Don't Leave Me Alone

"Look out for this one, he's been through a lot. I'll be back in a few months."

The pony was quiet enough when he was led off the truck. Dawn took his lead and waved to the driver as he quickly sped away. She shook her head. As kind as Frank was to horses in need, he certainly could seem short with people. She absently stroked the small bay's neck as she led him straight into the boarding barn.

Despite his diminuitive height, he was proportionately built, with a muscular neck and haunches. It was difficult to tell his breed, but Dawn would have bet a Welsh/Morgan cross, possibly with some Thoroughbred lineage. His mane had been roached, but a small stubble had started to grow. His short tail lifted indignantly as they entered the barn, each of his dainty feet lifting curiously. Dawn noticed that he still favored his one black foot, the one that had been injured.

"Don't worry, buddy," Dawn smiled at the pony, "you'll have plenty of time to rest that leg. We won't make you compete anymore." She shook her head, unable to believe that anyone could be so thoughtless as to force a horse to run on a fractured leg. But now that he was at Redstone, he could live in a pasture and a nice warm stall until he was well enough to be someone's companion.

The pony stood perfectly still as Dawn snapped him to the tie in the center of the boarding barn. He sniffed a little at Aviator's stall, but didn't do more than flick an ear at Rubicon's friendly nickers of welcome. Yes, he certainly seemed quiet.

Which was why Dawn was not expecting the explosion that happened as soon as she left the barn to get a grooming kit...