Chapter 5

The idea was cleared with the patient Pony Club examiner, and I trailered the short distance to my house to collect Kelly. I hoped no one would check her ancient though serviceable tack, or scrutinize my emergency grooming!

Needless to say, Kelly refused to load—because I was in a hurry. Since there was no time to argue with her, I had to ride to the club. At least the mare would be warmed up for Ellis when we arrived. I’ve never tacked a horse up so fast in my life.

The minutes were ticking by so I chose the quickest route. Thanks to the previous day’s rain and the efforts of that beastly jinx, Kelly twice lost her hind end sliding down an unavoidable mud bank.

Nowshe’s going to be lame as well!I wailed inwardly.

But I said a quick prayer to her equine guardian angel and kept going.

If Ellis regretted her courageous decision by the time we came into view, she didn’t show it. But she asked a smart question as she mounted. “Has anyone ever ridden her besides you?”