AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Nicky apparently doesn’t letanyoneride Storm Chaser,” Harry explained. “He was her father’s horse, and he left Storm Chaser to Nicky when he died.”
“Oh!” Mike’s brows shot up. “I think she mentioned something about that earlier.”
Harry’s horse and their saddle horse walked steadily beside Mike and Storm Chaser. Mike felt his chest expand, knowing he’d been given the honor of riding Nicky’s horse.
Harry grinned. “Did she mention you’re now riding a horse worth around one hundred thousand dollars?”
“What?” Mike spluttered and looked at the horse, suddenly nervous. “He’sthatexpensive?”
“Yup!” Harry nodded. “I heard that Nicky’s been offered nearly double that because he still has unbeaten racing records.”
“Why isn’t he racing anymore?” Mike asked.
“Nicky’s father was the one that did the racing circuit,” Harry told him. “Storm Chaser started when he was two years old and was only on the circuit for a year when Nicky’s dad died.” He shrugged. “He is just over five now, and most racehorses retire at five, but they’d take him for breeding purposes.”
“Ah!” Mike nodded. “He has champion bloodlines.”
“Exactly!” Harry nodded. “Are you comfortable speeding up a bit? We’ve fallen way behind.”
“Sure!” Mike said, trying to look confident, but his heart started to race as he gently nudged the expensive horse into a trot beside Harry.
Nicky
The trail heading to Pan’s Waterfall meandered through a lush forest, where the canopy of swaying palm fronds and subtropical trees provided dappled shade. The air was alive with the soothing sounds of birdsong and the occasional rustling of leaves as a gentle breeze swept through them. The earthy scent of damp soil and flora filled Nicky’s senses, grounding her in the natural beauty of the landscape.
As horse and rider drew nearer to the waterfall, the soft murmur of running water grew louder, promising the hidden spectacle that lay ahead. The trail suddenly opened onto a small clearing, revealing Pan’s Waterfall in all its glory.
The waterfall, framed by ancient moss-covered rocks, cascaded gracefully from a modest height into a crystal-clear pool below. Sunlight filtered through the surrounding foliage, creating a play of dancing light on the water’s surface. The pool shimmered with inviting coolness, a tempting respite from the warmth of the Florida sun.
Large, mossy boulders, worn smooth by years of nature’s caress, offered perfect resting spots for a picnic or just to sit and take in the breathtaking view. Tall grasses swayed in the gentle breeze at the water’s edge, adding a touch of whimsy to the scene.
A rustic wooden picnic area was thoughtfully placed nearby, tempting visitors to linger and enjoy a meal amidst the serene ambiance where wooden benches and tables were scattered to provide comfortable seating.
The soft rush of the waterfall provided a soothing background melody as Nicky reined in Midnight, and they slowed to a trot. Pan’s Waterfall always reminded Nicky of a place where time seemed to stand still. It was a haven for quiet reflection, a backdrop for cherished memories, and a testament to the unspoiled beauty of the natural world tucked away in the heart of Marco Island’s outskirts.
Nicky sighed and filled her lungs with the fresh, cool air, leaning over to pat Midnight as they walked toward the water’s edge. She walked him around the edge of the large sparkling pool, allowing the cool spray of the waterfall to sprinkle his coat.
“You need to cool down before I allow you to drink, beautiful boy,” Nicky cooed as she slipped out of the saddle and pulled a brush out of the saddle bag.
Nicky took Midnight’s saddle off and put it on one of the rocks surrounding the craggy waterfall. She allowed him to stand near the waterfall to feel the cool breeze but not too close as she took the brush and rubbed him down with it. His shiny black coat was wet with exertion, and his skin shuddered as she brushed him.
“I know you want to rush into Horses Pool, but you can’t do that right now.” Nicky laughed at him as he playfully nudged her as she stood in front of him to brush his neck. “Hey, quit it. You’re going to push me into the Pan’s Pond.”
Midnight moved his neck up and down as if he was laughing.
“Cheeky!” Nicky kissed him just above his nose. “Come on, let’s take you for a walk through Horses’ Pond.”
There were two sides to the Pan’s Waterfall. As it fell down the rock, it split into two pools, and the larger one was where the animals were allowed to swim. Nicky took Midnight toward the pond. She kicked off her boots, pulled herself onto Midnight’s back, and nudged him into the pond. Nicky didn’t have to encourage Midnight too hard, either. The horse loved the water and waded in eagerly.
The pond had a smooth bottom with nothing hazardous for the horses and had been used for centuries to train the horses on the farm.
As Midnight waded further into the pond, the water gradually deepened, cooling his legs and belly. Nicky leaned forward, letting her fingers trail through the water, feeling its refreshing touch.
The sensation of riding Midnight through the water was exhilarating. The horse’s powerful muscles rippled beneath her, and the splashing of his hooves created a symphony of liquid music. Nicky’s heart danced to the rhythm of Midnight’s movements as they glided through the pond.
The scenery around them was nothing short of magical. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled patterns on the water’s surface. Dragonflies flitted about, their iridescent wings catching the sunlight. Overhead, a pair of ospreys circled, their sharp eyes searching for fish in the clear waters below.
As they ventured deeper into the pond, the water reached Midnight’s chest, and Nicky could feel his enthusiasm. His powerful strokes propelled them forward, and soon, they reached the center of Horses’ Pond, where the water was at its deepest. Here, they paused for a moment, surrounded by the tranquility of nature.
