Blackout 4 Shiloh Ranch by Akart Bobby

Author:Akart, Bobby [Akart, Bobby]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-01-09T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

1:00 p.m., October 10

Horse Barn

Shiloh Ranch

Alex followed Javy’s instructions with Snowflake by gradually fading out the pressure she used with her hand commands on the reins and increasing the leg pressure to perform basic tasks such as stopping, moving backward and forward, and changing the pace of her gait. Through practice together, Snowflake was now responding to Alex’s commands to change her speed from a walk to a trot and a full-speed gallop. Stubby called the training—extinguishing—the process fading out hand commands in favor of a more forceful leg command.

“Good girl,” whispered Alex into Snowflake’s ear as she rewarded her with a piece of apple picked from the orchard near the front gate. “I think you and I make a great team, Snowflake.” Snowflake agreed with a long, proud whinny to her fellow horses. As the sole Appaloosa on the farm, Snowflake probably felt special already. With Alex on her back, the difference was noticeable.

“Nobody has bonded with her except you, Alex,” said Stubby as he scruffed Snowflake’s forehead with his fingertips. “Continue practicing this every day. As your scavenging runs with Chase increase, you’ll find your hands full more often than you realize. Simple tasks like opening and closing gates can be done with leg commands. A well-trained horse is an incredible asset in the situation we’re in.”

Alex dismounted and rubbed Snowflake’s muzzle and the horse immediately responded happily. “You mentioned some other things we need to teach her. What are they?”

“You’ve done most of the common tasks already. We’ve taught her not to get spooked around flapping objects by riding her when the wind is blowing tarps, flags, and sheets. She’s comfortable trusting you to lead her through flowing creeks. You’ve got her dragging objects and leading another horse, which, believe it or not, can be a challenge.”

Alex dusted off her jeans and added a few other common tasks she’d accomplished. “I’ve taught her to be comfortable with me mounting on both sides and carrying two riders. I think it’s time for the final two difficult tasks.”

“Noise and fire,” added Stubby. “In the old westerns, you’d see the cowboy sending his horse at full gallop across the prairie, firing his revolver next to the horse’s ears. That’s not realistic. Nothing spooks a horse like a loud, sudden noise and fire.”

“Will it be hard to train her around fire?” asked Alex.

“Fire is a horse’s natural enemy,” replied Stubby. “Having her hang out with us last night during our campfire was a start. I don’t want to set too many fires intentionally for this purpose because the smoke can draw unnecessary attention to the ranch, but every time we cook over an open pit or burn trash, we’ll include her. She’ll eventually get used to it.”

Snowflake pushed her muzzle into Alex’s shoulder and seemed to smile.

“She knows we’re talking about her,” quipped Alex.

“Maybe.” Stubby laughed. “Horses are considered social creatures but more so toward each other. The debate about whether horses have feelings toward their rider is second only to the intense debate as to which gun is better, an AR-15 or an AK-47.

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