Free Willow King by Chris Platt

mistakes.”
    When she finished checking all the equipment, she turned to Cindy, who was looking at her skeptically.
    â€œWhat are you doing?” the girl asked nervously. “Shouldn’t we put Jester back in his stall and let him calm down?”
    Katie ran a hand down the horse’s neck. “He’s all right. You won’t have any problems with him now. I think we’d better work on mounting. You’ve got to learn how to distribute your weight so you don’t pull the saddle over on the horse’s side. Did you know that at the famous riding school in Vienna they teach the riders to mount without a girth on their saddle? There’s nothing to hold the saddle in place, yet they can put their foot in the stirrup and mount up without disturbing the placement of the saddle.”
    â€œI think you’re telling me a tall tale, Katie Durham. I don’t believe anybody can do that.”
    â€œNo, really, it’s the truth. I can’t do it, but it’s something to shoot for. Now, pay attention. This is what I want you to do.” She picked up the reins and placed her left hand on the horse’s neck, just in front of the saddle, and her right hand on the back of the saddle.
    â€œPut your hands like this,” Katie instructed. “If you have trouble at first, you can grip the saddle. Place your left foot in the iron and think of shooting your weight up into the saddle. Never try to push all your weight downward, or you’ll pull the saddle over to the side if it’s loose. Vault yourself up, then swing your right leg over the horse.”
    She demonstrated the move with fluid motion, then quickly dismounted. “Your turn.” She handed the reins to Cindy.
    The girl just stood there fumbling with the reins. “I don’t think this is such a good idea. Maybe we should wait till tomorrow. I think it will be a lot better then.” She started to walk Jester back to the barn.
    â€œWait!” Katie ran to block their exit. She couldn’t let Cindy leave without making her get back on the horse. The fall had unnerved Cindy, and now she was afraid to remount. When Katie started riding, the same thing had happened to her. If her father hadn’t made her get right back on the horse, she might not be riding today.
    â€œGet out of my way, Katie,” Cindy growled.
    Katie was filled with indecision. What did she care whether Cindy ever rode again? If she didn’t, then maybe Katie could find a way to get Jester back. But if Cindy didn’t get back on the horse again, she might find a way to blame her, and Katie could end up losing her job.
    Katie squared her shoulders and crossed her arms, lifting her chin a notch. “No. I’m not letting you out of this arena until you get back on that horse.”
    â€œWhat do you mean? This is my house. You can’t stop me from doing what I want!” Cindy put her hands on her hips and gave Katie a furious look.
    Katie stood her ground. “Yes, I can, and I will.” It felt good to stand up to her. “Look, Cindy, I know what it’s like to be afraid after having an accident. But if you don’t get back on that horse right now and prove to yourself that you can do it, you might not ever ride again.”
    Cindy drew herself up to her full height. “I’m not afraid to ride. Where did you get such a stupid idea?”
    â€œThen prove it. Put your foot in that stirrup like I showed you and get back on that horse.” She could see Cindy’s hands shaking on the reins. It took a lot of courage to get back in the saddle after a fall, but it had to be done. Katie stepped forward, grabbing Jester’s bridle. “I’ll hold him for you.”
    Cindy looked at her with determination. “I’m not afraid, you know.”
    â€œYes, I know. I’m just going to steady the horse while you practice mounting. Gather your reins and get your hands into