Moondance Alexander Page #5

in the Bow River Classic.

Why not?

He loves to jump.

It's not his place.

But it is. That's why he kept

jumping out of the paddock.

He was trying to tell you something.

And that's how we met each other.

- Hmm.

- See? It's his destiny.

I don't care how well he jumps.

The fact is...

Checkers isn't

a blue-blooded thoroughbred.

But that's why he's so special.

He won't be judged fairly.

- Well, they have to at least give him a shot.

- They won't.

It's the unspoken rule.

I'm sorry.

But... that's just wrong.

Think about all the pinto ponies that can't

compete just because they're the wrong color.

Checkers can out jump

those fancy horses any day.

It's impossible.

Be up against some of the best

trainers in the country.

Are you afraid that Checkers

won't be judged fairly...

or that you won't?

Maybe both.

Well, then you both have

something to prove.

People are never going to change

unless you give them a reason.

All right, fine.

Let's see ifwe can

give 'em a reason.

- Like that?

- You rushed it a little.

Try it again.

Come on.

Was that good?

Better.

Where are we going?

- Walk the course.

- Wh-What about Checkers?

Leave him.

Five, six, seven, eight.

Okay, I counted eight paces.

Checkers' stride is three.

How many strides

are you gonna make...

if you add two for

the take off and landing?

- You mean we have to do math?

- Yep.

Well, can I go get

my pocket calculator?

- Kidding!

- Well, get serious.

You entered into

the Hunter division.

And that means you can't just

run around clearing jumps.

The judges are going to

be looking for finesse.

- They are?

- Yes, ma'am.

And if you know how many

strides you're taking...

then you and Checkers

will be in sync.

So, how many times does three

go into eight, minus the two extra?

- Two.

- Good!

Did you hear that, Checkers?

We got a ''good"!

That was for the math,

not your riding.

By the weekend, you need to

be practicing in your show boots.

- But I don't have show boots.

- You'd better get some.

- Get Checkers tacked up.

- Yes, sir.

Hurry up!

Let me see.

Ladies riding boots.

There's, uh-

Oh, here we go. Here we go.

Oh, those are lovely.

Except that they're $549.

Oh, my goodness!

You could buy a whole horse for that!

There must be something cheaper in here.

Let's see if we can find it.

Oh, you know what?

Those are better- 185.

Mom, have you forgotten about

our little financial situation?

Ah.

Got a winner.

I think I got a winner.

How about ladies

rubber riding boots.

- 29.99.

- Perfect!

- Did you say they were rubber?

- How soon can you get them?

I can get those in a couple of days.

All right! What about

the riding jacket?

Uh-

th-they start at 275.

Oh, man.

Second hand coat?

- Sounds great.

- Oh, yeah!

- Good choice.

- Yeah.

Hey there, Fireball.

Lunch is coming right up.

Checkers?

Checkers?

What's the matter, boy?

Oh, my goodness.

Dante!

Dante!

Something's wrong with Checkers!

Easy, big boy.

Easy.

What's wrong with him, Dante?

Looks like a colic.

Hand me that lead over there.

I've got to get him up.

Easy. Easy.

Easy. Easy.

Go call the vet.

I gotta keep him moving.

Go on.

The number's on the phone.

Good boy. Good.

Well, thanks for coming out, Tom.

- Wish I could do more.

- We tried to keep Checkers

walking as long as possible.

That was the right thing to do.

But Checkers doesn't want

to walk anymore right now.

Only thing you can do is let him rest

and try again a little later.

Yeah.

I don't want to paint

a hopeless picture...

but if that horse doesn't

get back on his feet tonight...

there's slim chance he'll

make it through till morning.

- I understand.

- I'm sorry.

- I'll check in on you later.

Call me if there's any change.

Will do.

Well...

we're gonna let Checkers

rest for a while.

I talked to your mom.

She's bringing some supper over.

Checkers has to get better, Dante.

He just has to.

Well, we're not gonna lose hope.

That horse has got a strong spirit.

Just like the little girl

who rides him.

Sweetheart, you're not eating.

I can't.

Just take a couple bites.

May I go see Checkers now?

May as well let her go.

Sure.

Thanks for bringing dinner, Mom.

I'm so sorry.

I know that this is

a difficult time for both of you.

For her.

Hi there, Checkers.

Checkers, I- I know you're tired...

and I know you don't

feel like walking, but...

can you please

just try and get up now?

Y-Y-You don't even have to walk.

You could just-

You could just try and stand up.

Come on, Checkers.

I-

I know you can do it.

If you could just try, please.

I love you so much.

You're my best friend, and-

and I don't know what

I'd ever do without you.

Please don't give up.

Please.

I will help you.

If you could- you could just-

just try, Checkers.

Just try.

Checkers?

Checkers.

That's it, boy. Come on.

I-I know you can do it. Please?

Come on, Checkers.

You can do this.

Try moving your foot again.

That's it.

Come on, Checkers.

I-

Lift your head up. Come on!

Come on, Checkers. Come on!

There you go, boy.

Checkers.

Come on, Checkers.

Oh, yeah!

That's right!

Come on!

Checkers!

Oh, Checkers!

Dante! Mom!

Come see!

It's so good!

He did it!

Attaboy.

That's incredible.

Ah, you're looking strong.

Let's see if he'll eat

some warm bran.

Wait a minute.

Oh!

He's hungry.

- Well, that's a good sign.

- That's the best sign.

That means in a few days

he'll be good as new.

Be the strongest horse

in the competition.

That taste good, Checkers?

Wow.

This is posh.

Well, don't be intimidated by it.

It's just a barn like any other.

Yeah.

Just fancier.

Name, please.

I got Moondance Alexander

from Tumbleweed Stables.

- And Checkers.

- A-And Checkers.

Okay, you can go on through.

Huh. Well-

Moondance, I want you

to take Checkers into his stall.

- Buck and I'll bring the tack.

- Okay. Come on, boy.

Good job.

- What's that pinto doing here?

- Who knows.

Mm-hmm.

Here we go.

This is nice, huh?

It's like a four-star hotel.

Ooh!

With room service.

Thank you!

Ohh.

Say it isn't so.

Hey, Checkers,

don't get too chummy with this one.

He's the defending champion.

Right there.

- Good job.

- Hey!

What do you got in there?

Gold bullion?

- Well, we have to be prepared.

- Yeah.

Why don't you go sign in,

get your number.

- We'll get Checkers ready.

- Okay. Thank you.

- Hey, Mom!

- Hey!

Oh, this is so exciting!

Isn't it amazing?

- Hi, Mr. Wilson.

- Hi.

- Hi, Josh.

- Hey.

- We're really looking forward

to watching you ride today.

Oh, thank you.

The warm-up ring is now available

for the Hunter division.

Well, that's me.

I gotta go.

- Okay. Don't forget your jacket.

- Oh. That's right.

- Good luck.

- Uh, hey, Moondance.

I just wanted to, uh,

wish you good luck.

Thanks.

I-I'll see you later.

Great. You haven't

painted his hooves yet?

Can you please do it now?

Hi!

Moondance?

You're showing today?

Yeah. I-I took your advice

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