Chapter 10
Ariel
The next morning is much better. I still had nightmares, but there was no morning sickness, no freak outs, and no fear. It’s the feeling of comfort that makes it so much better. After all the craziness of the morning yesterday, it turned into a great day, and I just know me and my baby are going to be okay.
A little bit of the happiness fades when I’m informed that Teddy isn’t able to take me to the Horse Cemetery. In his place is Harley, who is kinder than Teddy was at first. He’s still got this brooding thing going on, but he’s not a grumpy asshole.
“I know you were expecting Teddy. I’m sorry.”
“That’s okay. I’m happy to get to know you a bit more. It helps me feel more safe here.”
“Of course. There’s a lot of dark history in this family, so I’m just warning you that there will be things you may never know. But I can confirm that you are safe at my family’s ranch.”
“Okay. How dark are we talking?”
“It’s pretty dark. Also, I feel like I should tell you before you find out from anyone else, but I was in prison for a year eight years ago. I promise that I didn’t do anything bad. Everyone knows that now, including the sheriff’s department, which is why I got out after a year.” His shoulders are tense as he tells me. I can tell he doesn’t talk about it often but he’s telling me now so that I can be informed and feel safer.
“That must’ve been terrible. I’m sorry that happened to you.”
“Thank you.” he mutters before stopping his truck. “We’re here.”
With a childlike excitement that I haven’t felt in a really long time, I jump out of the truck, and look around in wonder. Like the barn stalls, the cemetery is handled with so much care. Every grave has a rose garland and a bench. Each bench has the horse’s name, and a list of their accomplishments.
“You guys care so much for these horses.”
“We don’t see any reason not to. Most people see horses and think that they’re not important, but they are. These horses are responsible for millions of people’s entertainment and careers. People everywhere use these horses, and discard them. We offer a place where they can find care and comfort.”
“That’s beautiful. Who came up with this ranch?”
“My great grandfather. He heard about the inhumane ways they treated horses after they got older, and he wanted to put an end to that, so he came up with this ranch. He worked hard to build this place, and raised my grandmother to share that same care, who showed my father, who showed us. This ranch is a legacy, so much so that other ranches were made to take some of the horses because we had so many horses.”
“I love that. I wish more people had the mindset your family has.” At that he remains silent. I continue going through all the graves and reading about the horses, and it makes me feel connected somehow. I make more notes on how to get more customers to come through and visit.
A couple hours later, I’m going around taking pictures of everything on the ranch. I stop by the riding lessons, and watch Teddy teach a group of kids the safety behind riding a horse.
“It’s important for both the horse and you that you remain calm while on a horse. A horse can sense your emotions, if you are nervous, the horse will get nervous. What you wanna do is once you’re on the horse, you wanna sit so that you’re secure on the horse, so legs on both sides, but do not squeeze your legs. Squeezing your legs will make it uncomfortable for the horse, and that will make it harder for you to ride.” As he continues going through the safety, he brings a horse over to demonstrate while going through everything he just said again. And that right there is yet another way to show care. He’s smart enough to know that not everyone is going to be able to get everything stuck in their brain that first time so he demonstrates and says everything word for word to help better get it stuck. After he dismounts the horse, I take a picture, and go on to what I can find next. That’s when I find a sign, that says
Horseback Riding Lessons- If you want to learn to ride a horse please ask a worker for a packet or pick one up from the gift shop.
Curious, I head for the gift shop and get one. I am absolutely amazed at what I find. There written on paper is word for word what Teddy went over and more. It also reads, “To ride a horse, you need to read everything on this paper, and be able to answer a 20 question quiz, and get every question right before taking lessons. This is for both the horses’ safety, and your own.” I take the packet and go back toward the riding lessons.
Teddy has now got all the kids on saddles that he has put up on the fence. He goes around checking all of their stances, and giving them pointers to help improve. “Y’all have been very good today. Next lesson we will have you on real horses.” He dismisses them, and turns to look at me. I smile at him as I get closer.
“Each time I think you can’t possibly care more about the horses, you go and prove me wrong. Your dedication to make riding a horse safe is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.”
“Yep.” That’s all he says, and part of me feels disheartened that he doesn’t talk to me more, but I push it away.
“Could I film you going over everything, and post it on all the social media pages. I’m already working on writing down everything from the packet to post. Give everyone another reminder to help them remember when they come to lessons. I know not everyone’s going to read it but I thought It would be fun to ask a question in the comment and give something to whoever gets it right first. Maybe make it a monthly thing. Maybe a free lesson. Oooo yeah that would help motivate people to read it and that way we know that they’re serious about it.” I’m rambling as I come up with the details bit by bit. Teddy just stares at me with this intense gaze.
“Sounds good.” He mutters before walking away