Page 23 - SophiesPonyTalesJuly10C

CHAPTER 10 FINDING MY GIFT

Three more years went by. My owner Glen- One of these days she will pass Monarch.” That will
da got busier at her job. Monarch and I were left to be the day I thought. On the very next trail ride
ourselves, except for occasional trail rides. Every Glenda and I, together with Monarch and Glenn

day we were attended to but we had few jobs. were going down a farm lane at a trot. Monarch
A second young girl entered my life. She started trotting faster and so did I. I was gaining on
came every day after school to brush and groom him. Slowly I moved alongside and then passed him.
me. She cleaned the stalls, and occasionally rode Was he surprised! He was rarely passed at a trot on
me. Other than leading a life of leisure I was doing a trail ride. Later I learned we were going at least
little and learning little. She liked me but she had twenty miles an hour.

little experience with horses so she did little to im-
I received a pat on my neck and a carrot
prove me.
when back to the barn. “That was beautiful,” I was
Often on Saturday or Sunday afternoons told after we got home. I was ten years old, before
Glenn and Glenda would take Monarch and I on this special ability, a big fast trot was learned. Many

trail rides. Nearby there were farm trails and an ap- other horses and ponies are not allowed time to
ple orchard with roads. We would go out for an find their special ability or gift. Discovering my gift
hour or two ride. Monarch with his big Morgan trot, of the big trot changed my life for the better. I be-
would reach forward with his rear legs place well came known for my big Morgan trot. Even though I
under him body and his front legs would extend far was small in stature I could trot with the big ones.
Trotting on a straight race track others were faster,
out in front making him flatten out. I watched close-
but in obstacles, requiring turning quickly and be-
ly his extended trot for weeks and then tried it. I
ing agile in changing direction and speed few were
could do it! I was noticed doing a big extended trot.
better than me.
“Have you seen Sophie trot recently?” Glenda asked
her father. “Yes,” he said, “I have seen her do it.

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