Silver Spurs Read Free Page A

circle today so you can get used to her. By the time we have a trainer and boarders wanting lessons, you’ll be ready.”
    â€œI don’t know. I haven’t ridden much.”
    â€œJust put the helmet on and quit worrying.” Kate grabbed the black helmet and shoved it into Tori’s hands. “Breeches would be better, since they’re more comfortable, and I wish we had English chaps so the stirrup leathers won’t pinch your calves, but your boots and jeans will work. Besides, you won’t be riding long enough or fast enough to be bothered. I think you’re set.”
    Kate slipped the bit into Capri’s mouth and slid the headstall over her ears. After securing the straps, Kate snapped the lunge line to the circular bit ring. “Come on.” She led her mare into the arena and stopped her next to a mounting block. Capri stood with her head down, apparently not too excited about her second ride of the day. “Use this to step up on. You won’t pull the saddle off that way.”
    Tori walked up the three-step mounting block, then paused. “Do you want me to hold the reins?”
    â€œSure, but not very tight. Go on. Swing up.”
    Her friend did as she was told and settled gingerly into the saddle. She picked up the reins, pushed her feet into the iron stirrups, and smiled. “This isn’t so bad. But you know I’ve only been taking lessons on Lulu at the other barn, and Capri is a lot taller than a pony.”
    Kate laughed. “Yeah. Capri is over sixteen hands. You ready?” Her excitement built. This was one of the best ideas she’d had in a long time. They could share Capri when they took lessons, and Tori wouldn’t feel left out all the time.
    â€œI guess.”
    â€œYou’ll be fine.” Kate moved to the inside of the arena and clucked. Capri walked forward, ears flicking and tail swishing. This was easy. Pride swelled in Kate’s heart. She’d made the right decision sharing with Tori. There was nothing to being a trainer or giving lessons to a beginner. As long as Capri was secured with a lunge line, nothing could happen.
    The mare walked at a sedate pace around the perimeter two times, and Kate made a decision. Tori sat comfortably and seemed to be enjoying herself. “I’m going to ask her to trot.”
    â€œNo! I don’t want to. I’ve only ridden Lulu a few times, and she’s short and feels different.” Tori grabbed the front of the English saddle as Capri moved into a faster gait. Tori’s body bounced with the horse’s motion, and her legs slapped the saddle fenders. “Stop her, Kate.”
    â€œWhoa.” Kate yanked the line and stepped toward her mare, but Capri didn’t listen. She snorted, shook her head, and picked up her pace, settling into a canter.
    â€œKate!” Tori’s voice rose to a shriek, and she leaned over the mare’s neck, gripping her mane. “I want off right now .”
    Fear shot through Kate. “Pull back on the reins.” She walked a couple of feet closer to the center of the circle. “Capri. Whoa, girl. Easy.” The horse skittered sideways away from Kate, giving a hop-skip as Kate edged closer.
    Tori’s inside foot bounced out of the stirrup, and her other foot continued to slap the mare’s side. “I’m falling!”
    â€œHold on to her mane, Tori. Grip with your legs and hold on. I’ll stop her.” Kate tugged hard on the lunge line, praying Capri would listen.
    Tori tipped to the side, and Kate watched in horror as her friend slid off the horse and onto the ground. “Tori!” She dropped the line and ran toward the center of the arena. Her heart slammed against the inside of her chest. “Are you hurt?”
    Kate’s stomach lurched when her friend didn’t answer. The dirt was deep there. Tori couldn’t be hurt—she just couldn’t be! But why wasn’t she