Picture Of Perfection. Kristin Gabriel

the first stall, Carter silently announced his presence to the two-year-old Thoroughbred by placing one hand on its flank. A spirited filly, Sir Lancelot’s Lady acknowledged his arrival by lifting her head in the air and shifting slightly in the stall. He waited until she settled down, then ran his hand down one leg from shoulder to fetlock to check for any areas of swelling.

      The horse snorted, rearing back in the stall.

      “Easy, there,” Carter said gently. He moved to the front of the horse, stroking one hand down her long neck as he made a visual inspection of the filly’s eyes and nostrils.

      “Looks like Sir Lancelot’s Lady is feeling a bit frisky today,” said a familiar voice behind him.