Amongst all the friendly faces and familiar places, there was one that Ciara had postponed a visit. Even though it's existence was the very reason, she decided to come home. "You're not making it any easier on yourself, dear," her mother had stated, with that way too familiar somber, half-hearted smile on her face. It had been there since the funeral.

"Will you come along? Please."
The imploring text was for Luke. If anyone could support her face whatever sight she had to behold, Luke was the one. Besides, he had promised to help in any way he was able to. The freckled young man had been one of Ciaras closest friends growing up, and they shared a bond only childhood friends could understand. "Of course" he replied.


The engine made a few defeated splurts, as Luke turned it off. They both sat there for a while - in complete silence. Staring at the mighty buildings that once housed national champions, esteemed trainers and countless small, long-legged foals. In the silence, Ciara heard her fathers voice. "This is outrageous! We've discussed this. You're not going anywhere." Even the sound of the slamming door made an echo through her mind.

Deep breath... Everything had changed, and the estate in front of them was a clear sign of that. Wild bushes had wrapped itself around the foundation, and Luke had to use brute force to get to the dilapidated barn door. Inside, the damp smell of old hay and rotting tree filled the air, and Ciaras heart sank to her stomach. How could she have let it come to this? Overwhelmed she started chewing on her lower lip, but to no avail. The tears welled forcefully up in her eyes.


Suddenly a strange noise broke the air, as Luke was dusting off an old halter. Emerging from one of the stables, was two white, fluffy sheep!

"BAAAA!"

In the midst of the devastating realisation of things, the brown haired woman couldn't help but let out a confused laugh. "Dolly! Polly!" As long as she could remember, the wooly ladies had been prancing the property, and by the looks of it, they weren't about to leave now!

The last month or so had been a blur of dunning letters, contractor meetings, bank meetings, long nights talking with Luke or her mum, and then occassionally trying to hold herself together. Ciara couldn't have anticipated just how bad the situation was at home, and it only added to her guilt and sorrow to find out. Guilt and sorrow that she hid inside. Not even Luke was allowed to see just how exhausted she was.

Payments were way behind on everything. They weren't sure as of yet if the bank would be willing to loan them the money needed to get back on their feet, and start restoring the estate.

Besides of all the practical work that were to be done with the place, she also had to start looking for the personalities that were to live there. Both two and -four legged. It was nothing short of impossible to find horses inside the Irish border, that were able to match her criteria though. She wished to continue her father's legacy of Irish bred sport horses, and with that, would very much like to have her foundation horses native to Ireland.


Then one day while she were having her morning coffee, at the worn out walnut table her father had made himself, Luke came bursting through the door, almost causing the coffee to decorate said table. "LUKE! What's the rush?!" trying to hold back her irritated tone caused by the surprise, Ciara put the coffee cup down. "You need to see this" completely ignoring his friends irritated demeanor, he presented her with a ripped out newspaper ad.

The dark bay horse with the white blaze covered almost an entire page. Eyes frantically trailed the text to gather more information. Stallion ... 4 years old ... Irish Sport Horse ... future dressage prospect. Copying Luke, Ciara jumped up, knocking over her chair. "Well!? What are we waiting for - come on!!!" She steered towards the door at an impressive speed, managing to catch her jacket in the passing. Finally some luck.