She knew that taking the horse to the vet was the smartest move. She held her daughter’s hand as tightly as she could while they waited in the reception area. Her heart was racing and she felt like she was about to pass out. After waiting for a few minutes, the vet stepped outside with a stern look on his face. She asked him if everything was alright and what he said next made her stop in her tracks.

Being Logical

Growing up, Madeline adored animals. She was thankful that she grew up on a farm in North Carolina because she could explore her hobbies to their fullest. One of them was riding a pony, which she mastered at the age of four. When Madeline learned that she was pregnant with Suzy, she knew that she wanted her to have a childhood just like hers. Madeline saved for years, and she was finally able to buy a house in the countryside.She had no idea what was in store for her.

A Simple Life

As Madeline remembered, the country life was peaceful. Her heart swelled with fond memories of being a little girl. As soon as they were settled, she took her daughter to a ranch so she could choose a pony. In the lush greenery, a herd of mustangs roamed freely. She leaped happily as she gestured to the maple-colored one. The horse, however, seemed different.

Picking A Pony

The horse&#8217;s eyes were a purplish-blue. With each step Madeline took, it felt as if they were shining brighter. &#8220;Mom, her eyes are so beautiful!&#8221; Suzy was ecstatic. &#8220;We should give her the name Starlight.&#8221; She had intended to recommend a pony rather than a horse to Suzy, but she witnessed her child&#8217;s delight. How could she possibly break such a happy spirit?

Her Choice

The three of them returned home that day. But Madeline could not get over the feeling that something was amiss. Maddie noticed Starlight was quiet compared to other mustangs she had met. Also, the horse had fine, soft hair and was smaller than most. At Madeline&#8217;s price, why would the ranch sell such an amazing animal? There was something fishy about the deal.

Weird Feeling

Starlight was made to feel at ease by Madeline and Suzy. They offered Starlight hay and apples, which she eagerly ate. Madeline then went over all of Starlight&#8217;s formal documents. She looked for anything that might explain she got Starlight for almost next to nothing. Madeline&#8217;s investigation lasted long into the night. She was about to quit when she noticed something.

Investigation 

Starlight&#8217;s medical records suggested that she hadn&#8217;t seen a veterinarian in a long time. The ranch was contacted first thing in the morning by Madeline. She inquired as to why Starlight had missed two years of visits. Was she going to attempt to convince them that mature horses require at least one full veterinary inspection every year? Her mouth dropped when she received their answer.

Contacting The Ranch

Madeline was notified by the ranch that Starlight was a new arrival. When Madeline and Suzy requested to buy her, they were in the middle of revising her medical records.
They expressed regret for not informing Madeline earlier. They also offered her the chance to return Starlight if she so desired. Despite the fact that the solutions appeared to be rational, Madeline couldn&#8217;t shake the feeling that something was still amiss.

Getting Answers

Madeline considered returning to the ranch with Starlight. But Suzy had formed such a deep connection with the horse that Madeline understood this was no longer a viable option. She sat silently all day at home and at work, oblivious to her environment. What if the ranch had gotten Starlight through some inexplicable means? Madeline was on the verge of crying when she considered that possibility.

How Did They Get Her?

A visit to the vet will result in Starlight&#8217;s information being entered and run through the computer system. The authorities will be immediately notified if she is reported missing. Madeline and Suzy will never see her again. Madeline felt guilty as she considered taking her daughter&#8217;s horse back. Will Suzy ever forgive her? Madeline gritted her teeth and dialed the number for the veterinarian&#8217;s office.

Following Her Heart

The vet’s office was empty when Madeline, Suzy, and Starlight came. The receptionist booked them in for the next hour, and after a short wait, the three of them were in the consultation room. After a quick rundown of the situation, Madeline and Suzy left the vet to run his tests on Starlight. He returned after an hour. What he’d found was more than Madeline expected.

Comfronting Her Fear

“I think you should hire a bodyguard,” the vet whispered, smiling. “These records say Starlight is a mustang, but that’s wrong.” “What?” Madeline stood. “Starlight is an Arabian horse,” said the vet. “They are costly and in very high demand.” “What about her health?” Madeline asked, her breath bated. “Arabian horses are quite resilient,” the doctor answered. “Starlight is no exception. But there is something else.”

A Star Shines Among Us

Although Madeline had been horse-mad when she was a girl herself, she had never seen one with such exquisite eyes before. When she researched blue-eyed horses online, she was overwhelmed by apprehension. According to Google, blue-eyed horses were thought to be more prone to skin cancer and blindness in old age, and some horse ranchers said they were crazy. Is this what the vet wanted to talk to them about?

Problems

Madeline’s heart sank. What could it be? She looked at Starlight across the door, and the horse neighed sweetly at her. A warm sensation blew over Madeline, and she smiled. Like Suzy, she was getting attached to the horse. “What is it, doc?” she asked. Whatever the answer was, she would fight to keep Starlight home.

Do Not Take Our Horse

“Starlight is healthy, from what I am seeing. She’s also expecting,” the doctor said. Madeline couldn’t believe it. She expected the vet to say the authorities were on their way or that the ranch lied to her. She didn’t expect this. Her eyes teared, and she hugged Suzy. Could life be any more perfect? But the vet wasn’t done.

The Vet’s News

“One last thing,” the vet said, walking over to Starlight and gliding a small device over her shoulders. “I just need to check her microchip to make sure it’s working.” Madeline’s heart fell. “Hmmm. It doesn’t seem like she has one,” the vet continued. “Ah, there it is,” he exclaimed as he moved the microchip scanner further down Starlight’s left shoulder. He pulled the information up on the screen.

One Last Thing…

The vet read the information from the microchip and his eyes grew wide. “This horse is not registered to the farm you bought her from,” he said suspiciously. Madeline felt her world collapse. “What do you mean?” she said, trying to fight back the tears. “I’m sorry, but I have no choice,” the vet replied, picking up the phone.

Worst Fears

It turned out that this horse had been reported stolen a few months back. The Ladner family was shocked when they learned she’d been taken right out of their pasture. The little girl, Grace, was especially devastated to lose her beloved horse. The vet had no choice but to call the authorities immediately.

Stolen

“We were going to get another horse, and I come to load my trailer up. When we came back through, I noticed the horses. They were all at the gate except for that one,” James Ladner told the local news agency in an interview. James also said that he checked the gate to the pasture, and it was clear that the chain had been tampered with. But what did this mean for Madeline and Suzy?

The Real Owners

The vet made the call, and the local Sheriff’s department was on its way to fetch Starlight. Suzy began to cry her eyes out at the terrible news, screaming that they couldn’t take her horse. Starlight fitted the description of the stolen horse perfectly – and her microchip details were a match. The family was also offering a reward for the return of their horse. But did that mean Madeline was in trouble?

On Their Way

The vet explained that Madeline and her husband weren’t in trouble, but the farm that sold Starlight to them was. He could see that they had already fallen deeply in love with the horse and was worried that they might take her and run. Just twenty minutes later, the Sheriff, James, and his 10-year-old daughter Grace arrived.

Her Family Arrives

As soon as Grace saw her horse, her eyes lit up. “Shadow, Shadow,” she yelled as she wrapped her little arms around the horse’s neck. Suzy saw how much the other little girl loved her horse and went very quiet. Madeline’s heart broke as she walked over, but she knew what she had to do.

Reunited

James quietly told Madeline that he had bought Shadow for Grace two years ago, just a few months after his wife had tragically passed away. Grace had chosen the horse because she had eyes that reminded her of her mother – bright, blazing blue. She had cried and cried when she was stolen – she didn’t understand how life could take her away, too.

Blue Eyes

In the U.S., an estimated 40,000 horses are stolen every year. They are taken from their owners by strangers looking to make a quick buck, or by opponents in civil and legal suits. At first, Madeline was prepared to do everything in her power to keep their horse, but seeing Grace made her realize that they had to do the right thing.

A Huge Problem

Madeline hugged Suzy and spoke gently, explaining how the other little girl also felt about the horse. “If your horse was stolen, how sad would you be?” she asked. “Imagining not knowing if Starlight was safe and if she was ever coming home? That’s why we have to give her back. She doesn’t belong to us.” Suzy nodded through her tears. But there was a bright side.

Consoling Suzy

James was so grateful that his daughter’s horse had been found he wrote Madeline and Suzy a check for $5,000 right there and then as a “finder’s fee.” The amount was more than Madeline had paid for the horse! But for James, his daughter’s happiness was priceless. But that wasn’t all the happy dad offered.

Reward

James kneeled down and told Suzy that she could come and see Shadow (the horse’s real name) whenever she wanted. But he could see that Suzy’s heart was still broken. What could he do to make it up to her? She reminded him of his own daughter. So he decided to make Suzy an unbelievable promise.

Visitation Rights

Knowing that Suzy loved this horse as much as his daughter did, James suddenly got a brilliant idea that would make everyone happy. Even though Madeline and her daughter could buy a replacement horse with the money he gave them, he decided to do something even better. He placed his hand on Shadow’s flank and said something that made everyone’s mouths fall open.

A Promise

As Shadow was pregnant, James promised that Suzy could have her baby as a replacement. Madeline and Suzy’s eyes widened – they just couldn’t believe the man’s generous offer! James also assured them that, because the father was also an Arabian horse, the foal would carry all of the characteristics that they had grown to love in Shadow.

A Generous Offer

Starlight delivered a healthy foal a few months later. Madeline and Suzy were overjoyed. They named the tiny horse Crystal as his eyes were brighter than his mom’s. For Madeline, moving to the country was for Suzy to grow up in the meaningful world that she had. Everything that came after was a happy surprise.

Family Adopts A New Horse, But Then They Realize The Truth About His Past