Riding Day at Willow Creek: Synonyms and Antonyms

Riding Day at Willow Creek

1Amara had wanted to ride a horse for as long as she could remember. Yet on the morning of her first lesson, she felt timid. She stood by the wooden fence at Willow Creek Stable and watched the horses in the field. Most of them were grazing peacefully. A young colt named Comet was galloping in wild circles and kicking up clouds of dust.

2"Will I ride that one?" Amara asked nervously. Her riding teacher, Mr. Delgado, shook his head and smiled. "Comet is young and full of energy," he said. "Today you will ride Pepper. She is the calmest horse in our barn."

3Pepper was an old gray mare with a white patch on her nose and sleepy brown eyes. Her coat was rough and dusty from rolling in the dirt, so Amara's first job was to groom her. She brushed in long strokes until Pepper's coat felt smooth and looked shiny. Pepper stood patiently the whole time and even closed her eyes.

4Next, Mr. Delgado helped Amara climb into the saddle. From up there, the ground looked far away, and her hands began to tremble. "Sit tall and breathe slowly," Mr. Delgado said. "Pepper will take care of you." Then Pepper started to walk around the ring at a slow, steady pace.

5After a few laps, Amara's shoulders relaxed. Mr. Delgado asked her to squeeze gently with her legs, and Pepper moved into a quick, bouncy trot. Amara bounced in the saddle and laughed out loud. The rapid rhythm felt like a drumbeat.

6When the lesson ended, Amara was weary but delighted. Her legs ached, and her hair was full of dust. She gave Pepper a carrot and patted her neck. "I was so timid this morning," she said with a grin. "Now I feel brave enough to come back next Saturday." Pepper munched her carrot, and the old mare looked glad, too.