“I’m good here.”
I released Hershey’s hoof and faced Arric. “Are you scared, love?”
“I won’t rise to that bait, Isla.”
I unlatched the door and slid it open. “Just come inside. You’re going to have to learn to be comfortable around horses or you’ll be miserable.”
“Why will I be miserable?”
“Because I will make you miserable.” I tugged him inside with a grin. “If you don’t love horses like I do, you’re not worth knowing.”
He rolled his eyes then closed the door behind him.
“Come stand over here,” I directed, guiding him in front of me.
“Shouldn’t I face his head? Not big on starin’ at a horse’s ass.”
“Why not?” I retorted. “I’m staring at one right now.”
He let out a sarcastic, goofy laugh. “Oh, you’re funny.”
“I know.” I smiled up at him. “Trust me?”
“I trust you, baby, but not your horse.”
“He’s never kicked anyone in his life. You’re perfectly safe.” I settled my palm on Hershey’s rump, then ran my hand down his back leg. “Watch what I’m doing, then I’m going to have you do it.”
“He’ll just pick his leg up like that? You’re not doing anything weird?”
“Like what?”
“With any horse I’ve been around, you gotta squeeze that soft spot in their ankle part.”
“The fetlock.”
“Sure,” Arric said.
“Nothing weird, love. Hershey knows what I want him to do,” I said. “You try.”
I stepped back and Arric settled his hand lightly on Hershey’s croup. Hershey threw his head up, startling Arric who sidestepped as far away as he could in the small space.
“You’re fine, love,” I said. “He’s just getting used to you. Try again.”
Arric didn’t look convinced as he walked back to Hershey’s side, settling his hand on his croup again. Hershey threw his head up again, but Arric stayed put which seemed to calm my horse.
“Okay, slide your hand down his leg,” I encouraged. “He’ll lift his foot for you without you forcing anything, so go gentle.”
Arric was halfway down Hershey’s leg when all hell broke loose, and I found myself shoved into a corner with Arric shielding me with his body while Hershey kicked out at him.
I shoved at Arric, but he pressed me further against the wall.
“I need to get to him,” I growled.
He shook his head. “I’m not letting him hurt you.”
When he shifted, I slid out from under his arm, and rushed to Hershey before Arric could pull me back.
“Hershey,” I whispered. “Come here, baby.” He snorted again, but I was able to reach him, so I laid my palm against his neck. “Shhh, you’re all right.”
