"Although Jude has had her share of eccentric clients over the years, she's never been asked to apply her healing touch to a lame horse before. With a reluctant Carole providing transportation, the women arrive at Long Bamber Stables only to stumble upon the body of a man beyond medical help - alternative or otherwise." "The victim, Walter Fleet, was once an equestrian champion before an accident ruined his career. And working in the stables, he spent more time grooming himself to impress the ladies than he did grooming the horses." The police attribute the stabbing death to the mysterious "Horse Ripper," who's been mutilating horses across West Sussex - and who Walter obviously caught in the act. But considering Walter's track record out of the saddle, Jude and Carole find that there are plenty of suspects - including Walter's put-upon wife and more than a few jealous husbands - who wanted Walter put out to pasture.