The spring air was charged with energy, and that made the red roan gelding nervous about getting in the unfamiliar trailer. Aslan wasn't sure he wanted to leave the place he had lived happily for the last few years.
Aslan had everything he needed at the boarding stable and didn't want to leave his friends or his owner. She took great care of him, but his owner had to move out of the country and couldn't take him with her. Although the usually optimistic gelding didn't quite understand what that meant, he could feel the sadness in her voice when she spoke.
Aslan's owner reached out and softly touched Aslan's face as she laid her cheek where his halter rested. He could feel her tears as they slid down her face and landed on his muzzle. Then, she turned and walked away. Now where would he go? Who would take care of him? Would the ladies loading him on the trailer make sure he was safe? Aslan took a deep breath, lowered his head slightly, and quietly walked into the trailer.
A few months later, while Aslan was living at the rescue, a new, older lady came to visit him. She was nice, gentle, and Aslan liked her. Although he was well cared for at the rescue, he heard volunteers talk about adoption. He wasn't sure what that meant, but he had a feeling he would be leaving again. Only this time, he wasn't worried. When the time came for him to walk onto the trailer again, Aslan was ready.
This story is from the Summer 2024 edition of Horse and Rider.
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This story is from the Summer 2024 edition of Horse and Rider.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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