March Story Contest

The Perfect Horse for Kristy

By Alyssa

Age 10

 

I, twelve-year-old Ashley Johnson, rode my horse Starling, into the meadow where my riding lesson was starting. Judy, the owner and riding instructor of Dusty Lane Stables was waiting impatiently. (She's always very strict about kids being on time for the lessons.) Today, we were playing “Cow Soccer” (soccer with the cows.) We're divided into teams and the cows are the soccer balls. Mark, Judy's husband, had set up goal posts on each side of the meadow where we had to herd the cows through.

 

“Okay, I'll put you into teams now,” called Judy. We were put into teams of ten and I was grateful that I was on the same team as my four best friends, Christina Howard, Mikayla Anderson, Julia West, and Kristy Grant. What I was not grateful for was that I was on the same team as Dylan Barker, who seemed to think we were girlfriend and boyfriend.

 

Kristy rode up to me on Lockjaw and said, “Are you glad you're on the same team as your future husband?” “No way, Kristy!” I said. “Dylan's not my future husband and I'm not glad that we're on the same team!” “Just teasing you,” she said, just as Mark yelled, “GO!” I loped Starling towards one of the cows and drove it towards the other team's goal but then Ryan Saunders, a boy who had been riding a long time at Dusty Lane Stables trotted his horse and got hold of the cow. I thought it was unfair because the other team had Jennifer as a goalie, and she was really good at it.

 

Judy announced that there was two minutes left for the game and it was two against one, the other team was winning! Christina must have sensed how I felt because she loped her horse, Lightning over to the black cow and scored against Jennifer. We were now tied. Jeff, the handy man at the stables went up behind Lockjaw, trying to score another goal. But Lockjaw backed up and struck out his hind leg and kicked Minnesota, the horse that Jeff was riding. Thankfully, Jeff was a good rider. “Whoa, Minnesota,” he said. “Take it easy.” He patted Minnesota on the rump. Judy came over to her and sighed. “We really do need to get you a different horse, Kristy,” she said. Then she called, “We end the game tied between the two teams.”

 

After the game was over, I helped Julia cool down the school horse she rode, called Midnight and then we helped Christina and Mikayla until we got to Lockjaw's stall. We had just started helping Kristy cool him down when Judy came up to us and leaned against the stall door. “You know, Kristy,” she began. “We just can't keep Lockjaw at this stable anymore. If he kicks another horse and the rider gets seriously injured, we could get sued. There's a horse auction tomorrow and Mark and I have decided to sell Lockjaw in it. We don't have any other school horses available at the moment, so you can go and see if you'd like to by a horse at the auction.”

 

As Judy walked off, Kristy's eyes welled up with tears and she buried her face in Lockjaw's coat. I walked over to her and patted her on the back. She turned up to look at  us. “I don't want Lockjaw to go,” she said. “When you, Julia first came, I had to be parted from Midnight. Now I have to be with Lockjaw.” “I'm sure that there's a perfect horse just waiting for you to come and buy it at the auction,” I said. “And we'll come with you. That's what friends are for!”

 

Jeff opened Lockjaw's stall door and went in. Then he saw Kristy crying. “I just came here to clean Lockjaw's stall,” he said. “I can do it when you're ready to leave if you like.” “No, go ahead,” said Kristy. Then she ran out of the barn and towards her house. Christina, Mikayla, Julia, and I knew not to follow her. She needed to get over loosing Lockjaw on her own.

 

Tomorrow came early and Mr. and Mrs. Grant came with us on the bus to the auction because they wanted to make sure that Kristy got the right horse and wouldn't have to go through the sadness of loosing it.

 

When we got to the auction grounds, we all sat down on a bench right next to the arena. They had just let the first horse into the arena. It  reared up on it's hind legs, showing his belly. “And look at what a fine belly this horse has!” the announcer said through the microphone. Mikayla giggled, but I knew what she was thinking. Rearing was one of the worst habits for a horse to have.

 

The next horse was a beautiful sorrel Quarter Horse gelding. As he entered the arena, he pranced around it, his head held high, his mane and tail flying. “Look at this one folks!” said the announcer. “Doesn't he impress you. Look at what a great horse he is, beautiful, intelligent, and loyal. He still needs a bit more training. Who'll pay $600 for him?”

 

As the bidding started, Kristy leaned over and whispered to her parents. “Can I have him?” Mr. Grant took a careful look at the horse. “Of course, darling,” he said. “Last chance for bidding,” called the announcer. “Who'll pay $2000 for him?” Mr. Grant put up his hand. The announcer slammed down his hammer. “Sold!” he called. I couldn't believe my ears! Kristy's parents would actually pay that much money for a horse!  With great pride, Mr. Grant went into the arena and led the sorrel Quarter Horse over to Kristy. “Okay, kiddo,” he said. “Let's get this guy into the trailer and over to Dusty Lane Stables.” “But dad,” said Kristy. “Can't we just stay to watch who buys Lockjaw?” “Okay,” said Mrs. Grant.

 

Luckily, Lockjaw was the next horse to come into the arena. “His name is Lockjaw, and he was a former school horse at Dusty Lane Stables,” said the announcer. “He's looking for a home where you'll keep him alone. Who'll start the bidding at $400?” In the end, an old man got to keep Lockjaw and it sounded like he would have a good life in his new home.

 

Mrs. Grant loaded up Kristy's new horse and we piled into the van. “What are you going to call your new horse?” asked Julia. “Let me see,” said Kristy. “He looked exactly like my dream horse.” “How about you call him Dreamer,” said Mikayla. “Yes,” said Kristy. “Dreamer is the perfect name for him!”

 

Then the car pulled into the stable yard. Jeff came out of the barn and said that Mark and Judy were still at the auction. “I can help you unload Dreamer,” he offered. When Christina opened the trailer door, Jeff gasped. “You're so lucky to have a horse as beautiful as this,” he said. Soon a crowd of kids were gathered around the trailer; all talking about Dreamer. “Shoo, you guys!” Jeff yelled above the roar of all the excited kids. “Too many kids all at once can scare a horse. Especially it's in a new place.” Quietly, they all backed up while Kristy went into the trailer and brought out Dreamer. His coat sparkled in the sunlight as she put him in the pasture. Dreamer kicked up his heals and took off in a gallop around the pasture. Then Christina said that we should probably get Dreamer used to his stall. By now, Kristy's parents had gone home.

 

Kristy led Dreamer to the empty stall and Jeff disappeared for awhile. He came back with a beautifully made wooden plaque with Dreamer's name carved into it. “I made it myself,” said Jeff. Then he blushed as everyone clapped and told him how good he was at making things. I went into the hay loft and carried a bale of hay over to Dreamer's stall. Mikayla, Christina, Julia, and Kristy all helped me spread it over the wooden floor of the stall. “Kristy's just a spoiled little brat,” said Ryan. “No I'm not,” said Kristy. “Yes you are,” Ryan said back. All the other boys agreed. Everyone left in a hurry.

 

I went over to Kristy and gave her a pat on the back. “You're not a spoiled brat, Kristy,” I said. “Ryan and the others are just jealous.” Just then we heard the noise of Dusty Lane Stables' horse trailer crunching along the driveway. Julia ran outside and Christina, Mikayla, and I followed her. Kristy gave Dreamer a kiss on the forehead and then ran after us.

 

Mark was just unloading two new horses and a kitten. “You got a kitten, dad?!” shrieked Christina. “Yep,” said Mark. “Jeff reported to us that mice were getting into the horses' feed, so we decided to get a barn cat.” “Can we put it in the feed room to see if it will catch a mouse?” asked Julia. “Sure,” said Mark. As we walked into the barn, Judy was just leading a Pinto out of the trailer. “Isn't anyone going to stay and help me unload these horses?” she called. “Just a minute, honey,” Mark called back. “The girls just want to see the kitten try and catch a mouse.”

 

I cuddled the black and white kitten in my arms and it purred and looked up at me with adoring brown eyes. “You are so cute!” I said to it. Then I set it down in the feed room and we all watched. Just then a mouse emerged from the grain sack and the kitten pounced and chased the mouse around the room. It scurried under the door and Mikayla opened it for the kitten. It chased after the mouse in hot pursuit. “Go get that mouse!” yelled Kristy. “Stay away from the feed room, mice! Otherwise you'll tortured get by the one and only kitty!” “You know,” said Julia. “We really should think of a name for the kitten.” “How about Torture?” I suggested. “Because the mice will get tortured by him.” “Good choice,” said Mark. “Now I should go and help Judy settle the horses.” He went out of the feed room. “Hey!” said Christina. “How about if we all have a sleepover tonight in the hayloft?” “Okay!” I said. “I'll just have to ask my mom if I can.” “We'll lay out our sleeping bags in the hay loft. Until then, we can spend time at home,” said Mikayla.

 

I went into my house and saw my mom busy by the oven. “What are you baking, mom?” I asked. “Pizza,” she answered. “Can I sleep over at Dusty Lane Stables tonight?” I asked her. Just then my mom burnt her finger on the oven. “Ouch!” she exclaimed. “Yes, but don't interrupt any more. Baking is difficult, you know.” I went into my room and then carried my sleeping bag over to Dusty Lane Stables and put it next to four other sleeping bags. Then I went home for dinner and watched a movie until nine o'clock when I went over to Dusty Lane Stables.

 

I met Christina and Mikayla and then we waited a while and then Julia and Kristy showed up. Julia yawned and then quickly tried to cover it up. But Christina saw it and said, “We'd better go to sleep. It's getting late.” We climbed the latter to the hay loft and I crawled into my sleeping bag. Just then my feet touched a ball of something furry. I screamed and jumped out of my sleeping bag. “What's the matter?” asked Kristy. “There's an animal in my sleeping bag. Maybe a raccoon.” We all stared at my sleeping bag as the ball inside the bag began to move. A small meow came from inside it and then out popped Torture's head. “You silly little ball of fluff,” said Christina as she picked up the kitten. “You're supposed to be scaring mice, not people!” Then she put Torture in the feed room and closed the door. “Now maybe we'll get some piece and quiet,” she said.

 

I slept soundly until midnight when a crash came from one of the stalls. Just let it be, I told myself. You can see what happened in the morning. Then I slept until I heard Kristy shriek, “Dreamer's gone!”

 

I rushed down the latter and over to all my friends. “Are you sure you put Dreamer in his stall last night?” Mikayla was asking her. “Yes,” said Kristy, sobbing. “When I came here for the sleepover he was in his stall.” I ran over to them and looked at Dreamer's stall. The wood was soggy and Dreamer's water bucket was tipped over. “I hate to say this,” I said. “But I think Dreamer was stolen.” “Who would do that?” asked Mikayla. “One of the kids who was jealous that Kristy has Dreamer,” I answered. “Let's ask my mom to put out an announcement that Dreamer's missing,” said Christina. “Then we can make some posters and ride our horses to put them up around town.” Kristy sniffed. “I can't go because Dreamer's gone,” she said. “I guess I'll just have to stay here and wait.” “Hey!” exclaimed Julia. “Maybe you could ride one of the new school horses Judy and Mark got at the auction.” “We'll ask Judy about that too,” I said.

 

We went outside and into the office and explained to Judy what had happened. “I'll put out a message on the speaker system,” she said. “Can Kristy ride one of the new school horses?” asked Julia. “Well,” said Judy. “I guess she could ride the new Palomino called Sandy.” “Can we use the computer for a moment?” I asked. “Sure,” said Judy. We made the posters and printed ten copies.

 

Missing

A sorrel Quarter Horse gelding 15 hands high.

Last seen September 15^th at Dusty Lane Stables.

If you see him, call Dusty Lane Stables at:

(555) 747-5555

or the horse's owner Kristy Grant at:

(555) 663-5555

 

Then we went over to Sandy's stall and saw that all of our horses (Lightning, Tricky, Starling, Midnight, and Sandy were all waiting for us. “Thanks, guys,” I said. “No problem,” said Mikayla. “It was Julia's idea.” I went over to Julia and gave her a hug. That made her cheeks turn bright red. “There's no need to be embarrassed about having good idea's around us,” said Kristy. “In public or with other people, maybe, but not with your friends.” Then we all mounted the horses and rode into Rushing Brooke.

 

As we rode down the sidewalk, people kept looking at us on our horses and saying how pretty we looked on them. Some wanted to take photos. (I guess this was the first time they had seen a horse and rider in town.) I noticed that Julia was holding her breath and trying not to blush. I moved Starling closer to Midnight. “You can blush here,” I told her. “Remember what Kristy said? You can blush in public.” With a sigh of relief, Julia let out her breath and her face turned red. “We might ride here a lot, so you might just have to get used to us being around,” Christina told them.

 

We took turns going into each building and asking the clerk if we could put a poster up in their window. The last building was the bakery and it was my turn to go inside. The bells jingled as I opened the door. “Hello, young lady!” said the women at the counter. “What can I do for you today?” I reached into my pocket and found a crumpled ten dollar bill. “Can you put this poster up in your window?” I asked. “Sure! Anything else?” “I'd like to get five of your horseshoe cookies,” I said. “That will be nine dollars.” I handed over the ten dollar bill and got one dollar back. I gave all my friends a cookie and then we rode back to Dusty Lane Stables.

 

When we had just gotten into the barn, Mark came up to us pushing Ryan ahead of him. He poked Ryan. He looked down at the floor as he spoke. “I took Dreamer,” he confessed. “What!?” we exclaimed in unison. “Yes, I took him,” he repeated. “But why?” Kristy stammered. “I was jealous because you had Dreamer. So in the night, I snook into the stables and stole Dreamer.” “Where is he now?” I asked. “I don't know,” said Ryan. “I took him to my house last night and put him in our apple orchard. Then when I came outside this morning to feed him, he was gone.” “Where do you live?” asked Mikayla. “I live in the middle of town on 481 Reeves Street,” he answered. “Can we ride over to your house to do some investigating?” said Julia. “Okay,” said Ryan. “I'll ride over with you.” “Sorry, Ryan,” said Mark. “But you have a ten day suspension from riding the horses at this stables.” As we walked into the barn to tack up our horses, Ryan sulked away with his head hung. I felt sorry for him. Just a tiny bit.

 

Soon we had Lightning, Tricky, Sandy, Starling, and Midnight all tacked up and we rode into Friendly Cove. “Where's Reeves Street?” asked Kristy. “I think I know,” I said. “My parents and I drove there when we were looking for houses for sale.” I led the way on Starling and we found Ryan's house. Mikayla rode her black horse, Tricky, into the apple orchard and we followed.

 

“Come here, guys!” called Julia. “She had dismounted Midnight and was studying the ground. We walked over to her and saw hoof prints in the grass, but you could see dirt. “See,” said Julia. “I was riding along until I saw these. It looks like a horse was galloping here. The Saunders' don't have a horse, so I'm 100%  sure that it was Dreamer.” Christina got off Lightning and studied the tracks. “I think you're right,” she said. “Let's follow the tracks to see if they lead us to where Dreamer is.” Christina lead the way since she knew her way around town more than any of us.

 

Soon we came to a stream that was about to burst it's bank from all the snow melting and coming down the mountains! In other words, it was so full that it was just about to flood. “Could Dreamer have crossed through this?” asked Kristy. “Only if he jumped it,” I replied. “It's very likely he did jump it,” said Mikayla. “We should go back a bit so we can jump it.” One by one, we crossed the creek. The tracks began again on the other side. Soon even Christina didn't know where we were and it was getting dark fast!

 

Then we heard a faint whinny. We went in that direction and found Dreamer. “Where are we?” asked Julia. “Dreamer! Dreamer!” shouted Kristy. She dismounted Sandy and ran over to Dreamer and hugged him. He whinnied in pain. “What's wrong, boy?” asked Kristy. I pulled out a flashlight and turned it on. I could see that it's battery was almost dead. I went over to Dreamer and shone the flashlight on him. I could see his foreleg was caught in a snare. Then the flashlight went out and we were in pitch-black darkness. “Christina, call your dad on your cell phone and tell him that Dreamer's foreleg is caught in a snare and to come and take him to the vet,” I called into the darkness. “Right-o,” Christina called back.

 

Soon we heard a truck's engine coming towards us. “We're over here!” yelled Julia. The truck stopped and Mark and the vet jumped out of the truck. “Girls, hop in the truck and put the horses in the trailer,” called Mark. “Dr. Martian will free Dreamer.” I felt grateful to be back in the warm truck. Even though it was spring, it still got very cold at night and I only had a thin jacket on. Dr. Martian came back into the truck and started it up. I noticed that Kristy seemed awfully quiet. “Worried about Dreamer?” I asked. She nodded. “I don't want to loose another horse,” she said softly. “He'll be fine,” I said reassuringly. Then the car came to a halt and Dr. Martian unloaded Dreamer and took him into the clinic. “Come on,” said Mark. “We'll wait in the reception area.”

 

When we got into the reception area I noticed that we were the only people waiting there. That was a good thing because that meant Dr. Martian could treat Dreamer right away. I sat down in between Christina and Mikayla. Oh, how comfy it felt! The cushion was soft and velvety, just my aunt Kimberly's bed. I had went into her room when I was four years old and sat on the bed, but then she caught me, scolded me, and shooed me out of the room.

 

Just then Dr. Martian opened the door of the examining room and came over to us. “Dreamer has a large cut in his foreleg,” he said. “He has lost a lot of blood, and his leg will have to be stitched. You can take him home tomorrow, but when you ride him, don't trot or lope for a few days.” Mark got up from his seat and stretched. “Okay kiddos,” he said. “Let's get back home. It's ten thirty.” “Ten thirty?” exclaimed Julia. “That's when my mom goes to bed!” “Then let's hurry,” said Mark. “Maybe we can make it back in time for you to be home just when your mom has gotten into bed.”

 

By the time everyone got home and we took of the horses' tack and put them in their stalls, it was eleven o'clock. I watched Christina and Mark go into their house and then I went into mine and fell asleep right away.

 

The next morning I awoke to the sound of hooves pounding on the road and someone shouting, “Houdini, come back!” I jumped out of bed and raced to the window. A women named Lydia who lived on Sunny Bound Road, that connected to Dusty Lane, was chasing after her pack of goats. (She owned a goat farm.) I couldn't help laughing at the sight of her chasing after her goats. It was hilarious! Just then the leader of the goats, called Houdini, jumped the fence and landed in a field in Dusty Lane Stables. The others followed him and I had just realized that horses were in that field! I quickly got dressed and ran outside and into Dusty Lane Stables.

 

When I got there, the goats were nibbling the dewy grass while the horses were backed up against the far end of the field. Christina and Judy had just come out of their house, rubbing their eyes. I walked over to them just as Lydia came over to them. “I'm so sorry that my goats jumped into your field and scared your horses,” she said breathlessly. “When I woke up this morning, my goat Houdini had figured out how to open the gate and then he led the other goats over here into your field. Can I borrow some of your lead ropes?” “Yes, go ahead,” said Judy. “The tack room is in the barn, at the end of all the stalls, you turn left.”

 

Lydia blushed and scurried into the barn. I ran after her. “Lydia!” I called. She turned around and looked at me. “What is it, Ashley?” “I can help you get your goats back to their field,” I offered. “Oh, thank you honey,” said Lydia. “My friends can help too,” I said as I kept pace with her. “That would be great!” Lydia exclaimed. “You can take Houdini back to the field and some of the others. You're a great helper!” “Thanks,” I said. I ran outside and over to Christina.

 

“Do you want to help me and Lydia get her goats back to their field?” I asked. “Sure,” Christina answered. Then we went into the tack room and took our own lead ropes. I went into the field and found Houdini. “Come on, boy,” I said. “You've been very naughty today and have to go back home.”

 

After all the goats were back in their field, Kristy, Julia, and Mikayla arrived and Mark offered to drive us to the vet clinic to pick up Dreamer. We sat down in Mark's truck and talked about how great it would be to have Dreamer back home again. “I'm so excited!” said Kristy. “I feel like screaming!” “Then scream,” said Mikayla. “You can scream, but do it out the window.” Kristy opened the window and screamed. The wind blew back her shiny black hair as she yelled as loud as she could. Then she bounced up and down on her seat until we reached the clinic.

 

Kristy hopped out as soon as Mark had parked the truck and ran into the clinic. We followed her. “Sorry, but we're not open yet,” said the receptionist, kindly. “My friend Kristy is only here to pick up her horse Dreamer,” I said. “Okay then,” said the receptionist. “Dr. Martian, Kristy Grant is here to pick up her horse Dreamer.”

 

A minute later Dr. Martian emerged from the residential unit. “Follow me. Dreamer's out back.” Kristy ran ahead of all of us and as soon as she saw Dreamer, she ran over to him and gave him a big hug around the neck. Dreamer whinnied softy and nibbled her hair. Christina, Mikayla, Julia, and I all exchanged smiles. Dreamer was the perfect horse for Kristy!

The End

 

So, everything has turned out okay. Even though Lockjaw is gone, Kristy now has Dreamer and he replaces Lockjaw just fine. This is the end of the series. Did you enjoy the bonus features? I hope you did. I am going to write more stories in this series but I'm not going to enter them in the story contest because of getting it written on time. Please send me a pal request!