Ein verlockender Gedanke

We had sold a horse — a mouse-gray Mustang named Madness. The buyer was Mac, a young woman who wanted him for barrel racing.

Josh: “With Madness, you’ve chosen a really good horse.”

Gillian: “Josh was a Western champion in the U.S. Now he trains our horses. Mac, if you’d like, feel free to try our training courses. I’m sure Josh can give you a few tips on how to get started with barrel racing.”

Mac: “Training with a champion? Hard to say no to that.”

We had set up several barrels in the arena. Mac rode Madness through the pattern like a professional.

Gillian: “Wow! You’re doing incredibly well!”

Josh: “She’s damn good. Look how tight she cuts those barrels — and at full speed.”

Mac rode back toward us.

Gillian: “That was fantastic, Mac. It already looked very professional.”

Mac: “Beginner’s luck, probably. Or maybe it’s this perfectly trained horse.”

Josh: “You should still take it a bit slower. We don’t want you or Madness getting hurt.”

Claire had caught Western fever and came running with a magazine.

Claire: “Look, Josh! The All-American Western Show is coming to Marley’s Farm. Can we go together… please?”

Josh: “...The star of the show is Mackenzie Shadowfield… Mac?! Yes, Claire. We’re going.”

On the day of the show, Claire and Josh arrived early.

Claire: “I’m so excited. Mac Shadowfield is one of the best. She rides every Western discipline. Come on, let’s look around before it starts.”

Josh: “I’m curious too. Let’s see what kind of horse she’s riding. Probably something special.”

The show began. Barrel racing was first.

Moderator: “Look how tight she takes that barrel! The speed Mac is riding at is unbelievable!”

Next came roping.

Moderator: “...and she’s got the steer on the rope! It happened faster than anyone could blink!”

Finally, right in front of Claire and Josh, Mac performed a flawless sliding stop.

Josh: “That was outstanding, ma’am! Amazing what a well-trained horse can do for a beginner.”

Mac laughed.

Mac: “Josh… hi. I saw you were here. Sorry for my little lie. I didn’t mean any harm. As a woman in this business, you’re not always taken seriously — so sometimes I just don’t mention who I am.”

Claire: “Wait… you two know each other?!”

After the show, Mac approached Josh again.

Mac: “Josh, I made some inquiries about you. You were a true champion. I’d love to expand the show. Could you imagine joining us? It would only be for a few weeks at a time.”

Josh: “Me? In your show? … That’s a tempting thought. Right now, I have a few personal matters to take care of. But I’ll think about it, Mac. Thank you for the offer.”

Claire could hardly contain herself.

Claire: “Wow, Josh! What an offer!”

And truly — what an offer. Josh’s current job was far below what he was capable of… and what he loved. An opportunity like this wouldn’t come twice. But what about us? About Meadowland? This was Josh’s home. Would he really want to travel the world for weeks again? When he had been in Wyoming, he kept in touch constantly. It could be the same this time. But did he even want that? And could I handle it? That evening, I found Josh in the stable. Claire had already told me about Mac’s offer.

Gillian: “Josh, Claire told me about Mac’s offer. It’s an incredible opportunity. People would see that you’re a true champion. Will you accept it?”

Josh: “Gillian, there are more important things to me than proving something to people. I left once before — and almost lost you. I don’t want to make that mistake again. I’ll probably turn it down.”