
Star waited until Hal unclipped the lead-rope and then collapsed onto the straw, exhausted. She had had enough exploring for one day.
Late that evening, almost the next morning, Star awoke to a commotion towards the front of the barn. A worker she had never seen before was leading a sleepy looking Hal and Cory towards a distant stall. “Snickers is foaling!” he said.
Cory was more awake than Hal who barely managed to mask a huge yawn with his hand. “I just love her name.” he chuckled. “Snicker Me Timbers.”
Hal finished his yawn and smiled. “It is quite humerous.” He agreed. “Come on!”
The vet Sandra arrived soon after and though Star could not see anyone, she heard voices and the faint groans of the mare. It grew quiet after awhile and Sandra headed towards the entrance of the barn to her car. She stopped to check on Banner and the young filly, smiling at the healthy looking two. Then she left.
Hal came back a bit later looking very pleased. “I’m just so glad it was a colt!” he was saying. “That puts me ahead for the year. Boy! He’s so strong. He’s got potential.”
Cory just nodded.
The rest of the afternoon passed quickly. The next morning dawned bright and clear, bringing promise of another pleasant day.
Star awoke to the sound of whistling. Hal sauntered into Banner’s stall emitting a rough tune to the song of My Old Kentucky Home. He seemed distracted. “Morning, Star.” the elderly man greeted.
Star neighed and pressed up against her mother as Hal clipped the lead-rope onto her halter.