[Bonus Prompt 2] Tipping Point

Before he was Dylan’s Deputy Pigeon, the splashed palomino stallion with plumage markings on his neck had belonged to a young trainer named Jessica. She had adored him as a yearling when she brought him home. From day one she had called him her Buttercup Boy, spent hours grooming him, braiding his tail, and teaching him about the world and how to be a horse. Jessica had big plans for her first colt. They were going to be best friends, go to every show together, win ribbons together, and, when he was older, maybe he could give her another colt or filly to raise and follow in his hoofsteps. Buttercup had loved his girl, and she loved him. For years they followed her dreams. Buttercup gave her every ounce of himself, but, eventually, it wasn’t enough. 

Buttercup’s first injury came when Jessica got too ambitious and rushed him through a course that was bigger and more technical than anything they’d ever tried before at home, let alone at a show. He was no good to her if he couldn’t compete in the next show, so she tended to him, stalled him, and found a horse that was ready to go. When she lead the other horse past Buttercup’s stall, she didn’t even stop to tell him that she loved him and she’d be home soon to go riding with him again. 

One injury turned into two, then three, and a more serious fourth one that would require rehab. Jessica, determined to chase her dreams, didn’t have time for a horse that couldn’t keep up, even if she was the reason he’d fallen behind in the first place. Instead of caring for the horse she had caused to get injured, she left his care to the stable hands and her parents while she continued finding horses that could jump higher, move more accurately, and get her those fancy ribbons she valued so highly. 

Every day she came to the barn and walked past Buttercup. Once they had been best friends and done everything together. Then, one day, she stood just outside her faithful friend’s stall, ignoring him, when he reached out to nuzzle her arm and look for treats. Instead of a soft pat or a kiss to the nose, Jessica smacked Buttercup and shooed him away. 

“Not now, Buttface, I don’t have time to baby you.” 

Buttercup didn’t try again after that.