Good Horse, Bad Color

By Regina Walker

In the enchanting tale of Zoe Page, you'll be drawn into a world where the soul-stirring melody of hoofbeats intertwines with the symphony of her indomitable spirit. From the very beginning, life deals her tough choices, forging a resilient spirit that will leave an indelible mark on your heart.

Amidst the picturesque landscapes of her trials and triumphs, you'll find yourself cheering her on, captivated by the genuine passion that radiates from within. As she embarks on a remarkable journey, her profound connection with horses becomes a mesmerizing dance of trust and understanding, a language beyond words that only her gentle touch can convey.

Prepare to embark on an emotional rollercoaster, as you laugh in the face of adversity with her infectious humor, shed tears of empathy as she confronts heart-wrenching challenges, and share exasperated eye-rolls during moments of endearing stubbornness. Through it all, the true meaning of grit and determination will echo through the pages, reminding you of the strength that lies within the human spirit.

There will be moments when her world feels like it's unraveling, and you'll experience the desperation of the brink of giving up, but don't lose hope. Together with Zoe, you'll discover the boundless wellspring of perseverance that resides in every soul, lighting the way towards redemption and growth.

But this isn't just a story of personal growth; it's a testament to the power of selfless compassion. Zoe's unwavering commitment to giving back to her community, to lending a voice to those who can't speak, and to making a difference in the world will leave you awe-inspired. With every horse she rescues, every life she touches, and every friend she makes, Zoe embarks on a noble quest to enrich the world, one beautiful soul at a time.

In this biographical fiction, you won't merely read about Zoe Page; you'll walk alongside her through every moment of joy and sorrow, savoring the magic of a young woman who finds her purpose in the profound connection between herself and the majestic creatures she rescues. Through her journey, you'll be reminded of the transformative power of love, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to making our world a better place.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Regina Walker
• Release date: Jul 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215381373

Regina Walker

Regina Walker crafts compelling characters facing some of life's hardest challenges. Her heart's desire is to always point toward Jesus through the way her characters face challenges, relationships, and adversity. Regina is an Oklahoma import, although she was born and raised in the beautiful state of Colorado. She likes to curl up on the couch and binge-watch crime shows with her hard-working husband. When she's not wrestling with a writing project, she can be found wrangling their children, riding their horses, or working around their small hobby farm.

Book preview

Chapter One

Again, Mackenzie called across the rink.

Grumbling under her breath, Zoe pushed off, sliding across the ice to practice another three-turn, a move she was sick of drilling down on.

Again! Mackenzie hollered just as Zoe completed the three-turn. Chin up, smile.

Zoe turned her head and rolled her eyes. She envisioned skating over and telling Mackenzie she was done, but she knew that wouldn’t go well. Gliding along the ice, the cool air whipping across her face, was something she enjoyed—even when she was tired of her coach.

You’re worried about going fast, and that’s not what I’m looking for. Your footwork will get better when that three-turn gets better. Inside edge to outside edge. Do it again. Mackenzie slid across the ice toward Zoe.

Fine. Zoe skated in a wide circle, practicing forward to backward and backward to forward three-turns, six in a row. She skated back toward Mackenzie with her eyebrows lifted. I can do three-turns. I’ve been skating for a long time.

Form matters. You drop your shoulders when you are going forward to backward. You drop your chin and look down when you are going backward to forward. It’s my job to make sure you do even the small things well. Mackenzie looked at her watch. We only have five more minutes. Are you going to stay and skate after?

Not today, Zoe said.

Mackenzie nodded. The look on her face was slightly disapproving. You didn’t stay and skate last week, either. You need more practice than just the skating we do during your lessons. Get out there and do a few more three-turns before our time is up.

With an argument on her tongue, Zoe pushed off, propelling herself forward and away from Mackenzie. It was ridiculous to keep practicing three-turns. She should be practicing much more advanced moves. Getting a new coach was the worst thing ever. The woman hadn’t let Zoe show her what she could do on the ice.

To add insult to injury, Zoe got slightly off-balance going into her three-turn, and as she twisted to go from forward to backward, her free leg whirled around a little too fast and her foot on the ice slid out from under her. Landing with a thud on the ice, she had only a moment to decide between sitting there, on the ice, angry, or getting up to try one more time before the lesson was over.

Failing to try is like trying to fail. She could hear her mom’s sage advice in her mind, and she rolled onto her knees, then hopped up. A quick glance around and it seemed that Mackenzie had missed the fall. Thank goodness.

She skated down the long side of the practice rink, letting herself shake off the jitters from falling. If there was one thing she hated more than drilling the same move repeatedly, it was falling. Coming to the short side of the rink, she brought her arms into place, pulled her shoulders back, engaged her core, and lifted her chin. Executing three precise three-turns, she picked up speed and prepared to do a more challenging spin.

That’s enough for today, Zoe. Mackenzie cupped her hands around her mouth to make sure Zoe heard her.

Zoe’s shoulders sagged, but she skated toward the exit. Was she ever going to get to show Mackenzie what she could do on the ice?

Hannah waited by the gate and when Zoe stepped off the ice, she bent close, whispering, She was in fine form today.

Tell me about it. Zoe rolled her eyes. Her old coach did always tighten up a bit when they were close to a competition, but Mackenzie and her drills were ten times worse. I should have told her that my mom makes me come up here and practice at least three times a week.

Did you see our competition outfits? Hannah sat on the bench, unlacing her skates.

Another thing for Zoe to be cross about—she didn’t like the outfits that Mackenzie picked. I saw them. She scowled.

I think they’re cute, Hannah mumbled.

Zoe tied her skates together and dropped them down in her bag. I think we get to go meet Jane today.

You’re really interested in horses? What about the ice? Hannah looked out over the frozen rink.

I’m going to do both. I’ll still be here to skate. I just can’t shake this idea. So, my mom said I could take a few lessons, Zoe said.

What will I do if you love horses more than skating? Hannah’s eyes were misty, and she sniffed back her emotions.

Not possible. Nothing is better than being on the ice, Zoe said. Nothing.

image-placeholder

The busy city streets turned into quiet country roads with rolling landscapes, fenced-in pastures, barns, and farmhouses. Zoe took everything in, she always liked when they got out of the city. She enjoyed seeing the horses grazing in the pastures, but it was like having a small taste of a brownie when she wanted the whole pan.

Watching them in the pasture, seeing them graze and roam, occasionally witnessing one or two kick up their heels and gallop across a field as she passed by would never be enough. She needed to touch them, connect with them, feel their warm breath.

Was their breath as warm as she imagined? Was their muzzle as soft as velvet? She could only hope and wonder. Her mom clicking on the turn signal brought Zoe’s attention back to the car, and she focused on her mom.

Are you excited? Rebekah asked.

More than you know, Zoe said.

Rebekah pulled the small SUV down a long, semi-narrow drive. Two long barns came into view and Zoe strained forward against her seatbelt, taking it all in.

Do you think that’s Jane? Zoe asked, pointing at a woman leaning against a green truck.

Your guess is as good as mine, daughter, Rebekah said.

With the SUV barely parked, Zoe hopped out and ran around the back of the SUV. Jane?

You must be Zoe. Yes, I’m Jane. The young woman stuck out her hand to shake Zoe’s. Her brown hair was pulled up in a messy bun and her blue eyes were full of life.

Nice to meet you, Jane, Zoe said.

And a few steps behind, always. I’m Rebekah, Zoe’s mom. Rebekah extended her hand.

Jane shook Rebekah’s hand, a bright smile on her face. It’s so good to meet both of you. I know you’re interested in lessons; do you have any horse experience?

None, Zoe said. I’ve been ice skating a long time, but I just can’t shake this idea.

Sounds like a full-blown horse fever, if you ask me. Jane grinned.

Zoe stared at Jane, drawn in by her charismatic personality, bright smile, and soft voice.

How contagious is horse fever? Rebekah asked as the right side of her mouth tugged up in a coy smile.

Not terribly contagious. But pretty expensive, and from my experience, there is no cure, Jane said.

No cure? Tsk. Tsk. Rebekah shook her head. Maybe this is a bad idea, offspring.

Mom, Zoe drew out the word, stop teasing me. She whipped her head around to look at Jane again. Do I get to meet a horse today?

I came prepared to give your first lesson if we hit it off, Jane said.

Zoe’s eyes widened, and she clasped her hands behind her back, as though that might hold her down. Excitement and anticipation bubbled in her chest.

You don’t have to—

I know. And if you aren’t comfortable or ready, I understand. I just remember my first horse experience, and no one ever moved fast enough. I thought if she and Rocket hit it off, that I could take them around the ring a few times. Jane’s left shoulder lifted, and she pointed toward the barn.

And if she and Rocket do not hit it off? Rebekah asked.

I have permission to use an old lesson horse here, Jane said.

I like having backup plans, Rebekah said.

Where is Rocket? Zoe leaned toward the barn and then took a few steps, hoping she would draw Jane and her mom toward the horses, toward her first lesson, toward the start of a chapter, a story that no one could foresee just yet.

Jane followed; her eyes sparkled as she felt the exuberance radiating from Zoe. These were the moments she lived for; the moments she knew she would remember forever. Taking the lead, Jane motioned for Zoe and Rebekah to follow her into the barn. Rocket’s only inside to make catching him easier for this afternoon. He prefers to be in the pasture when he isn’t working.

What kind of work does Rocket like to do? Zoe asked.

Jumping, and really, any sort of work that challenges him a bit. He’s a failed racehorse, the poor guy. Jane’s voice was full of mirth. She looked over her shoulder to see Zoe’s wide eyes as they walked into the barn.

A large, red-brown head came over a stall door and stared straight at them, giving a little nicker.

Is that Rocket? Zoe’s steps came to life, and she skipped toward the horse.

That is Rocket, Jane said.

Bringing his head down, Rocket’s eyes were trained on Zoe, and his ears were forward. He blew a slight nicker through his nostrils, and the soft, dark skin rippled with the sound.

He’s incredible, Zoe whispered. Her hands reached for him, and he sunk into them, letting her explore his muzzle, his round jaw, the soft dip above his eyes. He pressed his nose to her cheek and his whiskers gave her a good tickle. He’s so soft, Zoe said in quiet wonder.

Horse fever, I’d recognize it anywhere, Jane whispered to Rebekah.

Zoe’s forehead met Rocket’s, and she cradled his head in her arms, still trailing her fingers all over his head and face and behind his ears.

Do you want to give him his favorite treat? Jane asked.

What is his favorite treat? Zoe lifted her head enough to turn and look at Jane. Resting her cheek on the bridge of Rocket’s nose, Zoe closed her eyes and sighed a heavenly sigh. This is what dreams are made of, she muttered.

Powdered donuts. Jane walked over to her tack cabinet and pulled a package out. I always keep a couple of packs here.

Can I give him one? Zoe’s enthusiasm was palpable, and she stuck her hand out for a donut.

Just one. He can’t have another until after he does his job, Jane said.

What’s his job today? Zoe asked.

Taking care of you. Jane dropped one powdered donut into Zoe’s hand, then rolled the package up and set it on a shelf.

Zoe gripped it with her thumb and forefinger and reached toward Rocket.

Whoa. Hold up. Flat hand, keep your thumb and fingers out of the way. Jane flattened her hand out, pointing to her palm to indicate where to rest the donut. It wouldn’t feel too great to get a finger in there instead of a donut.

To Zoe or Rocket? Rebekah teased.

Definitely to Zoe. I mean, Rocket wouldn’t be thrilled, but he’d just want his donut. Zoe would be hurt, Jane said, a bit seriously.

I was kidding, Rebekah said.

I know. But safety around horses is important. They are large and while they don’t typically mean to be dangerous, it doesn’t take too much for them to end up that way. Mainly because of their size, Jane said.

Zoe flattened her hand out, donut on her palm, and she reached it out to Rocket. Happily, with his ears pricked forward, his dark, round eyes soft, and his nostrils wrinkled a teeny bit at the top, he took the donut from her with his velvet lips.

Shall we catch and brush him? Jane asked.

Yes, definitely, Zoe said. She stepped back from the stall gate and looked around. What do I need?

His halter. Jane touched it with her finger.

Zoe got the halter down and she rubbed her thumb over the well-used flat nylon noseband. How do I put it on him?

How about I show you a lot of things today, and then I’ll talk you through doing them during your second lesson? Jane offered.

That would be helpful. I’ve never done any of this, Zoe said.

Jane slid open Rocket’s stall door and motioned for Zoe to come in with her. Putting the lead rope over Rocket’s neck, Jane slid the halter over his nose and flipped the crown band behind his ears. She caught it and slid it through the buckle.

You slide this in the buckle like this. Pushed this piece through the hole, then slide the tail through the bottom of the buckle, Jane said.

Looks easy enough, Zoe said.

Not too hard. Jane pulled the rope off Rocket’s neck and then motioned toward the stall door. We’ll tie him up and then I’ll show you how to brush him. One thing you have to know and remember is to never curry him. He hates it. I usually use either a rubber or a metal curry to break up dirt and dead skin and really brush them out well, but he hates it. So, I just use bristle brushes on him.

Zoe repeated to herself to never curry him, even though the word curry meant nothing to her.

Jane tied Rocket, grabbed a couple of bristle brushes, and started showing Zoe how to groom the big bay gelding. Something else funny to remember: when we pick his hooves, we have to go in a clockwise direction, starting with this foot. Jane tapped the toe of her boot by his front left foot.

Okay. What do you mean, pick his hooves? Zoe asked.

In an instant, like a vision of the future, Jane could see Zoe, bigger, older, knowing all these things and not having so many simple questions. She relished in the moment, in the chance to share with another girl the love and care and joy of horses.

We have to clean out the bottoms. Check for stones, bruises, debris. Every time before we ride, so we don’t cause or exacerbate lameness, Jane said.

Zoe was an eager student, so she soaked in and repeated many of Jane’s words in her mind to make them stick.

Rebekah leaned against an empty stall, watching her daughter and Jane with Rocket. While the role of motherhood often left her as a spectator, she could see herself brushing horses with her daughter in the future, and that made her heart swell and brought her an extra measure of joy in the moment.

Let’s saddle him up, Jane said. She grabbed her saddle pad and English saddle from her tack cabinet. Talking Zoe through everything, she placed the pad, then the saddle on Rocket’s back, made a few adjustments, and then buckled the girth, tightening it slightly.

We won’t tighten this too much until we get to the ring. Enough to let him feel it, and to hold the saddle, but not quite enough for a rider to get on, Jane said.

Zoe touched the leather fender, then she rubbed her thumb over the soft leather that attached to the stirrup. What kind of saddle is this?

English, Jane said.

Rocket sniffed Zoe’s arm, and then he lifted his muzzle to her cheek, and he blew his hot breath on her. Mashing his muzzle against her, he smeared dirt across her cheek. Zoe laughed and brushed her hand against her cheek.

You’re a funny boy. Zoe rubbed his jaw and scratched behind his ear.

With Rocket’s hooves picked, his saddle in place, and bridle on, Jane warmed him up on the longe line in the round pen. After what felt like forever to Zoe, Jane looked over, lifted a brow, and said, Ready, kid?

It took every ounce of self-control that Zoe could muster to not just scale the fence and leap onto the back of Rocket. She’d wanted this so much and the moment was finally here for her to ride for the first time.

Rebekah opened the round pen gate for Zoe and took the longe line from Jane.

He’s all warmed up. I’ve tightened his girth, and I’m going to be right here the whole time. Are you nervous? Jane asked.

With her feet in the soft, sandy soil, and her head tipped back to look up at Rocket, Zoe shook her head. Not nervous at all. Just excited. I’ve been wanting this so much.

Jane knew the feeling all too well. I will delay no more. Looping the reins over Rocket’s head and laying them at his withers, Jane laid his lead rope over the crook of her elbow, and then she gave Zoe an awkward leg up.

That gets easier with practice, Jane said.

Excitement pricked along Zoe’s skin, tickling at the back of her neck as her body hoisted into the air and she scrambled her leg over Rocket’s back. She settled into the seat and her body held a naturally good form that made Jane shake her head and glance back at Rebekah.

She’s a natural, Mom, Jane said.

Zoe looked down and felt like the world was forever away, and her stomach dropped. How did Rocket seem so much bigger from up top? Squeezing her knees into the saddle, she shrunk closer to his neck and her hands gripped the low front of the saddle.

Nervous now? Jane asked.

Wide-eyed and honest, Zoe said, He seems so much bigger from up here.

Chapter Two

Zoe soared onto the ice, skating right over to Hannah, and she moved her hands as she talked. I have another lesson today. Rocket is amazing. And he loves powdered donuts. Jane said I’m ready to come off the longe line. If she wasn’t in ice skates, she might have jumped up and down with excitement.

Rocket is all you ever talk about. Hannah folded her arms over her chest, and she skated back into the wall.

You would understand if you met him, Zoe said.

You’re still going to skate with me, right? Hannah’s eyes became slits and her lips thinned.

Of course. I told you, I’m not giving up skating. Zoe skated backward, then in a wide arch around her friend. Nothing beats the ice. Although she’d been adamant the first time she said it, she wavered this time. When Jane led her around the round pen that first afternoon, she felt the strength and steadiness of Rocket carrying her and thought maybe she’d found the best feeling in the world. Better than the ice, but she didn’t want to hurt Hannah’s feelings.

Hannah didn’t want to talk about the horse anymore. She waved Zoe over to whisper, Mackenzie is in fine form today. I watched the girls in the lesson before us. It was more drilling, drilling, drilling. Hannah rolled her eyes.

Zoe’s shoulders rolled forward, which caused her to weave on her skates. Regaining her balance by straightening her shoulders, she practiced a three-turn forward to back, inside edge to outside. We’ll have fun just the same.

Maybe our moms will let us stay after to practice for a bit. We could work on our routines for the freestyle skate. Hannah looked hopeful with her eyes opened wide and her eyebrows raised.

I have a riding lesson after skating, Zoe said.

Figures, Hannah muttered.

Zoe slid around on the ice, skating forward and back, practicing three-turns, and even a spin. Hannah trailed around, mimicking Zoe, although skating a bit slower than her friend.

I’m not really in the mood to skate today, Hannah muttered when Zoe turned around and skated backward in front of her.

Remember when Audrey always let us practice to music? Zoe slowed down, taking a casual pace at her friend’s side. She put her hands behind her back and swayed as she pushed herself forward.

I loved that. I wish she hadn’t left, Hannah said.

She had a baby. She didn’t have any choice, Zoe said.

She could have not had a baby, Hannah grumbled. I don’t like Mackenzie.

"I think Mackenzie wants us to train hard and do well, but she could make it more fun," Zoe said.

Girls! Mackenzie’s sharp voice cut through the air, and they skated around to her quickly.

Mackenzie was not on the ice. Instead, she was leaning against the wall that separated the spectators from the skaters.

I’ve had a family emergency and need to leave. I’ve talked with both of your mothers and here’s a list of things I want you to practice. Mackenzie stuck a piece of paper out in Zoe’s direction. Once Zoe took it, Mackenzie gave one to Hannah. Don’t waste this time. Usually, I can get another coach to fill in, but I’m the only instructor here today. Mackenzie pushed off the wall and walked away.

Okay, thanks, Coach. Zoe watched her walk away, then she unfolded the paper in her hand. I hope everything is okay.

We get to free skate, Hannah whispered.

We should practice what she wrote down, Zoe said.

What about our routines? Hannah stuck her bottom lip out.

Zoe didn’t want to disappoint her friend, but she didn’t want to disobey her coach or waste the money her mom and dad paid for her to do this. Maybe we can practice them at the end. We should do this stuff first. Zoe shook the paper in her hand, then read the list again.

More three-turns? I’m sick of three-turns. I was practicing spins and jumps with Audrey, Zoe thought to herself. Disappointment hitched through her shoulders, but she was resolute in her opinion that they should practice what the coach told them to practice.

Hannah took her paper and skated away, to the far end of the rink, ignoring when Zoe called out to her.

Zoe scanned the blue seats for her mom, but her mom was sitting with Hannah’s mom and the two were busy chatting. Stuffing the paper in her pocket, Zoe started practicing the turns as prescribed by Mackenzie.

image-placeholder

Forty minutes later, Zoe skated over to Hannah. I think we could practice our routines now.

Oh, now it’s okay? Because you said so? Hannah’s gaze narrowed and her nostrils flared.

I wasn’t trying to upset you, Zoe said.

Hannah skated past Zoe and shrugged. We just haven’t practiced our routines together in, like, forever. And it doesn’t seem like it matters to you anymore. The competition is coming up in a month. We need to practice.

I know we do. But our practice days haven’t been matching up and Jane can only do my lesson on Thursday, right after we do our lesson here, Zoe said.

You’re going to have to decide what is more important. You can’t always be running back and forth between ice skating and horses, Hannah said.

Yes, I can. Zoe’s hands landed on her hips. Who did Hannah think she was? She had no business telling Zoe what she could or couldn’t do. Not only can I, but I intend to continue. I like riding too much to quit.

Which is better, Zoe? Hannah spun around, grinding her skates to bring her to a stop just a few inches away from Zoe. Her eyes bore into Zoe’s.

I-I-I don’t know. Zoe leaned slightly and slid back from Hannah. At first, Zoe thought nothing would beat the ice, but every time she rode Rocket, she felt a little more divided between ice skating and horses. She