Heartland Catch UP: Season 17 Episode 2 “Taking the Reins”

**WARNING THIS BLOG POST CONTAINS SPOILERS**

In this episode: Amy and Jack retrain Edwin’s horse for carriage racing, bringing Amy and Edwin closer; Logan takes on his first client horse; election night arrives for Lou just as the family faces a difficult loss.

The episode kicks off with Lyndy seeking Jack’s assistance to prepare a chicken meal for their family dog, Remi. When Tim calls, Jack chooses to ignore it, opting instead to enjoy the cooking session with Lyndy and Remi. 

At Fairfield Stables, Amy meets up with Edwin Silvera, whom we first met in Season 16, Episode 13, “Striking a Balance.” Edwin is seen comforting his horse, Brady, before handing him over to Amy. Brady, a unique horse, has been struggling with jumping ever since Edwin stopped riding him. Despite Edwin’s desperation for a solution, Amy suggests a different path for Brady – one that doesn’t involve jumping. 

Meanwhile, at Maggie’s, Tim arrives and informs Lou that he will be assisting with the election for the next few days. He’s already anticipating Lou’s victory in the mayoral race and even brings a congratulatory banner. However, Lou isn’t as confident, especially since her radio interview has left her and Rick neck and neck in the polls. 

Back at the stables, Amy proposes a new direction for Brady – combined driving. She believes this could lift Brady’s spirits and even has a client interested in a horse for this very purpose. Amy shares this plan with Jack, who offers his horse, Buddy, as a partner for Brady and even volunteers to help as a rider. 

In a heartwarming scene at Maggie’s, Katie tells Lou about a short story contest she’s entering. The contest requires a retelling of a classic fairy tale using a current social issue. Their conversation is interrupted by a visibly nervous Rick, who stopped by to wish Lou good luck in the election. 

As the episode progresses, we see Amy, Jack, and Edwin embarking on their combined driving adventure. However, they hit a roadblock when Brady refuses to cross a body of shallow water. Despite this setback, Amy and Edwin manage to turn the situation around, resulting in a playful water fight and Brady eventually overcoming his fear of water. 

Logan’s got his hands full with his first client horse, Sunshine. Turns out, Sunshine has a fear of flags, making grand entrances a no-go. But with a little patience and a scenic trail ride with Katie (who rarely rides anymore!), Sunshine starts to loosen up. It seems both horse and rider needed a change of pace!

Things take a somber tone when Amy finds Remi in her final moments during a storm at the old picnic spot. This loss casts a shadow over the election night at Maggie’s, where Rick Adderly is announced as the next mayor of Hudson, winning by a mere 12 votes. 

Despite the loss, the episode ends on a hopeful note. Jack decides to face the Pryce Beef situation head-on, determined to protect Heartland. Amy and Edwin (with things a little clearer this time!) continue training Buddy and Brady for combined driving. Logan celebrates his success with Sunshine, and Katie finds inspiration for her writing contest.

The episode concludes with everyone gathering at the picnic spot to celebrate Remi’s life, sharing special memories of their time with her. The episode closes with a sequence of Lou packing up her mayor’s office, leaving us wondering what the future holds for her. 

Did you have a favorite moment from this episode? Share your thoughts in the comments below!