October Story Contest

Hoofprints in the Sand Best of Friends
By: Alyssa
Age: 11

Chapter One

Sophie Malone awoke to the sound of her alarm clock ringing.
She rolled over and hit the snooze button, but as soon as she did that she realized she had a riding lesson to go to. And today was extra-special because it was her thirteenth birthday!

Sophie had lived in the small town of Maxwell all her life with her dad and seven-year-old sister Morgan.
Her mother had died of cancer when Sophie was four, and her dad worked long hours at a restaurant called Pizza Palace to pay their bills, so looking after Morgan was her job.
Sophie rode at ReinDance Stables, owned by Mark and Trish Ross, with her two best friends, Taylor Austin and Ava Young.

Ava had lived in Maxwell all her life as well with her parents, who were both bankers, and her twin brother Jacob, who she called a good for nothing pest.
Ava was often known to lose her temper, but most of the time she was fine.

Taylor was born in Vancouver and had taken riding lessons there for a while, but then she lost interest and quit.
Before moving to Maxwell, Taylor had lived with her dad, who was an alcoholic. Her mom and dad had a divorce and her mom left for New York City, and Taylor had never heard from her since.
One day Taylor's dad sent her away to live with her aunt and uncle in Maxwell, and that's where she met Sophie and Ava.
Taylor called her aunt and uncle Mom and Dad because she felt so comfortable with them.
Taylor and Ava lived on the same street, and Taylor was the least experienced rider of the three.

Sophie jumped out of bed and into the shower.
After she was done she threw on a purple  T-shirt and her jodhpurs.
She ran downstairs and grabbed a muffin from the fridge.
When Sophie sat down at the table she saw a note and read it. It said:

Dear Sophie,
I left early because of a commitment I made. I took Morgan along so you wouldn't have to take her to your lesson. Happy Birthday!
Love, Dad

Well, that takes care of one thing, thought Sophie.
She finished her muffin, pulled on her riding boots, grabbed her helmet, and walked to the bus stop where the bus had just pulled up.
She entered it, paid, and found a seat. The drive from her house to ReinDance was only a couple minutes, so as soon as it came to a stop she jumped out.

As Sophie entered the stable yard, she stopped and closed her dark brown eyes, inhaling the wonderful smells of ReinDance Stables: hay from the hayloft, polished leather, and best of all, horses!
She was almost afraid to look around, afraid that ReinDance might vanish into thin air right before her eyes. Sophie gathered her courage and opened her eyes.
What she saw made her grin with delight. She didn't think she would ever get used to the large stable, the rolling hills, the small white farmhouse where Mark and Trish lived,  the freshly sanded indoor and outdoor riding rings, and the white fenced paddocks in the back where gleaming horses grazed contently.

Grinning, Sophie walked up to the barn. It was awfully quite around and strangely,the barn was dark.
As Sophie entered the barn  she heard someone say, “Shh!”

Suddenly the barn lights went on and everyone shouted, “Surprise! Happy birthday, Sophie!”
Sophie gasped. Almost everyone was there! All the kids from her riding class, Lauren, Anita, Justin, and David, Mark and Trish, Taylor and Ava, and her dad and Morgan!
Sophie was speechless. There was even an ice cream cake that said her name on it!
Taylor and Ava were grinning happily.

“Well, do you like it?” asked Ava.
“Of course!” replied Sophie. “But you know, you guys didn't have to do this for me.”
“We wanted to,” said Taylor. “And besides, it was fun!”
“I think it's time for cake, and then presents,” said Sophie's dad.

The ice cream cake was delicious, and after everyone was finished, it was time for Sophie to open her presents.
Taylor and Ava got her a brand-new pair of black leather show gloves, Mark and Trish got her a large hardcover book called The Encyclopedia of the Horse, and her whole riding class all put their money together and bought her a poster of  a horse galloping through a field of wildflowers.

“Thanks, everyone,” said Sophie. “This was the best birthday party ever!”
“Wait Sophie,” said her dad. “Morgan and I haven't given you our present yet.”
He and Morgan disappeared and returned leading a gorgeous chestnut mare. He handed her lead rope to Sophie.
“Meet Morning Star.”

Chapter Two

Sophie was speechless. “You mean . . . . she's mine?!” she stammered.
“Yes, Sophie, she's yours.” He put his arm around Sophie. “Do you like her?”
“Do I like her?” said Sophie, still staring in amazement at the mare. “I love her! She's gorgeous! Thanks Morgan! Thanks Dad!”
“I'm glad you like her,” said her dad. “Her show name is Morning Star, but I assume you would call her Star for short. She's a 6 year old 15.2hh chestnut mare. I bought her for you from a girl that's going to university and can't take care of her anymore.
She has done show jumping, cross-country, dressage, and a bunch of other stuff with Star, so she's a really well trained horse.
I've arranged for her to be stabled here at ReinDance.”

“Wow,” said Sophie.
Her dad handed Star's lead over to her. “Star. That's a pretty name,” she said to her new horse. Star nuzzled her.
Suddenly a thought crossed Sophie's mind. “Who will ride Wildfire now?” she asked Trish.
Wildfire was a large appaloosa gelding that she rode at the stable before she had Star.
“Anita's going to be riding him now,” said Trish. “She's outgrown Joey so I thought Wildfire would be a good match for her.”
She cleared her throat. “Okay everyone! Your riding lesson starts in twenty minutes so I suggest you start tacking up your horses.”

Taylor and Ava walked up to Sophie.
“Wow!” said Ava. “You finally have your own horse.”
“She's a beauty too,” said Taylor. “But right now the best horse in my life is Romeo, and I think Ava would say the same for Breezy.”
Romeo and Breezy were the school horses Ava and Taylor rode. Romeo was a dark bay gelding, and Breezy was a dapple gray Anglo-Arab.
“Fifteen minutes until the lesson starts!” Trish's voice crackled over the loudspeaker.
“Yikes! We'd better get moving,” said Ava. They headed to their horse's stalls.

Sophie led Star to an empty pair of cross ties and gave her a quick grooming.
Then she walked to the tack room and found a brand new black leather English saddle and bridle were underneath Star's name tag. She carried them back to Star and quickly tacked her up.
Then she led her to the mounting block in the outdoor ring and mounted.

As soon as Sophie sat down in the saddle, she could feel that Star was a talented horse. She responded to the slightest squeeze or tap and always had her ears forward, which meant she was enjoying things.
The lesson went wonderful. Trish had them doing cross rails and verticals and the advanced riders (herself, Ava, and Justin) did a course with oxers and other fancy jumps.

After cooling out the horses, Trish called the riders to the middle of the ring.
“Stillwater Farm, in Vancouver, has announced that they are putting on a show on August 24th. ReinDance will pay for your entries. Is there anyone that can't make it to the show?”

Lauren raised her hand. “My family's going away for that weekend, so I can't come.”
Anita raised her hand. “I get sick when I go to horse shows, so I don't want to come.”
“I don't think I'm ready to go to a horse show yet,” said David.
“I don't think I'm ready either,” added Taylor. “Would it be okay with you if I could just come along for the learning experience?”
“Certainly, Taylor,” said Trish. “Can the rest of you come?”
Sophie, Ava, and Justin nodded their heads. 

“Good,” said Trish. “There will be jumps set up Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for you to practice. I will be instructing you on Tuesday and Wednesday, but Kyle will be instructing you on Friday because I'm teaching a beginner's lesson.
We will leave in the late afternoon at 4:00PM. If you're late, you will be left behind.
We are booking a hotel to spend the night and then the show starts at 9:00 in the morning.
The horses will be stabled overnight at Stillwater Farm. Is that clear?”
Everyone nodded.
“Okay then. You're dismissed.”

Sophie dismounted and led Star over to Ava and Taylor.
“I'm so excited that we get to go to another horse show,” she told them.
“I am too. And the best part is that ReinDance is paying for it!” said Ava, who's wallet was almost always empty. “I don't think my parents would have paid for it.”
“I'm just excited to be able to come to the show with you guys. I'm sure I'll learn a lot,” said Taylor.
“You will, I guarantee it,” said Sophie. “Come on. Let's get our horses untacked and go for a soda.”
Nothing more had to be said. The girls quickly walked off to their horse's stalls.

Chapter Three

“Boy,” said Sophie on Thursday. “What a lot of practicing we've been doing.”
The three girls were out on the trails behind ReinDance enjoying the warm sunny weather.
“I agree,” said Ava. “My legs are really sore. You'd think Kyle would have given us a break.”
Trish had pushed them hard on preparing for the show, and 16-year-old Kyle Haven, a part time stable hand, hadn't given them a break either.
Taylor had come to the practices too, but she didn't do nearly as much stuff as Ava and Sophie did.

They rode to a creek flowing through the woods and stopped their horses.
“That creek sure looks tempting,” said Ava. “It's too bad we didn't bring our swimsuits.”
Just then Breezy gave a swift buck and Ava landed right in the creek.
“Brr, that is COLD!” yelled Ava. “Breezy, why did you do that?” Breezy's expression was comical, and it looked like she was smiling.
Sophie and Taylor laughed, and soon they had joined Ava in the creek.
The girls splashed and yelled until they were all worn out and soon came out of the creek.
“That was refreshing,” said Taylor. “What a perfect way to end the day.”
Still dripping wet, they mounted their horses and headed back to ReinDance.

Friday at 3:30 the girls arrived at ReinDance, all packed and ready to go. Justin was already there. He met them at the barn door.
“Trish said to get all your equipment and put it in the tack room in the trailer,” he said. “At 3:45 we're loading the horses and 4:00 we're leaving.”
“Thanks for the info,” said Sophie. “C'mon Ava. Let's get our stuff. Taylor, if you want to help you can bring Star and Breezy outside and tie them to the rail of the fence.”
Taylor nodded.

Sophie and Ava walked into the tack room and Sophie pulled out her list of things to bring. It said:

• saddle and bridle
• grooming kit
• feed and water buckets
• extra rags and buckets
• saddle blanket
• show shirt
• show jacket
• breeches and tall boots
• hair net
• shipping boots
• hay and grain
• helmet
• gloves
• toothbrush and toothpaste
• hair brush
• clean clothes

Ava looked over Sophie's list.
“Why didn't you make your own?” asked Sophie, laughing.
“I didn't have time,” said Ava. “And besides, making lists are not my thing.”
Sophie gathered all her stuff from the tack room and moved it into the trailer. Ava did the same.
Taylor had brought out Star and Breezy and tied them to the fence beside Justin's horse, Piper, a blue roan gelding.

Just then Kyle came out and walked over to them. “Let's get these horses loaded up,” he said. “I know Breezy and Piper are fine with loading, but what about Star?”
“I'm not sure,” said Sophie. “We should probably load Breezy and Piper first, though.”
Kyle nodded and untied Breezy's lead. He led her up to the trailer and she walked right in with no hesitation. Piper was the same.
Finally it was Star's turn. Kyle walked her up to the trailer and let her sniff around. He clucked to her and gave a gentle tug on the rope. Star braced her legs and wouldn't budge. She turned her head towards Sophie and whinnied.
“Maybe I should try loading her,” said Sophie. “Is that okay with you, Kyle?”
“Sure.” Kyle shrugged and handed Star's lead over to Sophie. “It's worth a shot.”
Sophie gave Star a pat and talked gently to her. “Come on, Star,” she said. “Trailers aren't that bad. Look, Breezy and Piper are already in there.”
She gave a gentle tug and Star stepped up into the trailer. Sophie clipped the trailer tie to Star's halter and walked back out.

“She must really be attached to you,” said Kyle.
Just then Mark and Trish walked out of the barn. “Are we all set?” Mark asked.
“Yep,” said the four kids in unison. They climbed into the car with Kyle and Mark and Trish.
“Drew is staying behind to look after things while we're gone, and Kyle's coming along to supervise you kids. So you better behave, right?”
“Right!” came four shouts.
“Okay then.” Mark started the engine and soon they turned onto the highway.
They were on their way!

Chapter Four

Sophie sighed. After an hour of giggling and talking about different things, she was all worn out. Oh, well. At least they were in Vancouver now.
After unloading the horses and getting them all set for the night, she could relax in the hotel until tomorrow.
Mark drove the trailer into Stillwater Farm. He found a parking space and stretched his arms.
“Okay everyone,” he said. “We're here. You are each to unload your own horses and get them settled in their stalls for the night.” He pulled out a piece of paper and read from it. “Our horses are stabled in Barn A. Star's stall is #4, Breezy's is #5, and Piper's is #6. Away you go, now!”

Sophie, Ava, and Justin jumped out. Taylor had come along with Trish to register and enter everyone in the classes.
Sophie opened the door of the trailer. Star nickered. She went up and attached the lead rope to Star's halter before taking off the trailer tie.
She led Star out of the trailer and walked her around in a circle. Star's ears were pointed forward as she took in her new surroundings.
After two circles, Sophie led Star over to Barn A. She found stall 4 and saw that it had already been filled with clean shavings. She put Star in the stall and ran back to the trailer to get her hay net and food and water buckets. She filled Star's water bucket and hay net and finally poured Star's evening meal of grain into the food bucket.
“Good girl, Star,” Sophie whispered. “You be good while I'm gone.” She gave Star a quick pat and headed back to the trailer.

When she got there everyone was already in the car. Mark had unhooked the trailer for the night.
Sophie jumped in. “Sorry I took so long,” she said. “I just wanted to make sure Star's stall was perfect.”
“That's okay,” said Trish. “We understand. Let's go to our hotel and get settled.”

The hotel, Sandy Beach Resort, was even more glamorous than Sophie expected. It was overlooking the ocean and beach, and the rooms were spacious and inviting.
Mark and Trish had booked their own room, so Sophie, Ava, and Taylor were in a different room and Kyle and Justin were in the suite connected to their room.
The girls' room had two double beds, a bathroom, a table and small fridge, and a large picture window overlooking the ocean. 

Sophie, Ava, and Taylor immediately began unpacking.
Sophie watched as Taylor pulled out a purple shawl and a black blouse. She raised her eyebrows.
“I know, I know,” said Taylor. “Mom put them in. She thought I should at least take some “decent” clothes along. I tried to tell her it wasn't a fashion show, but she wouldn't listen.”

Justin came in staggering under the weight of his huge suitcase. He set it down on the floor and wiped his forehead with the back of his hand.
“What's in there?” asked Ava curiously.
“A bunch of clothes, a Walkman  and a bunch of other stuff.” He took in a big breath and began to cough. It was a big hacking cough, and it sounded horrible.
“Are you okay?” Sophie asked.
Justin didn't answer. He coughed louder and harder.
What was happening!?

Chapter Five

Just then Kyle stuck his head out of the suite. “What's going on?”
“We don't know,” said Sophie. “Justin took a deep breath and started coughing and hasn't stopped since!”
Kyle went over to Justin. “Are you alright?” he asked.
Justin just kept on coughing. It was as if he couldn't stop.
Kyle filled up a glass of water from the sink and gave it to Justin. He drank it and finally the coughing stopped.

Kyle sat down next to Justin and wrapped his arm around him.
“Hey buddy, are you okay?” he asked.
Justin took in a shaky breath and leaned his head against Kyle's shoulder. “I feel sick,” he groaned.
“It's okay now. Let's go see Mark and Trish and we'll take you to a clinic to get you   checked,” Kyle said. He turned to the girls. “I think Mark and Trish ordered pizza for your dinner. It will probably be delivered here in a bit.”
Then he and Justin walked out of the room.

Later that evening the girls sat on their beds and talked while eating the pizza.
“That was scary!” said Ava. “I didn't know what was wrong with him. I mean, he was fine on the trip here.”
“I just hope he's okay,” said Taylor. “Kyle sounded pretty serious when he talked about taking Justin to a clinic.”

Just then a knock came from outside the door. Sophie got up and opened it and Mark and Trish entered the room.
“Is Justin okay?” Ava blurted out.
“He's going to be just fine,” said Trish. “The doctor at the clinic said he has a bad case of strep throat, so he'll have to be in bed and rest for the next few days. That means he can't compete in the Stillwater show.”
“That's too bad,” said Sophie. “Especially since we brought Piper all this way for nothing.”
“Actually, that's what we came here to talk about,” said Mark. “Justin can't compete, so we have an extra horse. We do have one extra person not competing, though. So, how about it, Taylor? Do you want to compete on Piper?”
“I . . . I'm not sure,” said Taylor. “I don't know anything about horse shows.”
“That's okay,” said Sophie. “You can learn on the spot. We'll enter you in some beginner classes and I'll coach you and give you instructions before you enter the ring.”
“In that case,” said Taylor with a small smile, “I'll do it!”
“I'm glad we got things all sorted out. Now you girls better get to bed. You have a big day tomorrow!” Mark and Trish left the room.

Chapter Six

The next morning the girls awoke bright and early, ate breakfast, and drove over to Stillwater Farm.
After Trish changed Justin's name to Taylor's name and entered her in 2 beginner classes, Sophie met up with Taylor at Piper's stall.
“Okay Taylor,” said Sophie. “Your first class is the Walk/Trot 13 years and under at 9:00, and your second is English Pleasure Horse at 9:25. Walk/Trot is just judging you on how to walk and trot. And remember, the judge is looking at your signals and position in the saddle. In English Pleasure Horse, they will ask you to walk, trot, canter, back up, and change directions. The judge is looking at the horse; how well it responds to your signals, if it gets the right lead in the canter, and the judges like to see smiling riders. You can help me get Piper all ready.”

After tacking up Piper, Taylor went to get changed into Justin's show clothes. (It just so happened that Taylor and Justin were the same size.)
She was back in a flash and Sophie led Piper into the warm up ring and Taylor mounted up.
“You look great!” said Sophie. “How do you feel?”
“A bit nervous,” said Taylor.
“That's normal,” said Sophie. “Just pretend you're having a lesson at home. Piper's an easy ride, but because he's a Thoroughbred, he likes to go fast, so squeeze and relax your hands on the reins over and over again while you're trotting and cantering so he doesn't get too fast. The judge will call your class and you will ride into the ring with everyone. The judge will tell you what and when to do things, but space yourselves out around the ring. They will announce the winners and hand out ribbons at the end of your class. And remember, have fun!”

Taylor flashed Sophie a smile as the announcer called her class. Taylor entered the ring. She preformed the class perfectly and in the end won a first place blue ribbon. She came out smiling from ear to ear.
“Congratulations!” said Sophie. “I have to go get ready for my jumper class, but I'm sure you'll be just fine.”
Taylor gave Piper a pat on the neck. “Good luck!” she said.

Sophie rushed to Star's stall where the mare greeted her with a gentle nicker.
Sophie gave Star a pat, tied her to a set of crossties, and went about grooming her. She picked Star's hooves, brushed her coat, braided her mane and tail, put hoof gloss on her hooves, and finally went over Star's coat with a damp rag to get rid of the extra dirt.
Sophie tacked Star up in a flash and quickly changed into her show clothes.
She led Star to the warm up ring by the second arena and mounted up.
She worked Star through her paces, and could tell the mare was feeling good today. She responded with the slightest touches, and cleared the practice jumps with ease. Her chestnut coat glistened in the sunlight.
When it was time for Sophie to walk the course, Kyle came over and held Star for her. The course was pretty easy to remember, and the jumps were numbered.

Sophie mounted up and heard the announcer call, “We are now starting the 2'6 Jumper competition. First up is number 60, Sophie Malone on Morning Star.” Sophie took a deep breath. This was it!

Chapter Seven

Sophie walked Star into the ring. She trotted Star in a warm-up circle before cantering towards the first jump. When Star's front legs lifted the ground Sophie rose up into a perfect two point position and they cleared the jump with ease. Star completed the course perfectly with no faults.
“Sophie Malone and Morning Star have a clear round. They will proceed to the jump off,” the announcer called.
Sophie leaned forward and patted Star. “Good girl!”

In the end, 5 out of 10 competitors made it to the jump off. Sophie was the last one to complete her round.
When her number was called, she and Star entered the ring and after their warm-up circle, Sophie urged Star into a fast canter and they soared over the first jump. Star's ears were forward all the way throughout the course, and Sophie could tell she was enjoying herself. Star raced toward the last jump and cleared it with ease.

Sophie slowed Star to a walk and waited outside the ring for them to announce the winner. “Third place goes to Jessica Cardinal on Montana, Second place goes to David Fern on Sweetheart, and First place goes to Sophie Malone on Morning Star! Congratulations, everyone!”
Sophie rode up and a blue first place ribbon was attached to Star's bridle.

Her next class was a dressage class, and they won a third in that, and a second in the 3 foot Jumper.
Sophie cooled Star out and led her back to the barn. She untacked Star and began giving her a relaxing grooming.

“That's a pretty nice horse you've got there,” said a voice.
Sophie jumped and looked around and spotted a girl about her age with long black hair in a french braid.
The girl held out her hand. “Stella Hammond.”
Sophie shook it. “I'm Sophie Malone, and this is Morning Star.”
“Actually, that's what I came here to talk to you about,” said Stella. “I came to this horse show for the day to watch the competitions, because I don't have a horse to compete on. And I saw you and your pretty little mare competing in the events, and I'm offering $20,000 to buy her.”

Sophie gasped. Twenty thousand dollars was a lot of money! “Star's not for sale,” she said.
“I can't imagine why you would turn down my offer,” said Stella. “With that amount of money you could buy an even better horse, and I doubt you'll get an offer like mine again. So what do you say?”
“Star's NOT for sale, and that's my final answer!” said Sophie.
Stella's face turned red with anger and she kicked the stall door as she walked out of the barn muttering, “You horse people get to attached to your little horses!”

When Stella was gone, Sophie stroked the white star on Star's forehead. “That was weird!”said Sophie. “I can't imagine parting with you, and I'm glad I didn't sell you to Stella because she sounds like some spoiled rich kid. We'll always stick together, Star. Just you and me!”
Star nickered and nuzzled Sophie as if to say, “I love you!”
“I do too, Star,” Sophie whispered. “I really do!”

At noon the three girls sat on the stands watching the higher level dressage competitions while eating hot dogs.
Taylor had won a first and a second place ribbon, Ava won two seconds and a third, and Sophie had won a first, second, and a third place ribbon.
“It was weird,” Sophie said to her friends. “After my classes were finished, I took Star back to the barn and a girl named Stella came up to me and offered $20,000 to buy Star from me.”
“Wow! That's a lot of money!” exclaimed Ava.
“I know. I couldn't believe it either,” said Sophie. “I told her Star wasn't for sale and she got all upset and stalked away.”
“Probably some spoiled rich kid,” said Taylor. “Speaking of Star, let's go see her. I just can't believe how beautiful she is!”

The girls walked back to Barn A and went inside. Sophie ran up to Star's stall, her heart pounding. The stall door was open, Star's halter and lead rope were gone, and the stall was empty! Star was missing!

 Chapter Eight

“Star's gone!” shouted Sophie.
Ava and Taylor came running and saw the empty stall. “Oh no!” cried Taylor.
Ava surveyed the empty stall. “I don't mean to make you more worried, Sophie, but since Star's halter and lead rope are gone from the hook, it looks to me like she's been stolen.”
“Stolen!” Sophie shouted. “I bet it was that Stella. She seemed to really want to buy Star. I bet while we're eating lunch she snuck in and took her. That thief!”
“Let's take Piper and Breezy and search for them around the grounds,” suggested Ava. “Maybe they'll lead us to where Star is.”
“Good idea,” said Sophie.

Five minutes later Piper and Breezy had on their bridles. Ava got herself up on Breezy's back. Riding bareback would be quicker and easier.
Taylor had let Sophie ride on Piper and she would ride double behind Sophie.
Sophie mounted up and helped Taylor get up onto Piper's back behind her.
Kyle walked up to them. “What's going on?” he asked.
“Go tell Mark and Trish that Star's missing and we've gone to look for her,” said Ava.
“I can't have you going off by yourselves,” said Kyle.
“Just do it!” ordered Ava, who could get very bossy sometimes.

Suddenly Breezy sniffed the air and tugged at the reins.
“What's that Breezy?” asked Ava. “You think you know where Star is?” She gave Breezy a loose rein and Breezy began trotting towards the woods on one side of Stillwater.
Sophie tapped Piper with her heels and they followed Ava and Breezy.
Through the forest they trotted, until it ended at a sandy beach and the ocean.

Breezy put her nose to the sand and sniffed.
Sophie looked down and saw the hoofprints of a horse with shoes and a person wearing riding boots!
“That's probably Star and Stella!” exclaimed Sophie. She moved Piper into a canter and they were off, galloping along in the sand following the hoofprints.
Taylor clung tight to Sophie's waist as they galloped along.
The wind blew back Sophie's hair and the smell of the salty ocean sharp and clear. This would have been fun to do if Star weren't missing.

The hoofprints turned onto a trail that ended at a beautiful barn and paddocks with a mansion farther up the property.
Sophie slowed Piper to a stop and Ava stopped Breezy beside them.
Breezy whinnied, and an answering whinny came from inside the barn.
The girls looked at each other. That sounded just like Star's whinny!

They dismounted and tied Breezy and Piper to some trees. They walked up to the barn and entered it.
Stella was in there and whirled around and saw them.
Sophie put her hands on her hips. “What have you done with my horse?”

Chapter Nine

“It's okay, she's fine,” said Stella. She led them over to a newly bedded stall where Star stuck her head out and nickered at Sophie.
Sophie let herself into the stall and gave Star a big hug. “I'm so glad we found you,” she told her horse.

Ava turned to Stella. “Why did you steal Star from Sophie?” she asked.
Stella lowered her head. “I know I shouldn't have and I'm really sorry. I just came to the horse show looking for a horse and when I saw Star I just couldn't think straight. I felt so jealous that when Sophie wouldn't sell her to me I just went and took her. I can see know that she belongs with you.”
“I forgive you,” said Sophie. “The important thing is that she's safe. By the way, these are my friends, Taylor Austin and Ava Young.”
“Nice to meet you,” said Stella. “And Sophie, you're free to take Star home whenever you want.”

Just then a stylish women stuck her head in the barn. “Stella, your father and I just bought you a horse because we knew how bad you wanted one.”
A man led a 16 hh flea-bitten gray gelding into the barn. “His name is East Wind, Windy for short. He's yours.”
Stella took the rope from her father's hand. “Thanks, Daddy,” she said.
“See,” said Taylor. “Everything worked out for the best. Sophie gets Star back and you have your own horse.”

Sophie couldn't agree more. Stella was grinning from ear to ear at her new horse, and Sophie was overjoyed to be back with Star. What an adventure!