Little Icicle by Lois Szymanski

Author:Lois Szymanski [Szymanski, Lois]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: YA, E
ISBN: 9780785754961
Publisher: Turtleback Books
Published: 1995-01-15T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIX

Holly hung on the on the fence, watching Matt lead his colt around the ring inside. Every now and then Patches would stop, plant his legs firmly and refuse to go. Then Matt would gently wrap his lead rope around the colt’s rump and up again on the other side. After another tug, the colt would begin to walk again. Something about the pressure of the rope on his tail end forced him to go.

“He almost knows how to lead now,” Matt said. “If I keep working, he’ll remember what he supposed to do.”

Holly climbed the fence to balance herself on the top rail. “I never knew you had to teach a pony to lead. I thought they just followed you naturally.”

Matt led to Patches over to the fence. “I wish it was that easy,” he said. “When I first started breaking Patches to lead, I thought he would yank my shoulders off! Every time I tugged the rope his eyes rolled and he backed up. He hated it! Then Uncle Bob showed me how to wrap the rope around his back leg to urge him forward.”

“It’s hard to believe he would ever give you a hard time.” Holly reached down to rub the Patches on the swirl of hair under his forelock. The way he follows you around, you can see he just adores you.”

Matt admired his colt for a moment. “Do you think he remembers his mother or Assateague Island?”

Holly slipped down from the fence and leaned into the colt, burying her face against his side. “I don’t know,” she answered slowly. “But I do know he’s happy with you!”

“Matt!”

Matt turn to answer his mom. “Yeah?”

“Telephone! It’s Mr. Donald!”

Matt felt his heart begin to thud in his chest. Mr. Donald had never called before! Was something wrong?

Holly climbed the fence rails as Matt unhooked the lead rope. “Do you think it’s about Icy?” she asked

“I… I don’t know,” Matt stammered. He slid between the fence rails and hurried toward the house with Holly right on his heels.

He went in the door and Mom held the phone out to him.

Matt’s chest tightened. “Is something wrong with Icy, Mr. Donald?” he asked without saying hello.

“Wrong? No, not a thing. In fact, I called with good news.”

Matt felt his shoulders relax. Holly was leaning close, her ear near the phone. Matt pushed her back. He put his hand over the mouthpiece. “It’s okay,” he told her. Then he listened as the fireman continued.

“That idea you had, boy… It was a good one! We just took the belly band and rope off. The mare is standing on her own now!”

Matt felt his face light up. “She’s standing!”

“She’s standing?” Holly squealed. “Icy is standing up all by herself?”

“Yes! Yes! Sshh!” Matt put his fingers to his lips, then spoke into the phone. “Is she okay?”

“She’s just fine… Standing here right now beside me, munching hay like she’s the queen of the fire hall. At first she was a little shaky, but she’s great now.

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