Stray Horse by Bonnie Bryant Read Free Book Online Page A

smiled. “No there’s nothing strange about that. It’s the way she’s so focused on this project. And the fact that she hasn’t been over to Pine Hollow.”
    “Well, at least now we get to meet this horse that she’s so crazy about,” Stevie said.
    The two girls went into the main building of CARL together and signed the volunteer log. They left their bookbags and jackets in the cloakroom, then went out the back door to the paddock to meet PJ.
    They found the horse standing in the shade of a tree in the corner of the paddock. At first glance he looked unpromising.
    “Wow, he’s a mess,” said Stevie, echoing Carole’s own thoughts. Although Lisa had managed to get most of the mud and grime off him, his body still showed the ravages of the wild. Carole noticed some distinct scratches.
    “Looks like some sort of cat attacked him—maybe a bobcat?”
    “I think Lisa mentioned that,” said Stevie. “And it looks like the wound’s getting infected, too,” she said, pointing to the swelling as they approached the horse.
    PJ stepped back as they came near him. They paused, willing to give him all the time he needed to get used to them.
    “I’m sure he’s a great horse and all,” said Stevie. “But it’s hard to imagine being obsessed with him.” She now saw past the scratches, all the way to the visible ribs.
    “Poor boy,” said Carole. “He’s had a rough time. I’m glad Lisa’s been here for him.”
    “Yeah,” Stevie agreed. “Just like I’m glad we’re here for her. I think she needs our help as much as he needs hers.”
    “Definitely a Saddle Club project,” Carole confirmed. “Now, if only we knew why she’s acting so weird.”
    “Hi, guys. I wasn’t sure if you’d be here yet,” Lisa called from across the paddock. The two girls turned around and waved to their friend. “And I see you’ve met PJ. Isn’t he great?”
    “He seems a little nervous about us,” Stevie said.
    “That’s just because I haven’t introduced you properly yet. In a few minutes he’ll be your best friend, too. He always behaves when he’s being groomed or getting snacks. See you in a minute.”
    In a flash, Lisa had dropped off her school bag and was coming out of the main building, carrying a bucket and some sponges.
    “I think it’s time for a bath,” she said. “And I think he’s going to like it.”
    As she approached PJ, his ears perked up and his eyes seemed to brighten. It was as if Lisa had some kind of magic potion in the bucket. All the bucket held, though, was warm water and a little bit of shampoo.
    Lisa clipped a couple of lead ropes to PJ’s halter and walked him over to the shed, where she cross-tied him. He clearly trusted her as much as he had not trusted her friends. He regarded Carole and Stevie suspiciously all theway across the paddock. However, when they each picked up a moist sponge, his opinion of them seemed to improve. As soon as the three girls started washing him, he began behaving like a gentleman.
    “Oh, this was the secret all along!” Lisa said, glad to see PJ so happy.
    “Most horses seem to enjoy some aspect of grooming more than any other. I guess we know now that PJ’s a bath guy!” Carole said, gently working the shampoo into his coat.
    When they were finished with the shampoo, they rinsed him with clean water and then helped Lisa put the antibiotic ointment that Judy had left for him on all his wounds. Stevie and Carole were concerned about the mean-looking bobcat scratches. Lisa assured them that they were already getting better after two ointment treatments. Stevie was glad she hadn’t seen the wound when it was more infected than it was now.
    When PJ’s coat was as shiny as it was going to get, Lisa gave him some more sandwich for a treat and promised she’d be back soon.
    “I have to go ride a horse,” she told her patient. “And when you get better, you can count on me riding you!”
    Stevie and Carole exchanged glances. “Unless an owner