Chapter 12 #2
Sam nods. Placing a toolbox-looking case onto a shelf built into the wall, he retrieves a round brush. “This is a curry comb.” He slides it onto his hand. “All I’m going to do is start behind Harry’s ears and work my way down his body using circular motions.”
The muscles in Sam’s arms ripple with effort, and it’s hard to focus on Harry.
“The fur, hay, dirt, and whatever else is on Harry’s body will come off in clumps like this.” As if to prove his point, the air is filled with flying pieces of short brown hair. “Notice that I’m avoiding his stomach area. Just like humans, horses can be ticklish.”
Sam works the right side and stops just short of the tail area.
“It still looks like he still has some loose fur . . . and what about his legs?”
“Oh, don’t worry, the curry comb is only used on the first pass.
I’ll go back over the same areas I just combed with a fiber dandy brush like this one.
” Sam reaches for a brush with thick bristles similar to one used to polish shoes.
“This is also the one I’ll use on his legs.
There isn’t much fat down there and curry combs aren’t comfortable for him. ”
“That’s a lot of brushing.”
Sam flips the brush into the air and catches it. “I hate to tell you, but we’re not even halfway done with his grooming.”
“We’re not?”
“Nope. We still need to do the mane, tail, and face, then have a go with the shedding brush. And that’s all before we get to picking out his hooves. On days the horses are receiving baths, we do a shortened grooming first.”
“And how long does all that take?”
“If the horse is behaving, on average, maybe twenty minutes.”
I glance at Harry and back to his stall. I’m starting to form a picture of just how physical all of Sam’s work is. “Are you also responsible for cleaning out the stall?”
“Of course, and making sure he’s well fed, watered, and exercised.”
I rub my temples. Sam’s mentioned before that the horses are taken out for a ride early in the morning. “I think you’ve already told me this, but I’ve forgotten. How many horses do you look after?”
“Depends on the day, but six to eight? It’s less when we’re at Horse Guards.”
I lean back against the wall. “Sam, you’re amazing. Have I ever told you that?”
He puffs out his chest with pride. “Just doing my job,” he says with a wink. “Now, yes, or no to the grooming?”
“Yes.”
Gathering my courage, I spend the next hour grooming Harry with Sam. I may still be nervous around horses, but if it means I have Sam right beside me, it isn’t so bad.
“You’re the one who asked to see your mate Titan.” Sam snickers.
“I did,” I start slowly. “But I don’t remember him being this large.” My eyes carefully study the muscular gelding pawing the ground with his hoof.
“He’s smaller than Harry.”
“Not by much.”
A pair of footsteps approaches, and both of us turn. Sam’s posture stiffens at seeing a woman in fatigues with her hair slicked back into a low bun. “Captain Yates.”
“Baker.”
They salute one another, and he relaxes.
“Ah, I should’ve realized you’d have company today.” She shoots me a knowing smile and offers me a handshake. “I’m Yates.”
“Minerva,” I offer.
The captain’s handshake is firm. Despite being short in stature, about five foot two, she carries herself with an air of authority that makes her appear like a giant.
“Baker, I was hoping I’d run into you. I wanted to give you a heads-up that the next round of applications for riding instructors will be opening up soon. Is that something you’re still interested in?”
“Yes, ma’am. I was going to ask you about it on Monday.”
“Excellent. I can’t think of a person who’d be better suited to training new recruits.”
Sam manages to grow another inch. “Thank you, ma’am.”
“Hypothetically speaking, you tick all the boxes that we look for when recommending someone for the non-commissioned officer’s course, but there’s one area of weakness I’d like to see you improve on.”
“My kit turnout?” Sam mumbles.
“Yes. NCOs are expected to set the example for others to follow. You’re always just at the standard required.”
“I can put in the work and improve it, ma’am,” Sam says with a glint of determination in his eyes.
“I fully believe that Baker.” She hands him a piece of paper from the clipboard tucked under her arm.
“I was thinking that one way you might be able to pick up the habits you need in the shortest span of time is by entering this year’s Princess Alice Cup.
I realize it’s a big ask of you, but you’re one of the few troopers under my command who I think can handle the pressure and maybe even win the competition.
Goodness knows it’s about time one of the Blues defeated the Life Guards. ”
“Ma’am, if you think it’ll get me to where I need to be, I’ll do it.”
“That’s what I’d hoped you’d say.” She nods to the paper. “Fill out the application and turn it into Corporal Lee by 17:00. Today’s the last day to enter.”
“I will.”
“Brilliant. That’s all I have for you.” Sam and the captain salute one another once more. “Enjoy your visit, Minerva.” She takes her leave.
As soon as she’s out of our sight, Sam’s body sags. The blood drains from his face. “I’m doomed.”