“Midnight checks out fine,” Charlotte said as Gunner approached. “As best Kyle could tell anyway. Midnight wasn’t very cooperative. Kyle suggested some dietary changes.”
They talked about the horse’s specific needs.
“I’ll write everything on the board,” Charlotte said, “but of course we’ll have to take it slow as he acclimates to our feed.”
“Got it.”
Midnight pawed the ground.
“He wouldn’t let me check his hooves.” The vet glanced at Charlotte. “You’re probably gonna need a farrier for that—if Midnight will even cooperate.”
“I’m hoping to make some headway with him,” Gunner said. “But that’ll take time.”
“A lot of time is my guess. No telling what the poor guy’s been through. Too bad you don’t have any background on him.”
Charlotte glanced at Gunner. “If anyone can figure him out, it’s Gunner. He comes from Four Winds in Louisville, and he has quite a track record.”
For the first time Kyle gave him a speculative glance. “That so?”
“I enjoy my work. The more I learn about horses, the more fascinated I am by them.”
“I agree.” Kyle’s eyes drifted around the barn. “Which one is yours?”
“I don’t have a horse.”
“Really?” His gaze toggled to Charlotte and back. “That’s unusual for someone who enjoys them so much.”
“I think Gunner likes to keep things simple. He brought all his worldly goods to Riverbend on the back of a motorcycle. He’s helping me get this expansion off the ground, but he’s only temporary.”
Her way of allaying the vet’s jealousy? Seemed to work.
“Ah, I see. Well, I hope you enjoy our little town while you’re here. You’ve got a great boss.” He sent an affectionate glance Charlotte’s way. “She really cares about her horses.”
“Well, what’s not to love?” she said.
“Your stable’s sure going up fast,” Kyle said. “When’s the open house scheduled for?”
“Open house?” Gunner asked.
Charlotte gave him a pained look. “With everything else we’ve had to discuss, I guess I forgot to mention it. We’re having an open house on the first Saturday in July to celebrate our expansion. Gavin and Wes assure me the stable will be done by then. I hope we can get a good turnout. We need the community’s awareness if not its support. With all the tourists coming through, we need to be on their radar for trail rides.”
Midnight approached the stall door.
Gunner held out his hand and let the horse sniff it. “Good boy.” He tried to reward the horse with a stroke, but the quarter horse jumped away. Two steps forward, one step back. “An open house will help get the word out about your training program too.”
“Exactly. We’ve already got a lot of interest through the website. You’re the best trainer for miles around.”
“I can help spread the word,” Kyle said. “Got any brochures I can hand out?”
“I sure do. Thank you. That’d be a big help.”
“You should get some media out here to cover the event,” Kyle said. “They’re always interested in new businesses.”
“I had hoped to, but it doesn’t look like our expansion is newsworthy enough.”
“What if the mayor turned out for a ribbon-cutting ceremony?” Kyle said.
Charlotte released a droll chuckle. “That’s a great idea. I’ll just give him a call.”
