At least Mike didn’t try to argue with him.
“Get the saddle off her,” Ru said.
As Ru started to unfasten the girth on the right side, Jasim did the left. Ru lifted the saddle off on his side and Pepper shifted her weight from one leg to another.
“It’s okay, Pepper,” Jasim whispered. “Good girl.”
He led her slowly back towards the stables, watching the way she walked. Ru followed with the saddle. Before they reached the doors, Leigh was running towards them with his medical bag, Mike and Paolo hurrying behind.
“What’s wrong?” the vet asked.
“She’s in pain. Sweating. A sway in her gait,” Jasim said.
“Take her to the med bay and I’ll watch.”
As he led Pepper on, Jasim thought she seemed better. He couldn’t detect any problem. No wobbling or lifting her hooves in an awkward way.
“I think I’ve found out what’s wrong,” Ru said.
“I’ll give her a thorough examination.” Leigh glanced at Ru. “I’ve not seen you before.”
“I’m new.”
“You can get back to what you’re supposed to be doing,” Paolo snapped.
“But I think I know what’s wrong.”
Paolo glared at him. “Are you a vet? No. You’re not even Pepper’s groom.”
“I’m here.” Mike stepped forward.
“It could be something neurological,” Leigh said.
“I don’t think so,” Ru muttered.
Paolo glared at him. “Go away.”
Jasim waited to see what Ru would do.
“Not until I’ve told you what I think. I bet there’s a hot area on Pepper’s back. I felt the heat on the blanket. The saddle’s not fitting her properly. She’s sore.”
Jasim ran his hand over the horse’s back and touched a slightly raised area that was warmer than the surrounding coat. Leigh ran his hand over it too.
“She’s hot,” Jasim said.
“Yes.” Leigh nodded.
Ru pushed the saddle into Mike’s arms and walked off.
“Warm and inflamed.” Leigh glanced at Jasim over Pepper’s back, then turned to Mike. “Has she seemed different when you’ve been tacking her up?”
“She’s been fine.”
Jasim heard the defensiveness in Mike’s tone.
Leigh sighed. “Does she try to walk away or put her ears back when she sees the saddle?”
“No.”
