Horse Dreams by Dandi Daley Mackall Page B

“Guess I might as well clean out her hooves.”
    The pinto’s ears flick to the sides. That means she’s relaxed, and she stays that way even when I get in the stall with her. Her hooves are in great shape. Dad paid a farrier, the guy who takes care of horses’ hooves, to come out and do a hoof trim. He clipped the hooves so they’re even all the way around, but he told Dad she didn’t need shoes or anything else unless she’d be on gravel. All I have to do now is clean the gunk from the underside of the hooves. I use the pick to get at the V-shaped groove on the sole.
    Ethan teaches me how to tie a slipknot with a quick release. In an emergency, I could yank the end and untie the knot.
    When are you going to name her? he signs.
    I put down the back hoof and take a minute before answering. It’s not like I haven’t thought about names. It’s pretty awkward calling her “the pinto.”
    Finally I shake my head. “No name. I don’t want us to get too attached.”
    Right, he signs, the smirk on his face speaking louder than his fingers.
    When Mom finishes petting cats, she helps Ethan and me with the pinto’s mane and tail.
    Ethan signs to Mom, Any news on a home for— he glances at me and punches the air for the rest of his question— THE PINTO?
    â€œI’ve got a lead on a nice shelter in Indiana,” Mom reports. “And one in Virginia. I’d better find a spot soon, though. Mary Louise is as nervous as a turkey at Thanksgiving. She wants this horse off her cat farm.”
    * * *
    Friday before the horse show I end up sitting across from Ashley and Larissa in the cafeteria. I listen to their plans about which outfits they’ll wear at the show. A bunch of the 4-H kids are entering the junior horsemanship class. It’s the class with the biggest trophy. But everybody knows the winner will be Larissa or Ashley. Probably Larissa. She has won the last two years in a row.
    Just when I’m sure Larissa and Ashley don’t realize I’m at the table with them, Ashley turns to me. “Are you coming to the horse show, Ellie?”
    â€œI never miss it.” And that’s the truth. Every year Colt and I watch it together. I hope he’s planning to go again because I’m counting on catching a ride with him. My parents have to go to some Cub Scout thing with Ethan.
    Larissa leaves without saying good-bye. Then again, I guess she never said hello.
    Colt plops down beside me. “So, Ashley, can you beat Larissa this year?”
    Ashley shrugs. “I haven’t thought that much about it, I guess. I’ve been too nervous about riding Warrior in the jumper class. It’s my first time jumping in a show.”
    â€œThat is so cool!” I exclaim. It’s hard not to be jealous of Ashley. Every single day I imagine riding my black stallion over jumps. But I’ve never actually jumped a horse.
    â€œI think Dad is more excited about the horse show than I am,” Ashley says. “Honestly, I think I’d enjoying watching more than showing.”
    Colt turns to me. “Are you going?”
    I frown at him. “What do you think?”
    He nods and walks off.
    I catch up with him outside our classroom. “Colt! Are you going to the horse show or not? Can I ride with you?”
    â€œâ€™Course.” Colt makes a face. “Girls,” he mutters, shuffling into class.
    â€œBoys,” I mumble, edging past him to get there first.
    * * *
    Saturday afternoon I wait outside for Colt’s family to pick me up. I’m dressed in my cowboy boots, jeans, and a plaid Western shirt. If I can’t be in the horse show, at least I can look the part.
    Mom and Dad and Ethan file by me on their way to the car. I give Ethan a thumbs-up on his Cub Scout uniform. He gives me a thumbs-up on my cowboy gear.
    â€œAre you sure you’ll be all right until we get home?” Dad