‘How did they go?’ ‘Okay. I didn’t exactly put them through their paces – just trotted them out to the old tank and back. Howie and Bell are happy enough, but God, Paycheque is a real grump. Aren’t you?’ She laughed, and scratched the horse behind the ears. Jack took the two lead-ropes and moved the other horses away so Claire had room to dismount. She unsaddled Paycheque and put the gear on the railing. ‘What about Larry?’ she asked. ‘Do you want me to take him out?’ ‘No, I’ll do him from the ute.’ ‘You sure you’ll be okay?’ ‘Positive. He’s a dream next to cranky pants here,’ he said, slapping Paycheque’s damp neck affectionately. ‘Tell me about it,’ Claire groaned. ‘He tried to bite me as I was getting on.’ ‘Didn’t get you, did he?’ ‘Nope – I was ready for him. I don’t know what his problem is. He’s been here the longest and settled in the worst.’ ‘Well these other guys have been stable mates at one time or another.
