Galloping Gold by Terri Farley

Author:Terri Farley
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf, mobi
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2009-09-27T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

During their first day of practice, the girls rode in the rain forest.

“We won’t know what the course is until they put the markers up the day before,” Megan said, “but I think this area has the most hazards.”

“That’s comforting,” Darby said as she readied herself to mount Sugarfoot for the very first time.

“Anyone can ride him,” Ann promised.

“I believe you,” Darby said, but when she put her boot in the left stirrup, Sugarfoot’s head swung around and he stared at her. The gelding looked more startled than Hoku had the first time she’d worn a saddle, and suddenly Darby wondered how Hoku would act, running at the head of the herd in a ride-and-tie race.

“You know her. It’s Darby,” Ann’s voice crooned to her horse as she brought Darby’s attention back in time to hear Sugarfoot blow a loud breath.

“He’s waiting for you to get on,” Ann explained.

“Nice,” Megan commented as Darby swung aboard Sugarfoot.

But once Darby was in the saddle, she felt the cream-and-gold gelding vibrate like a volcano about to erupt.

“Don’t anyone run away from us,” Darby ordered, and when Megan gave her a sly smile, Darby said, “I mean it.”

But Sugarfoot obeyed every lift of the reins and touch of her heels. In minutes, she was loping him over the course they’d already laid out, while Ann ran along behind her.

Sugarfoot was so well behaved, Darby was able to search for exposed tree roots and other hazards that might trip him. Or Ann.

She watched for low limbs that could sweep her off Sugarfoot’s back, too, and old fence posts that might cut through her jeans or scratch Sugarfoot if they were crowded by another horse.

When Darby dismounted at the designated stop, Sugarfoot swung around at the end of the reins, looking back with pricked ears for Ann.

“He knew you were on your way,” Darby said as Ann, followed by Megan, jogged into sight, “and he didn’t act up or try to see you until now.”

“That’s my Shuggie boy.”

“Yuck!” Darby said as Ann baby-talked to the horse before she mounted.

“I think I’m going to be sick,” Megan agreed.

“Whatever works,” Ann said as she landed in the saddle.

And then her attitude changed. Ann leaned over her horse’s neck and made a ssssssss noise while she pushed her reins forward, giving the gelding all the rein he’d take. They plunged into a gallop before Darby could take a single step.

“I can see how this is going to go,” Darby said, but she jogged after her friend, following the drift of Sugarfoot’s long tail until it vanished from view.

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