Blazing Glory

By Lynne M. Caulkett

The saga of "Sweet Dreams" and the Sweeney family continues when in a strange chain of events, fifteen-year old Rebecca Winslow finds herself trespassing in order to see the stunning colt that has caught her eye. Blazing Glory, son of Shiloh''s Sweet Dream, is a rambunctious, four-year old horse, full of mischief and spirit.

This redheaded teenager, who is surrounded by a dark cloud of sorrow, feels a sense of joy for the first time in a long while, as she watches the frolicking, young horse skim across the pasture.

Little does Rebecca know what an impact this colt will have on her life. Follow her as she finds new hope when she is introduced to the trails of training a headstrong horse, and the exciting world of competition.

The highs and lows that Rebecca experiences are both inspiring and uplifting as the story captures the hearts of all readers from the very first page.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 23, 2006
• ISBN: 9781467099752

Lynne M. Caulkett

     A native of Michigan, Lynne M. Caulkett has lived in Spring Hill, Florida with her husband Jim for the past nine years.  She shares her love of horses with her three children and eight grandchildren.  As the owner of the Bridle Path Ranch, she is a crusader against animal abuse and has experienced it first hand with some of her own horses that were rescued.  A move back to Michigan is in her near future, although she will stay involved with equestrian activities and her writing.      She is currently working on a book about the effects of therapeutic riding for handicapped children.  Watch for it in the spring of 2007.  

Book preview

© 2007 Lynne M. Caulkett. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 6/8/2007

Library of Congress Control Number: 2005910786

ISBN: 1-4259-0775-X (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4670-9975-2 (ebk)

Bloomington, Indiana

Cover photo: Savannah Holt with Pride, Quarter Horse owned by Leonard and Susie Brown of Brooksville, Florida

Memorial Page photo: Kayci Manosky’s last ride on her horse, Cheyenne, August 2005.

Contents

Acknowledgments:

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

IN MEMORY OF

OUR BELOVED

CHEYENNE

1975-2005

You will live on in our hearts forever

kaycie.jpg

Acknowledgments:

The author gratefully acknowledges the following people for all of their support, advice, suggestions, and proofreading assistance:

Kayci Renea Manosky

Rose Marie Shaeffer

Laura Clark

Roger Selfridge

Leonard and Susie Brown

Annie Holt

Savannah Holt

Dr Rik Daniels, DVM

Technical support received from:

Dr. Rik Daniels, DVM of Daniels and Daniels Veterinarian Services, Zephyrhills, Florida

Other books by

Lynne M. Caulkett

"Second Chances, Amazing Horse Rescues"

Available at www.upublish.com

Sweet Dreams

Available at www.authorhouse.com

Dedication

This book is lovingly dedicated to my dear friend,

Rose Marie Shaeffer

R ose, you have not only been a special friend to me, but a mentor to my granddaughter Kayci Renea. Whether with music lessons, our shared love of horses or just lending a shoulder, you have provided Kayci and I with someone to turn to for advice, to confide in, and to trust.

You are always there giving support when needed and you are tireless in your efforts to reach out and make a difference. And that is exactly what you do: make a difference!

That was evident when you were nominated for and won the Teacher of the Year competition in Hernando County, Florida in 2005 and again when you and your horse, Grand Illustrator (GI) were accepted into the Hernando County Sheriff’s Mounted Volunteer Program. Your diligence and hard work with GI made him the amazing horse that he is.

Whatever project you tackle, you do so with skill and gusto. You have impacted so many lives in the most positive way. You are and will always be one of my closest friends. I treasure our friendship and it is most fitting that this book be dedicated to you.

Chapter 1

The Strange Silhouette

T he four-year old colt raced back and forth along the fence line of the five-acre pasture. With his mane blowing, his tail straight out, he appeared to be airborne. The soft grasses beneath him flattened as he sailed forward. Kayci Carter paused for a moment to watch from her kitchen window and laughed at the sight. Even at this young age, this horse was a picture of grace and elegance with just enough spunk to give him the character and disposition that Kayci had hoped he would have.

In the next paddock area, the colt’s mother, a stunning black horse named Shiloh’s Sweet Dream, watched as her young one made his way across the grassland. Although the colt was long since weaned, the mare still kept a close watch on her youngster. Shiloh had been a Grand National runner-up several years before, but because of a life-changing injury, she was now confined to the pasture, unable to be ridden. Kayci saw to it that this beloved horse lived a pampered and protected life. Shiloh was content to watch her offspring grow, and accept the affection of her owner.

Kayci’s attention went back to washing the pile of dirty dishes in the sink. It was the first time in two days that she had been able to get to them. She had spent the previous few days tending to a horse suffering with colic. Dr. Kayci R. Carter, DVM, had recently graduated from the Oklahoma State University Veterinary School in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and was now running a veterinary clinic in her small hometown, which was situated west of Tulsa and north of Oklahoma City.

Doc Malloy, the town’s former vet had retired and although he still helped out a few days here and there, he was more than happy to hand over the bulk of the responsibility to Kayci. Doc had been her mentor along with Dr. Anthony Simmons, DVM, who was the director of the veterinary program where Kayci attended college. The girl had high regards for both men and they in turn admired her stamina and dedication.

Kayci was startled out of her deep thoughts when the phone rang. She dried her wet hands and reached for the kitchen phone.

Hello?

Hey there, beautiful! How’s my best girl?

Kayci smiled at the sound of her husband Bryan’s voice.

Good morning! I didn’t hear you leave this morning, Kayci said.

That’s because you were too busy snoring! said Bryan good-naturedly.

I do not snore! said Kayci indignantly, giggling at the same time.

Her husband responded with a hearty laugh.

I know you’ve had a few late nights with the Smith’s horse so I didn’t want to wake you up. How’s she doing, by the way? Asked Bryan in a more serious tone.

Much better. I think she’s out of danger for the time being. I’m headed over there in a few minutes to check on her. I have a light schedule today, though, so I’ll be home this afternoon. Doc is covering the clinic for me today, answered Kayci.

Great! I’ll be home early too. Why don’t I stop and get us a pizza for supper? Suggested Bryan.

Sounds good to me, said Kayci. I’ll see you later then.

Bryan and Kayci Carter were newlyweds. Shortly after graduating from college, they married and honeymooned in France. Paris had been a destination they both had dreamed about for years. And they had not been disappointed. From the small street-cafés, to the churches and museums, to the Eiffel Tower, the couple had been enchanted with this romantic city. Together they explored every little nook and cranny of the city and left with hundreds of photo’s and the promise to return as soon as they could.

Bryan received his degree in Civil Engineering from Oklahoma State University and now worked for a firm in Tulsa. Presently he was involved in a huge project that required a lot of overtime, so the chance to get home early to spend time with his bride was something he looked forward to.

The two met back in 1965 at the Oklahoma City State Championship Horse Show. Kayci and Shiloh were entered in the Western Equitation and Pleasure competitions while Bryan and his horse Cheyenne competed in the Roping Division. Kayci captivated Bryan from the moment he first saw her. They quickly became friends and over the next two years fell deeply in love. It had been a storybook relationship for them, and both families knew it was only a matter of time before Kayci and Bryan would wed.

Their wedding was attended by just about the whole town. A rancher friend of Kayci’s parents provided a horse-drawn carriage, and the bride arrived at the church in the beautiful carriage pulled by eight white Arabian’s. As Kayci was helped out of the carriage, her grandparents, Jack and Cora Sweeney stood watching from the church steps. Both of them were overcome with emotion. Kayci had been an almost daily visitor to their home as she grew up and they loved her dearly.

Kayci was a vision in her white beaded gown with the intricate train and lace veil that Cora had designed and sewn by hand. The girl had been overjoyed when her grandma offered to make the dress several months before. They spent many hours going over the minute details and subsequent fittings. Kayci felt like a princess when she tried on the completed gown for the first time. She could not have imagined a more perfect dress for her wedding. As she stood in front of the floor length mirror and admired the strapless, heart-shaped beaded bodice, the petite satin-belted waistline, and flowing satin and lace covered skirt, Cora stood by beaming. The dress and the girl wearing it were stunning.

Bryan was speechless when Kayci came down the aisle on her father Mike’s arm. Never had he seen a more beautiful bride. Tears welled up in Bryan’s eyes as Mike handed his daughter’s hand to the waiting groom. This was the day he had dreamed of for the past couple of years. As the young couple spoke their vows their eyes locked, and they were filled with joy as the priest pronounced them man and wife. A thunderous applause broke out in the tiny church when the priest, Fr. Michael Baldwin, introduced them as Mr. And Mrs. Bryan Carter for the first time. As they made their way down the aisle and out of the church doors, they were greeted with a shower of rose petals and birdseed.

At the reception that followed, the guests agreed that it was the most wonderful wedding they had ever attended. Several hours later, when they left the reception to begin their honeymoon, Kayci and Bryan drove through a crowd of cheering friends and relatives. It was the ideal start for their married life, and the young couple happily waved goodbye to everyone as they drove off to the airport.

Kayci finished the dishes and gave her kitchen the once-over look. She loved the country home that Bryan had designed with the help of a local architect. They fashioned the kitchen after her Grandma Cora’s kitchen. Growing up it had been one of her favorite places to spend time in. The large fireplace with its deep red brick hearth had been first on Kayci’s list for her own kitchen. She had so many memories of the family sitting around the Sweeney fireplace and wanted that same warmth and charm in her own home.

Kayci’s grandparents, Jack and Cora, gave the couple a fifty-acre tract of land as a wedding gift. It was located in a corner section of the Sweeney ranch that all together encompassed five-hundred-and-fifty acres. Kayci’s older sister Kate and her husband Bill, who were married the year before, had also been given a fifty-acre parcel of land and lived in a home that had been built adjacent to Kayci and Bryan. The sisters shared a special closeness and were thrilled to live near one another. Bryan and Bill were good friends also, so there was a nice harmony between the couples.

Having the family nearby was especially important to Jack and Cora. Their son Michael and his wife Sheila, parents of Kayci and Kate, lived on a farm just down the road from them. Daughter Emily, her husband John and children Brandon and Savannah lived less than five miles away. Their younger son James, who visited frequently, lived in Michigan with his wife Ciera and daughters Stephani, Jessica and Kamryn. It gave Jack and Cora a great deal of pleasure to have two of their granddaughters living on the ranch. Although they had their separate lives, it was nice to know that the girls were close by.

Kayci folded the dishtowel and set it on the counter. She then hurried in to the bathroom to wash her face and comb her hair. As she applied some light make-up, her thoughts went to the Smith’s horse, Lady. It had been a close call. Lady wandered into the open and unlocked tack room in the Smith’s barn and helped herself to the uncovered barrel of feed. Many hours went by before she was discovered on the floor near her stall, suffering from colic, the result of overeating. The mare was already overweight and her caring, but novice owners, not knowing what to do, left their horse lying on the floor instead of getting her up onto her feet, before they called Kayci who was their vet.

Kayci had spent a lot of time over the previous several months trying tactfully to teach the couple how to care for their horse. She explained that their tendency to over feed the mare was not healthy and that the horse needed to lose weight. The couple insisted that they just enjoyed spoiling Lady and that she loved the attention that they showered on her.

Then spoil her with the right kind of attention. Focus on grooming and riding and reward her with healthy treats like carrots and apples, she coaxed, but to no avail.

The elderly German couple, both also on the plump side, just couldn’t bring themselves to cut down on not only the large amount of grain they were giving their beloved horse, but also snacks like pizza, lasagna and other people food! Kayci fully expected that she would one day get a call that Lady had colicked. And that is exactly what happened. The frantic couple begged her to come quickly, when they had phoned her a week earlier.

Once Kayci arrived on the scene, she was able to get the animal up onto her feet and proceeded to begin walking the horse after giving her a mild sedative to relax her digestive system. Each time they stopped walking, Lady would try to go down again. Kayci’s biggest fear was that Lady would founder. The Smith’s estimated that the horse had consumed at least half the barrel of grain. That amount would certainly be enough to shock the horse’s system and cause the arteries in the legs and feet to constrict, making the blood flow very difficult.

The next twelve hours were spent walking and medicating Lady. Kayci stayed to do the walking herself since the Smith’s were inexperienced, this being their first and only horse. But the worried couple never left Lady’s side during that whole time. After what seemed like an eternity to them, Lady finally began to respond and seemed to be better. The Smith’s were encouraged but Kayci was still guarded. She had seen horses seemingly completely recover only to have them colic several days later. Lady already had two strikes against her, being twenty-five-years old and overweight.

Fortunately, the next day the horse did come around, and Kayci began to relax. Lady had not foundered to the young vet’s relief. Kayci did however, give strict orders to the Smith’s concerning the mare’s diet.

"You MUST cut the amount of her grain, and she is to have NO people food whatsoever! This is more important than ever. She can have unlimited grass and a flake of hay at night in her stall, but no more than this amount of grain." Kayci showed the couple how to measure the proper amount of food.

Oh, believe me, Dr. Carter, we have learned our lesson. Lady will eat right from now on, promised Ernie Smith.

Kayci gave an approving nod, and went on to give Ernie and Hazel a regiment of exercises for Lady. She had observed the horse walking stiffly the day before, and surmised that the mare could have some arthritis in her legs.

"Keeping her limber will alleviate swelling and pain. And please, keep the tack room door locked when you are not in the barn. There can be a lot of danger in there for horses, as you now know," said Kayci gently.

You don’t have to worry, Dr. Carter. We will follow your instructions carefully, said Hazel, a tear splashing down her cheek.

Yes, yes, we know now how foolish we were, added Ernie, who felt bad for the horse, knowing that they had caused this to happen.

Ok, then. You know how to reach me if Lady colic’s again. I think you can rest easy, though. She’s fine now. I’ll be back to check on her in a couple of days, Kayci assured the Smith’s.

Thank you so much, Dr. Carter, the couple chimed in unison.

Kayci shook their hands and said goodbye. She liked the Smith’s and knew that their heart had been in the right place. They just needed to be educated on horse care. It had taken this emergency for them to finally realize what needed to be done.

Kayci finished applying her make-up and a few minutes later was once again on her way to check on Lady. As she pulled into the Smith’s drive, the couple came out to meet her. She could tell by their smiles that the mare was still doing fine.

Hello, Dr. Carter! It is so nice to see you, said Ernie as he pumped her hand in a handshake.

Hello Mr. And Mrs. Smith! How is Lady doing? Kayci said smiling at the pair.

Oh she is just wonderful! And getting slimmer, I must add, said Hazel. We have done exactly as you said.

That’s great. Why don’t we go and have a look at her? Suggested Kayci.

In the barn, Lady was happily munching on a few carrots. Kayci was pleasantly surprised to see that the horse was more alert than she had seen her in the past several months.

Can we take her out in the paddock for a few minutes? Kayci asked. I want to see how she’s moving.

Of course, said Ernie. Let me get her halter on.

A few minutes later, the horse entered the paddock and Kayci asked for a lunge-line. Once it was attached, Kayci gave the signal for Lady to begin walking in a circle. The horse responded and in a while was trotting like a much younger horse. Lady even managed a slow canter once around the pen.

Well, you are both to be congratulated. Lady looks great and she seems to be a new woman, Kayci said, complimenting the couple. I am very pleased with her progress.

The owners looked at each other and beamed with