02x23 - High Stakes Part 2

[bunniefuu]

Previously on "The Saddle Club"...

CaroleThat's Ethan Lowell Jr.

CaroleThat's Ethan Lowell Jr.

His father was only the most famous

racehorse trainer ever.

What's he dong here?

Training my new horse.

His name's Windsong.

That was nowhere near his record time.

We're not doing time trials, Mr. diAngelo.

He's just stretching his legs,

getting used to his new surroundings.

I'm not interested in excuses.

I need results.

Drew assigns the school horses,

not Veronica.

You are so wrong.

So when it comes to the students,

you talk to my daughter Veronica.

All right?

He looks so tired.

Where's the fire, the energy?

I as just about to try another herbal remedy

and give him a leg massage.

Just do what it takes to make him win, OK?

CaroleHow can a horse change so much so suddenly.

That's more like it.

Are those hives?

They look sore and itchy.

Carole...relax. He's fine.

Pine Hollow has changed.

I'm reconsidering my future here.

[Whinnying]

[Snorting]

[Whinnying]

Carole, get out.

[Nickers]

Are you all right?

Yeah. I'm fine.

There's something wrong with Windsong.

You probably just startled him.

You don't understand.

So, explain to me why you're in Windsong's stall

when you know you're supposed to leave him alone.

What's going on?

I heard a noise,

and I heard someone leave the stall.

It was probably just Mr. diAngelo.

I saw him leaving Pine Hollow

a few minutes ago.

What's he doing here so late at night?

I could ask you the same question,

and so could Drew and Ethan.

You're not gonna tell Ethan I was

in his stall, are you?

I don't know.

[Whinnies] Oh, come on, Red, please.

I don't want to get him mad at me again.

All right. I won't say anything this time.

Thanks. You're the best.

Come on. I'll give you a lift home.

[Whinnying]

CaroleYou didn't see him.

It was like he was a totally different horse.

What do you mean?

It's hard to explain.

It was like he was spooked, except way worse.

I was sure he was gonna trample me.

And when I touched him, his heart was beating so fast.

It was faster than--well, than Windsong.

That's awful!

What if he's sick or something?

Uh, news flash, Lisa.

He's a racehorse.

Being temperamental is what they do.

I don't know, Stevie.

I've worked with racehorses,

and I know what they're like.

This was different.

You have to admit, it is kind of

weird that Mr. diAngelo

was hanging around Windsong's stall.

What do you think he was doing?

I don't know,

but I do know something strange is going on.

And I'm gonna find out what it is.

[Nickers]

Hi, Red.

I was going to grab

a drink from the lounge.

Do you want me to get you one?

No, thanks. This place is a mess.

Mm. Does look messier than normal.

That's because things aren't normal.

Yeah, everything's up in the air.

And the fact that now Mr. diAngelo is here,

everything is about money instead of horses,

and Max being overseas--

Things will pick up soon. You'll see.

I don't know whether I'm prepared to wait.


What do you mean?

I've been offered a job at another stables.

But, Red, you can't leave. You belong here.

I used to think that.

But now I doubt if anyone would ever notice

I was gone.

I'd miss you heaps.

Thanks, Kristi.

But Veronica will be glad if I left.

And I might just do that.

Veronica, I want you to leave Red alone.

Well, what did he tell you I've done?

He didn't say anything.

I've seen the way you treat him.

[Scoffs]

Kristi, you're upset.

Not as upset as I will be

if you make Red go to another stables.

Well--well, that's up to him.

If Red leaves, Veronica,

I will never speak to you again.

RedVeronica, wait up.

What is it?!

It's for you, marked "urgent."

[Heavy sigh]

[Scoffs]

This is a mistake.

It's a bill for the intercom system

I had installed. I've already paid this.

Are you sure?

Uh, I'm not an idiot.

Oh, look!

The check's right here.

There's your problem.

Your check bounced.

What?! Eh, that-- that's impossible!

Somebody must have screwed up.

That's too bad.

But--uh, if I don't get this fixed, they're

gonna take my intercom system away.

What should I do?

How should I know? You're the executive.

Ugh!

I never thought I'd say this,

but can we stop reading about horses

now, please?

Might as well.

I haven't found anything that would explain

Windsong's behavior.

The problem is, his symptoms are so vague,

anything could be wrong.

Maybe the problem is there's no problem.

Then how would you explain his change

in appetite, the hives, and the aggressiveness?

Maybe he was aggressive because the hives

were bothering him.

Remember when I had the measles?

I was so grumpy, I almost bit

my brother's head off.

Your brother? I brought over

some soup, and I barely made it

out alive.

My point is if there was really something wrong

with Windsong, either Ethan or Mr. diAngelo

would have done something about it by now.

I guess.

I'm sorry. Did you mean, "Thanks, Stevie.

You're right, as always"?

I know what you're saying makes sense,

but there's something not right.

I can feel it.

But you can't prove it.

And you haven't even seen Windsong

since last night.

Maybe he's calmed down.

You're right.

Ahh. I love hearing those words.

Where are you going?

To Windsong's stall.

But you just said "Maybe he's calmed down."

Yeah. That's right. "Maybe."

So I'm gonna go check on him and take

a look for myself.

We need to talk.

Oh! No kidding.

I don't know what you're paying your accountant,

but whatever it is, it's too much.

You have to fire him.

What are you talking about?

What sort of a loser could screw up so much

that one of our checks could bounce?

Bounced?

Like a little rubber ball.

I'm so embarrassed, Daddy!

You have to call the intercom people

and explain.

No, I'm not going to call anyone.

Ohh, Daddy. You don't expect me to do it.

I mean, I'm just

the executive student president.


It's not really my job.

Veronica, sweetie...

Here. You can use this phone.

Veronica, you must listen to me.

[Beeps]

[Chuckles]

[Intercom beeping]

Hello?

VeronicaWhatever it is, can't it wait?

I mean, I've ordered some riding outfits.

And I have to go and pick them up.

Mr. diAngeloNo, it can't wait.

It's very important.

It concerns you and me and Windsong.

Well, what's going on?

That check didn't bounce

because of any accountant.

It bounced because things are tight now.

How?

I made a few bad investments.

Oh, well. Well, that's too bad.

But it happens all the time, right?

I mean...

I mean, you're always telling me

how investing's a gamble

and you have to take the losses with the gains.

Mr. diAngeloYes, that's true. However,

unfortunately, the stock market is down.

And I have extended myself when I invested

in Pine Hollow and that racehorse.

So--so cash some of our stocks or something.

We have lots of money, Daddy...

don't we?

No. That's what I've been trying to tell you.

We've lost almost everything.

[gasps]

Oh, no! No!

This--this can't be happening to me.

There's got to be something you can do.

Well, there's one last hope.

If Windsong can win the Bridgemont Cup,

then we could sell him

for a tidy profit

and we'll be all right until

the stock market rises again.

You're going to sell him?

I'm sorry, darling. We don't have a choice.

[Stammers]

And what if he loses?

Well, I'm doing everything I can

to make sure that that doesn't happen, hmm?

[Beeps]

It's all clear.

[Nickers]

CaroleLook at him!

The hives are getting worse.

Poor guy. No wonder he's been acting up.

I thought Ethan said he was gonna do

something about this.

I don't know what's wrong with you,

but I'll find out. I promise.

[Whoosh]

You guys, you'll never guess.

Mr. diAngelo is going broke!

No way!

StevieEven Veronica

couldn't spend all their money.

It's true. He said

that Windsong's their last hope.

They need him to win the cup

so they can sell him for way more money.

It figures that diAngelo would see

a beautiful horse like Windsong

as an investment.

What are they gonna do with him

if he loses?

Maybe he's doing something to Windsong to make sure

he doesn't lose.

Red's thinking of taking another job

because he doesn't feel appreciated around here.

But we love him.

That's why I'm putting together this videotape

to show him how much he'd be missed

if he left Pine Hollow.

That's a great idea.

OK. So what would you miss most

if he left Pine Hollow?

If Red left, I'd miss the way he helps me

tack up my horse.

Good! And what else?

Man on jukebox♪ Feel like a stranger ♪

♪ On this winding road

Are you OK, Veronica?

You upset about something or...

Huh?

Has something bad happened?

Oh. It's much worse than bad.

It's...it's the end.

Can I ask what it is?

Ohh. You'll find out anyway.


The diAngelos are near enough to broke.

Oh! It's only money!

It's a lot of money.

What I mean is, nobody's hurt or k*lled.

So it doesn't really matter.

[Scoffs]

Only somebody who's never had money

would say that.

Oh, money's good. Don't get me wrong.

But it's who you are that matters,

not what you've got.

But that's exactly what makes me who I am.

Without money, I'd be like everybody else.

I'd be ordinary...

like the Saddle Club. Ugh!

I'd still like you, rich or poor.

You might, Scooter, but the people

who matter wouldn't.

Uh! And who are these people that matter exactly?

The people with money.

Oh. And they'll turn their backs on you

because you haven't got it.

Well, they'd have to because then I

wouldn't be one of them.

Hmm. See, you're not talking about

people that matter.

You're talking about morons.

It's not what you've got in your pocket that matters.

It's what you've got in here.

And I'll tell you another thing.

That drink is on the house.

Sure. If your friends found out you had no money,

they might run you over on the street.

[Sighs]

StevieDon't you see? It all makes sense.

The change in appetite, dehydration, aggression,

not to mention the fact that Windsong suddenly got

so strong and fast.

CaroleI know Mr. diAngelo isn't big on horses,

but he wouldn't try and hurt Windsong.

But he is desperate.

If he doesn't make a lot of money fast,

he'll lose everything.

Windsong's his only hope.

So to make sure he wins, he's given Windsong

something to make him perform better.

Poor Windsong.

But we won't know for sure

until we get him checked out

by Dr. Judy.

We can't call her.

She won't even look at Windsong without

Mr. diAngelo's permission.

If he's doing something wrong,

then there's no way he'll let a vet

anywhere near Windsong.

LisaWell, where are you going?

I can't just let him suffer like this.

If we can't call Dr. Judy,

I'm at least gonna go talk to Ethan.

OK. We've got to catch Mr. diAngelo

in the act. But how?

Scooter's good at camera stuff.

Isn't he?

Why?

Ethan...

can I talk to you?

What's up?

I don't know for sure,

but I think Mr. diAngelo

has been doing something to Windsong.

That's a serious accusation.

I know, but it explains Windsong's

strange behavior.

What strange behavior?

You know, the mood,

the energy, the appetite swings--

it all points to...

I don't need a lesson on how to take care

of a horse, Carole.

Windsong's perfectly healthy.

His appetite's back, and he's faster

and stronger than ever.

What about the hives?

The hives are just stress-related.

Sometimes they happen before a big race.

It wouldn't hurt to call a vet

just in case.

I appreciate your concern,

but Mr. diAngelo couldn't be giving him anything.

If he had, I'd know.

Windsong's fine.

Trust me.

[Clicks tongue]

[Laughter]

Whoo-hoo!

How does it look, Lisa?

Great. But it'll look even better

without you in the picture.

Do you think it'll work?


It has to. We're running out of time.

And so is Windsong.

Well, we're all set.

Now all we have to do is wait.

Where's Carole?

She should be here by now.

I hope she brings us some food. I'm star...

Hey. What's wrong with Windsong?

Looks like he's having trouble breathing.

Dr. Judy!

I know you said we should wait

for Veronica's dad's permission but--

StevieWindsong can't breathe!

You've got to help him.

[Nickers]

What's wrong with him?

He's going into anaphylactic shock.

What will happen to him?

I have to open his airway.

Why don't you girls wait outside?

We can't leave him!

Now.

Think he'll be OK?

He has to be.

MR. diAngeloWhat's going on here?

LisaWindsong was having trouble breathing.

Dr. Judy said he was going into ana...ana...

Anaphylactic shock? What?

Is he all right?

JudyHe'll be fine.

But he's had a severe

allergic reaction to something.

What did you give him?

The only thing this horse has ingested

is whatever homeopathic nonsense

Ethan's been giving him.

I've been monitoring him closely.

There were no signs of trouble before now.

JudyOh, really?

And how long has he been covered in hives?

A day. Two at the most.

CaroleThree. And he's been getting worse.

JudyDid you know that horses can have

severe allergic reactions

to herbal remedies?

Yes. But I just thought that--

StevieYou should have called a vet as soon

as you noticed the hives.

MR. diAngeloYou've seriously

damaged this horse.

I was doing my best.

I didn't think the allergy was that serious.

DrewWait. You knew he was having

allergic reactions and you kept giving him

herbal remedies?

Well, I had no choice.

You pressured me to produce a winner.

I told you there wasn't time,

but you wouldn't listen.

So I gave Windsong something to perk him up

and make him eat.

Is that so bad?

Well, it is when your cure

makes the horse sick.

I must say, I'm very surprised.

I knew your father.

I expected more from you.

I can't believe you're leaving.

I'm really going to miss you.

We all will.

VeronicaWindsong is still my horse, you know?

No, he's not, sweetie.

We can't afford to keep him.

I hope he's going to a good home.

He is.

Well, at least we have money now, right,

and maybe a new riding outfit

will help cheer me up.

What was that, like, seconds of grief?

[Carole chuckles]

There'll be no new outfits for quite a while.

But you said we'd be OK once we sold Windsong.

If we sold him for a profit.

But since he was in no shape to race...

we barely broke even.

In fact, I've spoken to Drew.

I'm afraid I can't put any more money

into Pine Hollow.

You mean I'm no longer executive student president?

I'm sorry, honey.

Yes! Yes! Yes!

[Scoffs]

Daddy!

Well, Windsong is on his way to his new home.

Yeah. I know the people.

They're nice.

Are you OK, Ethan?

Actually...

I got to thank you, Carole.

I was so focused on trying to be as good as my dad


that I forgot the most important thing he taught me--

the welfare of the horse is your first priority.

You reminded me of that again, so thanks.

I hope this is important

'cause I really don't have time.

It'll only take a minute. Please, Red.

If Red left, I'd miss the way he helps me

tack up my horse.

MelanieWell, he gives Dime crunchies,

and when he's around, Veronica is nice to us.

Well, make that

less mean than usual.

BothWe love you, Red!

You're a lucky fella.

You have a job you love with people who love you.

I know it's not always blue skies,

and you've got a little cloud in yours at the moment,

but I think this cloud-- code name Veronica--

has a silver lining,

but then maybe you can't see that right at this moment.

That's OK because--

Kristi on videoThanks, Scooter

That's enough. Heh.

But the fact is deep down I don't think she really--

Scooter!

Right. Red, me mate, you're the best.

Goodness. What would I most miss about Red

if he went away?

I just couldn't imagine Pine Hollow without him.

And I wouldn't want to, either. No.

That is--that is definitely far too upsetting.

Is there anything else you want me to say, dear?

Oh, no. That would be...

Kristi says you don't think that anyone would notice

if you left Pine Hollow.

But we would notice.

You're like an honorary member

of the Saddle Club.

And we're not the only ones who would miss you.

You tell him, guys!

[Neighing]

It's unanimous.

See? You can't leave Pine Hollow because I...

we'd all miss you.

You did all that for me?

So will you stay?

Well...

I don't know.

Of course I'll stay.

How could I leave?

Pine Hollow is my home.

[Chuckles]

[Laughter]

StevieWhoo-hoo!

♪ Nothing's gonna stop us now ♪

♪ Because together, we can do no wrong ♪

♪ Together, where we belong ♪

♪ Together, we are ♪

♪ Everything we need ♪

♪ Together, we are

♪ More than the sum of us ♪

♪ We are nothing without each other ♪