02x17 - Tender Foot

[bunniefuu]

[Eagle cries]

Belle, are you all right?

[Belle nickers]

[Grunts]

[Whinnies]

LisaWhat's the matter with Belle?

Come on, Belle.

[Whinnies and grunts]

CaroleWhat's with her?

Hey, girl.

You usually love being brushed.

What's going on?

Belle's not herself.

What's wrong?

Well, she was really below par this morning.

Notice anything else?

All I know is she's not the same old Belle.

[Bell grunts quietly]

She looks all right to me,

but if she's been behaving differently

it could mean something more serious.

We should tell Drew.

DrewAah!

Should I call the doctor?

No, Red, that won't be necessary.

I've had this bad shoulder for years.

LisaWhat happened?

[Gasps]

I popped my shoulder moving these feed bags.

RedThere's a knack to shifting those heavy bags.

Thanks, Red, I'll try to remember that next time.

The only thing that's gonna help me on this one

is a visit to my chiropractor in the city.

Max and Deborah couldn't have left

at a worse time.

StevieUh, Belle's not really feeling well.

We'll look after Belle.

I can keep things afloat until you recover.

That's a generous offer, Red,

but running these stables is too much for one person.

I can handle it.

It won't be just Red.

LisaYeah, and he's got us to help out.

The Saddle Club will do whatever we can.

And I'll get Scooter to come in and help out

with horses and stable maintenance.

LisaWe'll take care of it, Drew.

It'll be a cinch.

[Sighs]

Darcy... Darcy... Is Darcy here?

StevieRed, I need to talk to you about Belle.

BoyI forget which bit I'm supposed to use on Penny,

because I'm supposed to ride Dime.

MelanieI can't find my bridle, and I can't tack up.

Can you ask everyone to look for it?

RedMelanie, can you wait a second? I was talking to--

BoyWhy do the ponies wear different bits?

Because each pony is different.

How? Red, I think Belle's sick.

Stevie, can you give me a hand

with these students?

They need help tacking up.

I've gotta call Scooter.

OK, listen up.

Anyone who needs a hand tacking up

can ask Stevie.

Well?

OK, you've got the wrong bit.

You need to have the right bit.

MelanieStevie, do you know where mine is?

Help me first. Please?

VeronicaThere you are.

I'll have you know

this place is becoming an absolute shambles.

I'm gonna have to look seriously

to find another place to ride.

I can't exist in these conditions.

Not now, Veronica.

This can't wait, Red.

OK, what is it?

Garnet's stall hasn't been cleaned yet,

and by the looks of the chaos around here,

my lesson has no chance of being on schedule.

You do remember my private lesson,

don't you?

Oh, yeah.

That can't be right.

Uh, it is,

and it's the only thing around here

that is on time.

You're gonna have to muck out your own stall today.

You appear to be losing your grip on reality, Red.

MelanieWhat a funny horse.

I think she's trying to make friends.

She'd be such a fun horse to ride.

RedHey, girls, be careful.

Angel is trouble.

She's been sent to me for training.

She's been running away with riders lately.

AshleyBut she's just playing a game.


She's so cute.

A runaway horse is not cute.

MelanieBut she's so nice.

And she likes people.

Appearances can be deceptive.

Angel is not to be ridden by anyone but me.

[Angel nickers]

[Whinnies]

Oh. Hey, Red.

You missed a fun time last night.

You're more than an hour late.

[Yawning] Oh, I had to eat.

Right now you need to wake up.

Ooh, I think I need coffee.

No, Scooter, you have to start working.

The lessons are an hour behind,

and the stables are a mess.

I knew it was a mistake agreeing to come in today.

But you're here now.

What do you need me to do...

[Children giggle and shout]

that doesn't involve dealing with the little ones?

Stable work mostly.

Make sure all the horses get their hay

and the stalls are all mucked out.

Also, the hay bales that are blocking the exit

need to be moved.

I've only got one pair of hands.

Scooter, please don't leave me to do this alone.

[Children scream rowdily]

Ah, my generous nature

will be the death of me.

[Clears throat]

StevieHey, girl.

You look as tired as I am.

[Belle grunts softly]

You haven't eaten.

StevieCarole,

she hasn't touched any of her food.

I'm starting to get worried.

She's usually the first to finish.

She looks hot and sweaty.

And I haven't ridden her for hours.

I've been too busy mucking out the stalls.

We should tell Red that we need Dr. Judy.

RedOK, through the barrels, not around them,

and then zig-zagging through the flags.

Red, can I talk to you?

OK, this is just a trial run to get everyone familiar

with the course.

Does anyone need me to go over it again?

I need to speak to you.

OK, once around for everyone,

and then back in your starting positions.

Can't you take care of it yourself?

I honestly haven't got a moment to spare.

OK. I'll handle it.

Thanks, Carole.

[Belle grunts softly]

CaroleOK. The vet is on his way.

His way?

Dr. Judy isn't coming.

But I thought you just said that--

Dr. Judy's out of town for the day,

and she left an emergency number.

I called it, and the vet is on the way.

Well, he better get here fast.

They said he was leaving right away.

[Nickers and snorts]

No, Mum, I can't wait.

I need you to come and pick me up right now.

Because it's just so unfair.

I can't be--what?

I can't left here in this chaos.

I'll go mad.

Mum, never mind.

[Beep]

Hi, I'm Veronica di Angelo.

I'm sure you've heard of my family.

Hee hee hee! And you are?

I'm George Whiteside,

the emergency veterinarian.

You're a veterinarian?

You don't look old enough.

Well, I've just qualified.

So I was called here about a sick horse.

Oh, that's great.

Really?

Yeah, I mean, that-- that you arrived so quickly.

Could you show me to the sick horse?

Yeah, of course.

It's just over here.

I can, uh, walk by myself.

Right, yeah.

[Belle whickers]

VeronicaUh, this is the sick horse.

I see.

CaroleExcuse me, who are you?

KristiHe's our new vet-- Dr. Whiteside.

CaroleWhere's Dr. Martin?


He usually fills in for Dr. Judy when she's away.

Dr. Martin is at a conference.

Excuse me.

Would you please calm your horse?

Honestly.

It's OK, girl.

LisaThe vet is trying to find out what's wrong with you.

[Nickers]

[Snorting]

[Exhales]

There is nothing wrong with this horse.

She's stale from idleness.

What she needs is more exercise.

CaroleAre you finished?

Dr. Judy usually does a lot more than that.

I'm not Dr. Judy, OK?

Belle has filled legs,

one of the earliest symptoms of neglect in a horse.

Belle is well-exercised. I ride her every day.

GeorgeThen perhaps the amount of exercise

you give this horse is not enough for her.

Every horse's needs are different,

just like people's.

CaroleYou make it sound like there's nothing wrong with her.

Just lack of proper care, that's all.

I'll report my findings to the manager.

I'll show you the way.

Well, at least we know what's wrong with Belle.

Do we?

You heard what he said.

[Belle grunts softly]

Wasn't he a dreamboat?

And we'll never see him again.

Hmm...

not unless a horse gets sick

when Dr. Judy just so happens to be out of town.

And Dr. Martin's at a conference.

It'll never happen.

What if there's another sick horse?

When? Now.

Which one? We make it up.

Like Garnet's come down with something, too.

Good thinking.

[Belle whickers and snorts]

Do you think Belle's gait looks different?

She's not running easily.

CaroleShe doesn't seem to be benefiting from this exercise.

I'm starting to think Belle really is sick

and the vet's just wrong.

CaroleWell, Stevie should stop exercising her at any rate.

It just seems to be making her worse.

I'm not riding her any more.

Strange.

Another sick horse that has nothing wrong with it.

This is one of the healthiest horses

I've ever seen.

Oh, it's so comforting to have your

expert diagnosis.

And perhaps Garnet looks better because he feels safe with you.

VeronicaOh, I know I would.

You're so good with animals.

And with people.

I just feel so...

reassured with you around.

It's your air of quiet confidence

that does the trick.

Girls, I'm a very busy man, OK...

[Giggles]

and should only be called to the stables

on serious matters.

Yeah, I honestly thought this was serious.

KristiWhy else would we have called you?

And it's better to be safe than sorry,

don't you think?

[Both giggle]

[Sighs]

[Exhales]

Well...

You know, I'm extremely busy.

Well, yeah, you must be.

StevieBelle!

[Belle whickers]

What happened?

Belle's sick and has just collapsed from exhaustion.

Look, I stand by my opinion, OK?

There's nothing wrong with this horse.

RedCarole, I think you're overreacting.

She's just collapsed.

I'm sure by now

you believe me that she's sick?

You might have worked her too hard.

After such a long period of idleness,

her stamina will only return gradually.

Stevie's been riding her for no more than ten minutes.

I'll take another look at her.

I'm not so sure Dr. Whiteside

knows what he's talking about in this case.

Carole, some respect, please.

I think Belle would be better off

with a more experienced professional.


I agree with Carole.

Heh. Look, uh...

it's clear to me that unsupervised minors

are threatening the horses' well-being.

I might have to contact

the Society for the Protection of Animals

about this place.

StevieWhat are we going to do?

Belle needs a vet.

Wait until Dr. Judy returns.

I just hope Belle can last that long.

I just know that Belle's problem

has something to do with her legs.

And how are we going to help her now

that Dr. Whiteside is gone?

Was he much help anyway?

StevieAt least he was a vet.

MelanieI think that Angel is getting bored

with being cooped up in here.

We should take her out for a hack.

But how are we going to get her out of here

without any questions being asked?

Very carefully.

I'll go get my saddle.

Got ya.

Have you seen Scooter?

He's gotta be around here somewhere.

[Game beeps]

[Door shuts]

Is Garnet's stall clean yet?

Search me.

Well, did you clean it?

[Clears throat]

Did you want me to clean it?

I shouldn't have to ask.

I'll do it if you want me to.

It should be done automatically.

Automatically?

No, I don't think I've got a switch for that.

I'm just your no-frills, manual model.

Everything is just joke to you,

isn't it, Scooter?

I've done my share of crying,

but it's laughing I prefer.

[Huffs] Crying?

What have you got to cry about?

Are you trying to make friends with me, Veronica?

I'd have to be pretty desperate to do that.

Not desperate,

lonely maybe.

I'd say you're the lonely one, Scooter.

And why do you think that?

Because you're always so eager to talk to me.

Well that's because I like ya.

[Sharp inhale]

Stop it.

I can't do that.

You see, liking you

is automatic.

I've got no off switch for it.

[Chuckles]

Like I said,

everything is just a joke to you.

Who's joking?

Oh...

[Door shuts]

I don't know where Red got the idea

that Angel was dangerous.

She's such a gentle horse.

Red was probably just saving her for himself,

but you can't fool us.

Or stop us.

Oh, no, you don't.

This was my idea. I get to ride first.

But I'm the more experienced rider,

I should test her out first.

No way.

All right...

how about we ride her together?

I was just going to suggest that.

[Angel nickers]

Whoa.

[Angel whinnies]

Whoa! Whoa, Angel. Stop!

Please stop! Stop!

Please! Angel!

It's OK, Belle. We're here now.

We won't leave you.

[Belle nickers weakly]

[Nickers]

Stevie, come and have a look at this.

[Belle whinnies weakly]

It looks like there's something under the skin.

This might be what's troubling Belle.

I think you're right.

It's turning the whole leg septic.

Angel, stop! Stop!

Please! Please stop!

Stop!

[Both panting]


Thanks for stopping.

I thought that ride would never end.

Ugh, I can't believe we made it

without falling off.

Way to hold on.

Well, that's because we didn't lose our heads.

We were screaming for our lives.

[Neighs and grunts]

Angel.

Come back.

We'll never catch her.

Let's head back.

Maybe she'll try and make her way home.

Which way is home?

Beats me.

[Whines weakly]

LisaGood girl.

[Nickers]

She's too weak to move.

CaroleThis is all happening too fast.

I'm going to call Dr. Whiteside.

[Nickers and whines]

It's Stevie Lake from Pine Hollow

calling for Dr. Whiteside.

He has to take my call.

No, this is not a prank.

This is serious.

But the Chaney stud is over our way.

Just ask him to come here after.

Oh, please...

don't hang up.

Dr. Whiteside isn't coming over here

because of the way he was treated.

This is all your fault.

I'm sorry.

Stevie didn't mean what she said.

She's just upset about--

[Horse whickers]

What now?

RedAngel's wearing Melanie's saddle.

She must have fallen off.

Yeah, well, doesn't surprise me.

Make sure Angel's put safely in the paddock.

You're asking me?

I'm also asking you to lend me your horse.

Get off Garnet now, please.

What? Please?

Ugh!

Dr. Whiteside, I know you think

you were called out unnecessarily.

I'm sorry I said the things I said,

but this is an emergency.

Please.

[Whickers]

Melanie!

Melanie!

All right, Belle.

She's gonna make it, Stevie.

You just have to believe it.

[Sniffles]

Where's Carole?

I don't think she feels wanted here.

But I want her to be here at a time like this.

Stevie... I am here.

Take a look at Belle's leg.

There's something lodged in there,

under the skin.

[Whinnies in pain]

GeorgeYou're right, girls.

It does have something to do with her leg.

Carole, I'm sorry for what I said.

I'm so glad you got Dr. Whiteside back.

GeorgeCould Belle've banged her leg

on a piece of pressure-treated wood

or perhaps just painted with lead paint?

The jumps are painted.

Well, that could be it,

a splinter from a jump,

and she's probably being poisoned from it.

All right, the splinter will have to be removed.

What are you waiting for?

Maybe you should call to see if Dr. Martin's back.

Belle can't wait that long.

You don't understand, OK?

I've never done anything like this before.

Help her, Dr. Whiteside, please.

You're the only one that can.

CaroleCome on, George, we know you can do it.

LisaWe have confidence in you.

I'll do my best.

[Belle nickers and snorts]

I think we're going the wrong way.

Well, I remember that fence.

All the fences look the same around here.

Well, that's because you're not looking closely enough.

RedMelanie! Melanie!

Someone's coming.

Help! Help!

Here we are. Come get us!

Yes.


Oh, she's so much happier.

You did a great job with Belle.

Well, now that the splinter has been removed

and the area was cleaned and dressed,

everything's set to heal.

Thanks, Dr. George.

No, thank you.

You girls found the problem,

and I, uh-- I was very impressed

how much you all knew about, uh, horses for...

well, for people without any formal training.

I'm really sorry about the way I treated you.

Well, you were right,

and I am never, ever,

going to forget my first job.

Bye, Belle. Bye, girls.

Hi. Why is the vet back?

Nothing now,

but where have you guys been?

He rescued us.

AshleyWe were kidnapped by a crazy horse.

DrewHey, guys.

How did things go while I was away?

Uh, a breeze. Piece of cake.

StevieA walk in the park.

Hmm, well...

looks like you don't need me here, then,

after all, huh?

[All talking at once]

I'm just so glad you're back, mate.

[Chatter continues]

How do you do it?

Just so glad you're back, mate.

LisaPlease don't ever leave.

♪ Nothing's gonna stop us now ♪

♪ 'Cause together, we can do no wrong ♪

♪ Together ♪

♪ Where we belong ♪

♪ Together, we are ♪

♪ Everything we need ♪

♪ Together, we are ♪

♪ More than the sum of us

♪ And we are ♪

♪ Nothing without each other ♪