Comment from jim vecchio

Excellent

I am glad I read this next chapter. Now I know there is hope for the horses! Thank you for mixing facts with your fiction, such as horses having better hearing and tsking the lead from their handler. I hope horse number two is as fortunate.

 Comment Written 09-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Aug-2023

Hi jim vecchio,
Thank you for stopping by to read this chapter. I'm glad you have hopes for horse number two. Have a wonderful day.
Debi

reply by jim vecchio on 10-Aug-2023

Take care of that horse, of course

Comment from BethShelby

Excellent

It is a relief that at least one the horses is free. Your description of each step of getting the horses at ease and how the prepration was carrried out to make sure the horses had a safe transit was good. I'd think I would be afraid of what might happen if the the elevator stopped working. I'm enjoying the story.

 Comment Written 09-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Aug-2023

Hi Beth Shelby,
Thank you for the kind comments about the descriptions. I am happy you enjoy the story so far.
Have a wonderful day.
Debi

Comment from JSD

Excellent

This is such a feat of imagination. The relationship you have set up in this tale for you and the animals is wonderful and I'm really enjoying this. Can't wait for the next instalment.

 Comment Written 09-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Aug-2023

Hi JSD,
You say such nice things. Thank you. I appreciate the encouragement.
Debi

Comment from jmdg1954

Excellent

I was waiting for the next chapter...

I felt like I was on this stranded boat walking side by side with Ava as she carefully and methodically begins to walk the horses from their stalls snd off the ship to the beach.

You know and understand your horses. Helen presented us with a fabulous interview with you!

Good chapter. I have no idea where this is headed, which is great.

Cheers to Apollo!
John

 Comment Written 09-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Aug-2023

Hi John,
Thank you for the kind comments about the writing. I'm glad you could feel yourself there. I appreciate the encouragement.
Debi

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Loved this! Your expertise and understanding of horses really comes through with your gentle guiding of "Apollo". I hope we find out that it really is his name!

I wasn't quite sure what was meant by:
"so I gave him his head "

 Comment Written 09-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Aug-2023

Hi Helen,
Thank you for the encouraging comments. Apollo seems to like the name...
I have a short definition in the author's notes about 'giving a horse its head.' You're not the first to ask so I'll expand the information.
Much of the control a handler has over a horse is done by controlling the animal's head. Placing a bridle or halter on a horse's head allows us to guide the direction, pace, and even balance of the animal. To 'give a horse its head' is to cede that power back to them. It is done by putting slack in the lead rope or reins and allowing the animal freedom to direct its own movements. In Apollo's case, it let him check out his surroundings. This gives the horse a feeling of some control over the situation. Once the horse indicates it is satisfied, it's back to normal. Hope that helps. If not let me know.
Debi

reply by lyenochka on 09-Aug-2023

Ah, thanks! I knew it had to be a technical term like that. I'm gonna learn lots about horsemanship through you!

reply by the author on 09-Aug-2023

Let me know if I end up using any other horse jargon. There are a lot of horse people on the site, but also a lot that aren't.

reply by lyenochka on 09-Aug-2023

I'll ask when I'm puzzled. 💖

Comment from royowen

Excellent

Oh yes, horses are magnificent beasts, and it probably takes a very compassionate, but firm in resolve to train one, I actually rode a horse once, but when my friend fell from the saddle and was dragged along, fortunately was relatively unhurt, I dismounted, and have never tried to ride, but yes, they are marvellous Debi, beautifully written,, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 08-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Aug-2023

Hi Roy,
Thanks for sharing your experience with horses. Yes, I've had my fair share of hitting the ground. There's an old saying around here, "Ain't no horse that ain't been rode. Ain't no cowboy that ain't been throw'd." You have to put up with a few bumps and bruises with such a large animal. They don't know how fragile we are sometimes.
Thanks for the kind comments about the writing.
Debi

reply by royowen on 09-Aug-2023

Well done

Comment from nancy_e_davis

Exceptional

This is great! You had me on the edge of my chair! I was totally afraid she or the horse would suffer some sort pf injury. She did a great job of planning it out and she succeeded. I hope it goes that well with the other three.
Good job debi. Nancy:)

 Comment Written 08-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Aug-2023

Hi Nancy,
Thank you so much for the six stars and the comments about the writing to go with them. Edge of your chair? I like that.
Thank you so much. It means a lot coming from someone who likes horses.
Debi

Comment from Ric Myworld

Excellent

I bred and raced thoroughbred horses my whole life, and flew horses around the world with Tex Sutton from 12 to 15 during the summers. So, I can imagine four horses and a goat on a ship. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to reading more.

 Comment Written 08-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Aug-2023

Hi Ric Myworld,
It's nice to hear from an equestrian. A few people have questioned horses being on a ship, but you understand. Horses travel, too.
Thanks for dropping by to read and review.
Debi

Comment from Iza Deleanu

Excellent

You got my attention with this chapter, for a moment I though about the Life of Pi. I am curious to see how this story goes on. Thank you for sharing and good luck with the next chapter.

 Comment Written 08-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Aug-2023

Hi Iza Deleanu,
Thank you for the kind comments. I appreciate you stopping by to read and review.
Debi

Comment from country ranch writer

Excellent

So glad she is getting the horses off the ship.
Hope they can survive on the islancd once they all get off.
It will be a chavllenge for them all to survive.

 Comment Written 08-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Aug-2023

Hi country ranch writer,
Thank you for stopping by to read and review. It's good to hear from another horse person.
Debi

reply by country ranch writer on 10-Aug-2023

Smiles