The One-Time Crime by J A Whiting & Nell McCarthy

Author:J A Whiting & Nell McCarthy [Whiting, J A]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: J A Whiting Books and Whitemark Publishing
Published: 2022-06-01T16:00:00+00:00

12

Working quickly, Mae and Tammy got all five of the ponies saddled up and ready to go to work.

"I love these saddle blanket covers you got," said Mae. "They look so nice. And they'll remind everyone of where the ponies came from in all the hundreds of pictures people will take today."

She was talking about the heavy nylon squares in the same sky blue as the trailer and truck, that went over the thick saddle pad and under the saddle. Stitched into the back quarter on each side was Camp Clearwater in navy blue.

"I saw your lap robes and how pretty they were," said Tammy. "Red and white and green plaid with Tipperary Carriage Company embroidered on them in gold. These little covers aren't that fancy, but I think they'll do."

"They're exactly right for what you need." Mae untied Hazel, one of the two pinto mares, led her out of the trailer, and took her to the stretch of green grass that ran between the parking lot and a large stand of trees. "Let's start with our biggest girl here. The kids are gonna love her and her equally red-and-white daughter over there. Children always love seeing and riding a pinto."

"You said you wanted me to bring those two to the kid's birthday party tomorrow, right?" asked Tammy, still sounding nervous.

"Frankly, you can bring all of them. It sounds like there's going to be a good crowd." Mae walked Hazel across the grass for a minute and then checked to make sure the saddle girth was tight enough. "Okay. Let's see what we've got."

Mae attached the extra lead rope to the other side of the halter so that the two ropes made a pair of makeshift reins. Then, after positioning the little mare so she was on a slight downward slope, Mae threw one leg over her and slid onto the small western saddle.

The small mare immediately arched her neck and skittered sideways, but Mae got her moving again and kept her going at a brisk jog over the grass. Mae almost laughed at the quick and tiny steps, which seemed unbelievably fast after working with the large draft horses all this time. Even Goldie was nearly a foot taller than these ponies and though she was quick, she was not nearly as quick as these five.

After a few minutes, Mae got Hazel to ease down to a walk, though it was nearly as fast as the jog had been. A few turns and circles convinced Mae that the pony was agreeable enough. She brought the little mare back to the trailer where her daughter Holly was anxiously awaiting her return by pawing the pavement and walking in circles around Tammy.

"Okay. One down, four to go," said Mae, sliding down from Hazel. "At least, they’re very easy to dismount from."

Holly had always seemed to be the most energetic of the five and was actually a very pretty little red-and-white mare.

"All right, sweetie," said Mae, leading her to the grass. "Let's see how you're feeling today.

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