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"There's no reason you couldn't breed any of them. They’re generally healthy for that. It's the mental issues of fear from being hit and the unpredictability of their former life that may get in the way. Queenie is the exception. She'll likely be the hardest to bring around."
"I'll keep trying though. Until we're fast friends."
Dr. Emily chuckled and set out to tend to Queenie's wounds while Everleigh began feeding and watering.
Spencer stepped into the barn. "Morning."
Everleigh grinned. "Good morning. Dr. Emily, this is Spencer Lawson. A co-worker of Henry's."
"Good morning, Spencer."
"Morning."
"Everleigh, I'll be setting up cameras in here today. Will the horses be out to pasture at some point?"
"In about an hour. I need to feed and water them first. Will that work?"
"Yes, ma'am."
He left the barn and then came back in with a large spool of wire. He started bringing in other equipment. Then he brought in a long antenna. Harper began snorting, bobbing her head and stomping at the ground. Everleigh moved to the stall to see what was inside. Dr. Emily did the same thing. Harper's movements became more pronounced, and she reared up and kicked the stall.
Everleigh turned to the doctor, her brows furrowed and bunched together. "What's wrong with her?"
Dr. Emily shook her head. "I don't know."
Everleigh stepped aside then turned to see Spencer waving the antenna around as he wrapped the end of it with tape.
"Spencer. It's you."
"What?" His confused face turned to her.
"She thinks that's a switch."
His eyes rounded and he marched himself out of the barn. As soon as he was out of sight, Harper calmed.
Everleigh petted Harper's neck. "It's okay girl. I didn't think of that. But Spencer won't hurt you. Not ever."
As soon as she'd calmed completely, Everleigh went out to find Spencer. He stood alongside the barn, his shoulders drooped. "I'm sorry Everleigh, I never would hurt a horse."
"I know. You know. She doesn't understand."
He scraped his hand through his hair, his jaw clenched tightly.
"Hey, it's okay. It's a reminder to me that anything that looks like a switch, will need to be kept from them until we can reintroduce such things in a positive way. Simple as that."
"Okay. Shit. That makes me feel like shit."
"Don't worry on it. Like I said, it's a good reminder and we were here to calm her, so it's all going to be just fine."
Spencer nodded and took a deep breath. "I'll work out here until the horses are out of the barn."
"One of them, Queenie, will need to stay inside, but I can walk her while you're inside so she can stretch her legs. Give me a bit of time."
"I've got things I can do out here in the meantime."
"Awesome."
She entered the barn and found Dr. Emily back working on Queenie. Harper had calmed. All was right in the barn once again. She went to the feed room, filled a wheelbarrow with feed and began her chores. It was her first day actually doing full-fledged chores. And her heart had never been happier. She had a home, though she didn't know where most things were. And, she didn't know how to cook. But she'd learn. She had a purpose with the horses. And she'd find a way to make money with them. And, she had Henry. A man who had only lived in her dreams. Now she lived in his house.
