Silver Spurs by Miralee Ferrell Read Free Book Online

could have had a serious head injury.”
    Tori nodded. “That’s what my mom told me. Her brother got hurt the same way years ago, and he wasn’t wearing a helmet. She told me she’ll never allow me to ride unless I have one on at all times.”
    â€œYeah,” Colt said. “That’s one of the rules at Mountain View Equestrian Center. You wear a helmet, or you don’t ride.”
    Kate smiled. “We decided that before we opened our barn. Mom said the insurance would be sky-high if we didn’t. New boarders have to sign an agreement. But how about Melissa? What happened?”
    â€œPeople caught her horse and checked her out. She got her breath back and stood, but she was pretty wobbly. She wanted to get back in the saddle, but the owner wouldn’t let her. Said she needed to have her mother take her to the doctor.”
    â€œDid she?” Tori asked.
    â€œI don’t know. She left right after that and didn’t come to the barn again for a few days. I think it spooked her so bad, she was afraid to get back on. I’ve heard of that happening.”
    Kate felt sick. “Now I see why she got so mad. She wasn’t on Mocha, but it must have brought back bad memories. Now I feel awful for getting angry at her. I’ve heard you’re supposed to get back on a horse as soon as you get dumped, or you might lose your nerve and not ride again. Do you know if Melissa still rides?”
    â€œDon’t know for sure. Not long after, I switched to the other barn where you guys worked. We couldn’t afford Mountain View, and I had a chance to work off part of my board instead of taking lessons, like you. It was a nice barn and I would have stayed there, but it’s going to be more hanging out with friends here.”
    Kate shuddered. Would Tori have the same problem now that she’d fallen off a large horse and refuse to ride again? “We’ll have to be nicer to Melissa when she comes.” She turned to Tori. “Want to see if Mom will help you ride Capri? She can make her go slow, and I’ll walk along beside her if you want. I’ll bet Colt would even ride at the same time in the arena. It would be fun!”
    Tori gazed with wide eyes from Kate to Colt and back. “Thanks, but not today. Maybe next time I come, okay?”
    Kate’s heart took a dive toward her riding boots and seemed to stay there. Her best friend was afraid of horses, and it was all her fault. And now Melissa was afraid as well, and she wasn’t even a friend. Trouble sure came all at once lately. Kate hoped this was all the trouble they would have to deal with for now. She couldn’t take a lot more.

    A few days later, Kate bounced up and down, giddy with excitement. Grabbing Tori’s hand, she swung her around in a circle. “Can you believe we get our first lessons with our new trainer today? I can’t wait!”
    Tori loosened her fingers from Kate’s and smiled. “I’m going to watch this time. It’s not like you have a lesson horse yet. As soon as you do, I’ll take lessons here, since we aren’t taking them at the other barn anymore.”
    Kate stopped in her tracks. “Tori, I’m so sorry. Why didn’t I think of that?” She slapped her forehead. “I’ve got to talk to Mom about finding a lesson horse. I know we’d use one a lot, and it would earn its keep if we did. It’s not fair that you’re working here and not getting anything out of it.” A sudden idea swept away the guilt, and she clapped her hands. “I know! I’ll do the first half of the hour on Capri. By then she’ll be tired and behaving herself, and you can use her the second half, okay?”
    Tori shook her head. “Nuh-uh. No way am I robbing you of your first full lesson with our new trainer. You’ve looked forward to this for weeks. I can wait till next time.”
    Kate studied her friend. Tori