Free Willow King by Chris Platt Page A

position,” she encouraged. “That’s it,” she said when Cindy was in the proper place. “Now give a little hop.”
    â€œAre you sure the saddle is on tight enough?” Cindy said as she stood poised with her foot in the stirrup.
    â€œYes, it’s good and snug. Just think of springing into the air, not pushing downward.”
    Cindy gave a couple of hops, then vaulted herself up into the saddle. It was a decent attempt for a first try.
    Katie smiled at Cindy’s accomplishment. “There, do you feel the difference?” she asked, and Cindy nodded. “Now let’s dismount and try it again.”
    â€œBut I just got up here,” Cindy whined.
    â€œI know, but I want to be sure you’ve got it right. When you dismount, I want you to swing your right leg out of the saddle and pause for a moment at the top with both hands resting in the same place as when you mounted. From that position, remove your left foot from the iron before you slide down. You don’t want to have your foot in the stirrup when you hit the ground, because your horse could spook and take off, dragging you along with him.”
    Cindy shivered. “I get the picture.” She dismounted the way Katie directed, then tried the remount. It went more smoothly this time.
    â€œSee, you learn quickly,” Katie said, and Cindy beamed at her. “Now let’s try a walk around the arena.”
    The smile instantly disappeared from Cindy’s face. “Why don’t we save this for tomorrow? You’ve taught me a lot already. Let’s call it quits on a good note.”
    â€œCome on, Cindy. It’s just a walk. I know you can do it. Cluck to him and ask him to move.”
    Cindy started the horse forward, but her fear made her clutch at the reins. Jester tossed his head around, trying to loosen her death grip.
    â€œEase up on the reins,” Katie said.
    â€œBut what if he takes off with me?”
    Katie spread her arms, indicating the fence. “Where’s he going to go? We’re in an arena. Just relax and loosen the reins so he’ll quit fidgeting.”
    Cindy did what she was told, and Jester immediately settled into a nice walk. “That’s much better,” said Katie.
    Cindy walked the horse around the arena several times. When Katie could see that Cindy was starting to relax, she asked her to ride in small circles. “Cindy, when you hit the next corner, I want you to circle him to the left. Make a big circle.”
    As horse and rider approached the spot, Katie could see Cindy tense up. She jerked Jester’s head to the left and the horse immediately obeyed, turning a small, tight circle.
    â€œHold it,” Katie said as she walked up to the pair. Cindy was looking displeased again. Katie knew she wouldn’t be able to hold Cindy’s attention much longer. How was she going to explain this without setting Cindy off?
    â€œJester has a very tender mouth,” Katie explained. “It doesn’t take much to cue him. A big action will get a big reaction out of him.” She looked up to see if Cindy was paying attention. The look the girl gave her said that her patience was wearing thin.
    â€œI’m ready to go back to the barn,” Cindy said sullenly.
    Katie wondered if she should just drop the whole thing. Was it worth the effort? Cindy never appreciated anything anyway. Just then, Mr. Ellis stepped up to the fence.
    â€œHow are you girls doing?” He looked from one to the other.
    â€œJust fine, Daddy … What were you saying, Katie?” She looked down at her as if there was nothing else in the whole wide world that she would rather be doing.
    Katie wondered how the girl could change moods so quickly. She knew Cindy wasn’t really interested in what she had to say. But as long as Mr. Ellis was standing there watching, she was going to take advantage of the situation.
    â€œI was saying that you don’t need