Read Online Crown Prince Challenged by Linda Snow McLoon - Free Book Online

the boarders’ tack room,” he said, gesturing down the aisle. “Let me show it to you.”
    Jack swiveled to face Sarah. “I’ll be wanting a look at your horse’s leg before my next lesson starts,” he said. “I’ll be back after I show Derek the tack room. Could you please remove the bandage?”
    â€œWe’ll be off, Derek,” his father said, as they started down the aisle. “Your mom and I have lots of unpacking to do in the new house.”
    Sarah turned to look at her horse. She had never failed to go to him first when she arrived at the barn, and now he stood at his stall door, tossing his head, his eyes fixed on her. When she slipped into the stall, he pushed his slender muzzle toward her. She stroked his face while he tugged at her jacket and nuzzled her coat sleeve. She fished his carrot from her pocket and offered it to him. “I’m sorry I made you wait, Prince,” she said softly. “I guess I’ve spoiled you.” She gave him a quick hug before slipping his halter on and bringing him out to the cross-ties in the aisle.
    Jack had done a good job putting on the stable bandage—it hadn’t slipped down at all. Sarah’s fingers worked quickly to remove it and the cotton wrap, anxious to see the injury it covered, and gently pulled off the gauze pad. She was studying the injured area just as Jack returned. He leaned down to look closely at the wound, now twenty-four hours old, before gently placing a hand in back of the cannon bone to check for heat and swelling.
    Jack looked pleased when he stood up. “’Tis coming along well,” he said. “The area around the cut is only moderately warm, consistent with healing. The only thing you have to work on is keeping the cut from getting infected, and it will soon be scabbed over. Cold water, wrapping the leg, and stall rest have taken care of any minor stress to the tendon area.” Hearing Jack’s words, Sarah felt a wave of relief. The injury would soon be a thing of the past! She noticed a second shadow on the aisle’s cement floor, and realized Derek was behind them, also looking closely at Prince’s leg.
    Jack stepped back and rested his hand on Prince’s hindquarters. “I suggest both of you hand-walk your horses in the indoor today. ’Tis too bad we have the rain, but just stay at one end while the lessons are going on. Bismarck has had a long van ride and needs to stretch his legs.” Jack shifted his gaze to Sarah. “Crown Prince hasn’t been out of his stall today, and proper circulation from light exercise will promote healing. Afterward just slather on a goodly amount of the Furoxone ointment and wrap his leg for one more day.”
    Jack started off to his next lesson, but paused and turned around. “Prince’s cut isn’t very deep and should heal over in a few days. By Saturday you can probably get on him again. If you don’t have any polo wraps, best to pick up a set before then. Wrap his front legs only. Paige will show you how to do it, and if she’s not around, Tim and Mrs. DeWitt are also good with polos.” Jack smiled. “And perhaps Derek, too.”
    After Jack left, Derek walked around Prince, looking at the horse up close. “He’s pretty tall,” he said. “How do you manage to get your foot in the stirrup?”
    â€œOnly with a mounting block,” she said, and they both laughed.
    â€œMaybe you should take some rock climbing lessons, just in case you’re without the block one of these days.” His face became serious. “What are you planning to do with him?”
    â€œI haven’t gotten that far yet. He’s my first horse, and I’ve only had him since June. I might event him and do some small shows.”
    Derek walked over to look out the window. “I think it’s only sprinkling outside now, so before I walk Bismarck, I’m going to