Her theory, an often disputed one, was that horses were as intelligent as human beings and had just the same fears, likes, and dislikes.

Lucy knew she was safe when she untied the lasso from the strong root where she had fastened it, and led the stallion down the wash to a pool of water.

And she stood beside him with a hand on his shoulder while he bent his head to sniff at the water.

He tasted it, plainly with disgust.

It was stagnant water, full of vermin.