A NEW HORSE at the stable where she worked that always excited Brittany Barnett. "what's he like?" she asked Cole Stewart, who owned the stable. "Quarter Horse type, unregistered. good barrel racer. Want to have a look?"
"You bet!" Cristi said.
"Unload the sorrel, Zach," Cole called to his son.
"Is Brittany going to buy him?" Zach teased.
"I might!" said Brittany. She wanted a horse of her own so much. All of the money she earned was in the bank. She hadn't bought even one record album this year. Her bank book said $102.36. That was a lot of money for an eighth grade girl. But horses cost much more.
Zach, a tall, strong, dark-haired boy, opened the trailer's rear door. He unhooked the horse and backed him out. The gelding was broad Chested with intelligent, wide-set eyes.
His head was topped by little fox ears. "What's his name." Brittany asked.
"Doesn't have one yet. Take a ride and see if you can think of one," said Cole.
The big sorrel was stout. Without warning he arched his neck and butted Cole in the chest.!Although Cole was powerfully built, he fell backwards, legs hitting the air. "Ouch!" he yelled.
Startled, the horse turned and ran at a full gallop. The lead rope dangled between his legs. He circled the stable yard, knocking over a trash barrel. He jumped the log pile. He sent the cat scurrying. Round and round he raced, dripping his head up and down, up and down.
"I'll catch him with this rope." Zach shouted. "No," yelled Cole. "Leave him! He's scared. He'll run his self out."
Cole was right. Breathing hard, the big sorrel soon slowed to a jog. Then he sauntered over to the log pile. Opening his mouth wide, he bit off a huge chuck of wood.
Brittany laughed. Still chewing, the big sorrel nuzzled up to her. She patted his neck and hugged him. For Brittany, it was instant love. Zach said, "Hey, let's throw a saddle on him."
Brittany nodded, eager to ride the horse. Cole turned to leave. "Brittany," he said, "put the horse in the empty stall on your aisle.
Cole turned to leave. "Brittany," he said, "put the horse in the empty stall on your aisle." "sure." Brittany said.
Zach and Brittany saddled the sorrel quickly and expertly. The big horse looked sharp under the tack. Would he have smooth gates?
When Zach put on the bridle, the chrome trim shone in the sun. " who's fist?" Brittany asked. "You." said Zach "Ladies first." Zach always cracked dumb jokes. Brittany was one month younger than Zach. "Okay, I'll go first." she told Zach.
She adjusted the stirrups and went to the mounting block that Cole had made from a tree stump.
She stood on the horse's left side. The reins were over his head. She put her left foot in the stirrup and grabbed the horn. Then she swung her leg over. There! A comfortable seat.
Brittany sigaled the horse to walk to the ring.
He had a fast, choppy walk. It was probably because of his long legs. But his jog and lope were something else. Rocking chair shooth!
They loped around the ring. There was no sound except the squeak of leather. Horse and rider in perfect rhythm, they belonged together.
Brittany daydreamed about Junior Rodeo. She was riding the big sorrel in the barrel race. The crowd yelled and cheered. She was the proud owner in the winner's circle. She took seven bows.
What a fantabulous feeling!
Come down to earth, dreamer, she told herself.
You'll never save enough money to buy this horse. Never in a billion, trillion years.
"Hey, Brittany," shouted Zach. "Don't hog it."
Brittany sighed. She pulled the reins for the horse to stop.
There was a noise behind her. It sounded like a bicycle on the gravel road. The big sorrel shied halfway across the ring. A girl's voice yelled, "Hi, Zach! Hi, Brittany!"
YUK! It was Alli from the riding club. Brittany dismounted. Handing Zach the reins she said, "your turn." Then as if she had just noticed Alli, she said, "Hi, there."
