Jockeying for You Read Online Free PDF Page A

perform well on bad tires.” She ran a hand down Handsome’s front legs. “The rest of the animal’s legs are important, too. For example, this joint, right above the hoof. He’s got a nice short pastern on his two front legs so he won’t exert as much strain on his tendons as long pasterns would. His hind leg pasterns are normal length, so there’s no problem there.”
    Jake wondered if she would notice if he skimmed over her with the same detail she was observing Handsome. Hopefully not. It was too hard not to check out Ryder. The way she evaluated the horse was more than as an intelligent, interested, knowledgeable professional. She seemed to be so caught up it was as if she was in love. Whether her love affair was with her career in general or Handsome Dancer in particular he didn’t know. He was starting to wish this captivating woman would look at him the same way.
    Her hand ran up to the knees. “Normal forelegs, not tied-in or calf-kneed . Maybe a bit over at the knee , but this shouldn’t be a problem at all.” She switched her attention to the hind legs. “Hocks are good, too. His legs drop straight down from them, which is ideal. The back hooves aren’t forward of the hocks, so we don’t have a sickle or cow hock problem.”
    Jake liked how Ryder used the term “we.” The woman had clearly said the inclusive term without giving it a second thought. Maybe she really did think they were a team. Hiring her seemed more like a sure bet with every minute he knew her.
    “And how about these shoulders,” Ryder marveled. “They’re long and sloping. Pared with short cannons and long forearms, Handsome must have a very long stride. Powerful, too.” She straightened and smiled at him, giving Jake a warm feeling. “Height and weight?”
    Jake felt the warm feeling slip away and frowned. “Fifteen hands. Nine hundred and seventy-five pounds. Too small?”
    “No. He’s not that big, but a smaller horse like him can be more nimble. They can pick their ways through the narrow holes in the traffic jam on the way to the home stretch. Large horses can’t slip through so easily. And Handsome’s more lithe and lanky than blocky and big, which means he’ll have more staying power even if it does mean less sprinting ability.”
    Handsome gently bumped his head against Ryder’s shoulder in an obvious attempt to get her attention. She laughed and once again ran her hands up the horse’s face. “The position of his ears is forward facing and alert. No nervous twitching or lying flat back like he’s an angry guy.” She gave a scratch behind an ear and cooed, “You’re not angry, are you, babycakes?”
    “So you think the problem with him so far has been personality conflict?”
    “I don’t want to be rash or too harsh in my assessment, but I think it’s a real possibility.”
    “As far as I know, no one’s mistreated him.”
    “I’m sure they didn’t. But again, horses are like people. Haven’t you ever met anybody you just didn’t like? For whatever reason? The minute you saw that person you instinctively wanted to turn around and leave?”
    Jake did his best to mask his expression. If she only knew the half of it . “I might know what you’re talking about.”
    “If you want me for the job I’m up to it. Handsome Dancer and I are sure to have more than a working relationship. We’ll have a real relationship.”
    As if on cue, Handsome snorted and took a step closer to her. Ryder lifted a hand and stroked his face.
    Jake had to admit he was a bit envious. “You’re hired,” he said, words flying out without thought or hesitation.
    She put her hand on her chest as if surprised. “Glad to hear it,” she said after a moment, then smiled. “Let’s go back to my office to complete some paperwork.” She called out Lenny’s name.
    Lenny appeared with his usual soundless pop-up aplomb. “What?”
    Jake scrutinized the older man’s expression, gratified when recognition took hold.
    “Mr.