Kami frowned and shook her head These girls were seriously good Now Lizzie called in other riders a couple more girls and some boys until there was a total of ten riders working their horses in the pen You will no problem Jack told her kindly Everyone feels a little nervous at first But you just have to put in the hours Stunt riding is one part talent and three parts hard work Kami nodded as she watched riders fling themselves sideways then hang from their saddles by their legs which Tom told her was called a drag and riders clinging to the saddle horn and throwing their weight forward toward their pony’s head a front wing They were exciting dangerous stunts Kami was afraid she’d never learn them Lizzie do you have time to introduce Kami to her pony Jack called out as his wife walked by Hey Kami Lizzie had been focused on teaching and hadn’t noticed her arrival She came out of the pen to greet her How was your trip Did you drop off your stuff in the girls dorm You’re rooming with Alisa I’m sure she’ll show you around How about getting something to eat
No I’m good thanks Kami said She was glad to say hi to a familiar face at last She recognized Lizzie from Clearwater she was short and slim her hair tied back under a black Stetson and gold hoop earrings that added a touch of glamour to her western outfit that consisted of a dark plaid shirt blue jeans and tall stylish riding boots So are you ready to meet the horse you’ll be working with Lizzie asked picking up on Kami’s excitement Yes please Kami replied Lizzie gestured for Kami to follow and led the way across the corral toward the barn Don’t be nervous she said turning to Kami with a smile His name’s Magic You’re going to love him I’m never going to be that good Kami told Magic Lizzie had just gone to the office to order more grain for the horses leaving Kami alone with her new horse in his straw-lined stall Magic nudged her gently with his nose He was the horse who had caught her eye in the stalls earlier that
morning the pale dappled gray one with the long dark mane Now that she was close up Kami saw that he had the biggest gentlest brown eyes the softest muzzle and the longest thickest glossiest mane Lizzie had been right it was love at first sight You know it was tough leaving my pony Buttercup behind she told him sadly She’s back home in Elk Creek I love her too of course She’s a gorgeous sorrel and I’ve known her since I was eight But there was no way I could bring Buttercup to Stardust She’s a working ranch horse and my parents need her there to help I won’t see her again until I go back there in the fall I’m going to miss her so much Magic gave her another nudge I’m a decent rider Kami confessed to him in a soft voice trying to be positive But there’s no way I’m as good as Alisa Kellie or Hayley I’m no superstar The beautiful gray Quarter Horse rustled his feet in the straw Kami put her arms around his neck in the quiet warmth of his stall and sighed I just hope you’re not going to be disappointed in me she whispered
Magic turned his head and nuzzled her cheek His soft nose tickled and she smiled Yeah I hear you she murmured You’re telling me not to worry you and me we’re going to be a perfect fit So Kami how do you like your horse Alisa asked It was just after lunch Alisa Hayley and Kellie had split off from the boys and invited Kami to join them at the soda machine behind the tack room They took glasses of Coke and ice from the machine and then sat together around a rough wooden table under the shade of a big yellow sun umbrella I love him Kami said sighing The drink was so cool She needed it after two hours scooping up horse manure in the hot corral with Tom and two other boys named Zak and Ross I can’t believe my brother had you scooping poop Kellie remarked Her helmet had left a red mark around her forehead Like Tom she had clear gray eyes That’s the worst job in the world
