“I’m afraid you’ll have to scratch him from the rest of the show,” Dr. Vickers told her. “I don’t think he’ll make that quick of a turnaround. However, he should be sound to ride again in three or four days.”
Captain Riskin shook the vet’s hand. “Thank you for your help. Rest assured he will be well cared for.”
“My pleasure,” he assured him. “I felt so sorry for the young lady when they passed over her at the awards. I could tell she had no idea why, so I’m glad I could help.”
Terry watched him walk away, grateful that he had found a simple cause for Tic-Tac’s lameness. The relief at finding out it was only a temporary lameness helped offset some of her disappointment at missing out on a ribbon.
While Captain Riskin talked with her parents, Terry led Tic-Tac to the edge of the field to watch the new class that was in progress. As a big bay cantered boldly around the course, she wished they had another chance. But, she sadly realized that for Tic-Tac and her, the show was over, just like the summer.
“School starts next week, so I won’t be able to be at the barn all day any more,” she whispered to Tic-Tac, stroking his neck. “I was so lucky to have you all to myself as my special horse this summer, but I know now that fall is here other students will start riding you in lessons. Please don’t forget me. I promise to bring you carrots whenever I’m working at the barn even on the days that I can’t ride you.”
“Terry, come here,” Captain Riskin called from across the paddock.
When she reached his side, he took her hand between his. “I am very sorry about Tic-Tac’s lameness, but you had a beautiful ride that deserved to place in that big class. It does not take a white satin ribbon to reward the ride. In your heart, you will always know it.
“Before you put the horse away, I have something important to tell you,” he continued solemnly. “I have just sold Tic-Tac to …”
“NO!” Terry gasped before he could finish. Tears filled her eyes as she grasped Tic-Tac’s neck. It was more than she could bear.
Mr. Allen shook his head with a laugh. “First time I’ve see a girl so unhappy at getting a new horse.”
Terry spun around to stare at him in disbelief. “What?” she finally managed to whisper.
Her father grinned. “That’s right. Tic-Tac is officially your horse. All your hard work and determination this summer finally convinced your mother and me that you were meant for this sport and this horse. We just gave the Captain a check.”
Terry threw her arms around her father’s neck. “Thank you, thank you!” she cried happily. “I can’t believe it! Tic-Tac is really mine?”
“Remember Captain Riskin’s phone call to the house last Friday at dinner time?” her mother asked. “It was to finalize the deal, not to check on the fit of your riding jacket. That’s why I had to get you out of the house so quickly, so the surprise wouldn’t be spoiled.”
Terry laughed. “You’re kidding. I wondered why he just didn’t ask me about the jacket.”
A moment later her smile turned downward. “But, what about the board? Can we afford to keep him at Briar Hill?”
Captain Riskin’s eyes twinkled. ‘If you will continue to exercise horses and do chores for me after school and on weekends, I will give you lessons plus free board for Tic-Tac. Is that a fair deal?”
Terry grinned. “Absolutely! I promise I’ll work so hard, you won’t recognize me!”
She looked out at the class jumping in the field, no longer disappointed that she couldn’t show any more that day. “Just wait until next year,” she vowed. “Tic-Tac and I are going to win a blue ribbon at Westfield.”
Captain Riskin put his arm around her shoulders as they turned Tic-Tac toward the stabling tent. “You know, Terry, I believe you will.”
Table of Contents
CONTENTS
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
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