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Post by Danica Gordon on Aug 3, 2011 0:31:41 GMT -5
Danica Gordon took a deep breath and knocked on Fairfield’s front door. Before the door had opened all the way She started a well rehearsed plead for a job.
“Hi, Sorry so just show up but I am really desperate, My name is Danica Gordon and I am looking for a Job. I used to be a Jockey in the states. And this is a terrible way to ask for a Job but I am desperate. I will do anything; I can train groom. Sweep floors scrub tack. So long as it doesn’t involve riding. I promise I am trust worthy. Please, one of the girls at the dinner said you where always looking for help.”
Danica crossed her fingers knowing the chances of being higher after her pitch for a Job. “Oh well Desperate times called for desperate measures.” She thought hoping that this desperate measure was good enough.
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Post by Lisa Stillman on Aug 3, 2011 21:37:04 GMT -5
Lisa heard the sound of what she realised was someone knocking on the door. She was briefly startled, because she knew she wasn't expecting anyone at this time. Her groomers and trainers never disturbed her here; besides, they were all most likely either at the training pens or in the stables.
When the knocking continued, Lisa got up and left her office, curiosity getting the better of her. She opened the door to find a young, red-haired woman standing there with a hopeful expression on her face. Lisa had never seen her before, and wondered to herself who she was and why she was knocking on Fairfield's door without a prior appointment.
"Hi," Lisa said to the redhead, "can I help you?"
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Post by Danica Gordon on Aug 3, 2011 22:15:58 GMT -5
Danny hoped when she spoke that it would come out differently but it was nearly the same as it had been in her head. At least it seemed that way to her.
“Hello My name is Danica, Danica Gordon. I am sorry to drop by with out calling first but I really need a Job. I can do any thing that involves horses except ride them.” Danny gestured to her walking stick. “But I work hard. I used to be a Jockey so I can work Day by day no contracts or any thing. I have herd that you give people chances when no one else will and I have tried every stable I know of but no one wants me. Now I will work for next to nothing doing anything. Please can I have a chance?”
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Post by Lisa Stillman on Aug 4, 2011 1:22:23 GMT -5
Lisa was at first quite startled by Danica's impassioned plea. The humanitarian in her took in the walking stick and the earnest expression on her face and felt moved with compassion. The savvy businesswoman and world-class breeder in her was more skeptical and suspicious.
Before committing to anything, Lisa had to know more about her visitor.
Not giving away any indication that she was either considering or dismissing Danica's offer to work for her, Lisa asked: "Just how was it you heard that I give people chances here at Fairfield?"
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Post by Danica Gordon on Aug 4, 2011 1:35:40 GMT -5
Danny Looked Lisa in the eye and replyed. “I was asking around for a Job, at Maggie's dinner. One of the waitress’s told me that you might higher me. So before I cam here I asked a guy as I was leavening what kind of a person you where and he said you would give any one a chance so long as they deserved it.”
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Post by Lisa Stillman on Aug 4, 2011 2:50:50 GMT -5
Lisa couldn't suppress a knowing smile. She must have been talking with Soraya, she thought.
"They said that, did they?" Lisa commented. "Fairfield isn't any ordinary 'horse farm'. I'm not boasting when I say it's a world-class breeding facility. I only hire the best, most dedicated workers."
Lisa paused to see how Danica was taking her speech, and was satisfied to see she wasn't at all intimidated. The earlier desperation had given way to a quiet, confident look that said 'Danica Gordon knows what she's all about, and she'll do what it takes to prove it'.
"Look," Lisa continued, "why don't you come in and tell me why you think you deserve a chance at Fairfield?"
Since Lisa considered herself a good judge of character, she had no problem welcoming in this newcomer. She opened the door wider to allow the young woman passage inside.
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Post by Danica Gordon on Aug 4, 2011 3:23:02 GMT -5
Danica smiled and stepped through the door.. “I understand that this is a very dedicated facility. But I was A Jockey and I have been dedicated to havening a horse career since I was 18. I took the jobs that no one else wanted. I spent three Years Jumping retired race horses for a farm in Upstate New York before I got the offer to be a Jockey for the farm’s partner. I was the only Jockey in a boy’s club.” Danica blushed. “I did once break a guys nose after he insulted me and hurt one of the horses I rode but that was the only time I have EVER done anything to hurt anyone else physically and he had it coming.” Danny looked at Lisa to see that she was actually interested and this boosted Danny’s confidence.
“Then two years ago I had accident that ended my career. I left the country for an offer to train some horses up at Fort St. John but when I got there my employer sent me away because he didn’t think I could train race horses on crutches. So I started driving and ended up here.” Danny stood up taller
“And that is about the last 20 years of my life. But that is why I deserve a chance because I spent the last 20 years dedicating my life to horses and I would like to do the same thing for 20 more.”
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Post by Lisa Stillman on Aug 4, 2011 17:00:35 GMT -5
The wheels in Lisa's head were turning as the edited version of Danica's life story spilled out right there in the foyer. She thought for a moment that she already had a full staff of trainers and groomers, all of whom she trusted. But with the W.E.N. event on the horizon, Lisa was starting to think Danica's sudden appearance was serendipity at play.
After all, Lisa said to herself, my staff is busy with all the regular duties. Taking on this young lady might just be what I need to start putting together a team for W.E.N..."
A smile crept up on Lisa's face. She was reminded of another youngster who was just as eager to prove herself, in spite of her age and seeming lack of experience. And it all turned out perfectly with Amy Fleming, Lisa recalled.
"Okay," Lisa finally said to Danica. "You've got a great attitude; I like that. As long as you're legally able to work in Canada, you've got a job. But tell me: have you ever heard of 'W.E.N.'?"
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Post by Danica Gordon on Aug 4, 2011 17:18:23 GMT -5
Danica smiled. “Thank you so much. I am legally allowed to work here. But I have never herd of W.E.N I am assuming that it is an equestrian event of some sort.” Danny looked at Lisa ready for what ever task she might be given.
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Post by Lisa Stillman on Aug 4, 2011 18:34:48 GMT -5
"You guessed right," Lisa said, motioning for Danica to follow her inside.
She led Danny into her spacious office and offered her a seat.
"This year, the World Equestrian Network is coming to Hudson in light of the competition they are hosting called 'Rodeo, Reins and Race'," Lisa explained. "It is an all-round event in which there are teams of three that participate in order to achieve the most points. The team with the most points then wins the W.E.N. event."
Lisa sat down in her own chair. "I'm thinking of entering a team of my own, but I haven't really announced it yet. I need someone to head that team; be a sort of trainer-manager. Do you think you're up for it?"
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Post by Danica Gordon on Aug 4, 2011 20:15:58 GMT -5
Danica’s eyes sparkled with the thought of the W.E.N event. “I am so ready.” Danny smiled. “So when do we start?”
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Post by Lisa Stillman on Aug 4, 2011 21:22:37 GMT -5
"How does tomorrow sound?" Lisa said, pleased that Danny was so enthusiastic. "There's a terrific bed-and-breakfast place in town called 'Kayla's' you might want to check out until you find a more permanent place to stay. I'm sure you must be pretty tired from all that driving!"
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Post by Danica Gordon on Aug 4, 2011 21:53:50 GMT -5
Danica smiled eagerly “Thank you. Do you happen to know if this Kayla would let a dog in her Bed and breakfast? Danny thought of her border Collie ‘Muddy’ who was waiting for her in the truck.
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Post by Lisa Stillman on Aug 5, 2011 17:27:42 GMT -5
Lisa had to admit she didn't know what Kayla's pet policy was. "I'm not sure," she told Danny. "I'd offer to let you keep it here, but I can't have a dog running around Fairfield; I can't have the horses being spooked or stressed out."
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Post by Danica Gordon on Aug 5, 2011 18:03:05 GMT -5
Danny smiled her thanks. "Muddy is actualy terified of horses and I would feel bad leaving her here with some on she dose not know. She was abused by her old owner and then dummped on the side of the road she dose not trust anyone but me. If I can't keep her at the bed and breakfast I will find some other place to stay. And if I where desperate I could get a place in Calgary." Danica thanked Lisa agan set a time to meet agan the next day.
Once out of the house and cloce to her car Danny could no longer contane her exitement. She smiled from ear to ear as she limped to the truck. "I am now a tranner." She said to her dog. Muddy just waged her tail and looked at her owner.
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