Read Online Willow King by Chris Platt - Free Book Online

the deeper he thrust his muzzle into the bucket, and the harder it was to take the pail away. But Katie knew she had to for the horse’s sake. Even though these were large, powerful animals, they were very delicate and often did things that were potentially dangerous.
    It was exciting working with these kings of the wind, and she loved every minute of it. Someday she would be doing this for her own horse. While she busied herself with cleaning, her imagination ran amuck. In her daydreams, Willow King claimed victory after victory, and always, she and Jester were there to escort him to the winner’s circle.
    A loud commotion drew Katie out of her fantasy world, and she ran into the barn’s shed row to see what was happening. “Stupid horse!” Cindy was shouting as she rode Jester down the barn aisle and past a half-dozen stalls, scattering grooms and game hens alike. Cindy sawed on the bit, turning the horse this way and that while she beat him with a riding crop.
    Jester danced along the pathway, throwing his head and rolling his eyes. Never, in all the years that she had owned him, had Katie ever seen him behave this way. He was out of control, and Cindy was of no more use than a mouse at the switch of a runaway train.
    Katie ran toward them, waving her arms in the air. She prayed that Jester would recognize her and not mow her down. “Whoa, whoa!” she yelled as the horse drew nearer.
    Jester planted all four legs and slid to a halt in front of her, almost unseating his young rider. As bad an equestrian as Cindy was, Katie was surprised that she managed to stay on. The horse’s sides were heaving, and he stamped his feet, snorting nervously.
    â€œWhat’s going on in here?” Mr. Ellis charged into the barn like a raging bull.
    â€œNothing, Daddy.” Cindy looked at Katie, daring her to refute her words.
    â€œWhat do you mean nothing? I’ve had two grooms come to me saying that you’re running up and down the barn with this horse. You know I don’t allow that.”
    Knowing she had been caught, Cindy tried a different approach. “I’m sorry, Father, but this horse is being a real jerk today. He won’t listen to a thing I say.” She moved the crop to the other side of the saddle so her dad wouldn’t see it.
    â€œI know this horse, young lady. He’s a perfectly behaved animal, or I wouldn’t have let you have him.”
    Tom Ellis approached the gelding and noted his agitated state. “What’s this?” He put his hand to Jester’s side, and it came away red with blood. He grabbed the spur on Cindy’s boot and wrenched it off her ankle. “Don’t you have any more sense than to ride a well-mannered horse with spurs? No wonder he’s a wreck. Get down off his back until he’s calmed down.”
    Mr. Ellis turned to Katie. “I’m sorry you had to see this. Sometimes Cindy doesn’t have a lick of sense.” He turned to his daughter. “Katie’s going to calm this horse down, then you and she are going out to that arena, and you are going to take some lessons from her. If you can’t get this horse under control and learn how to ride him properly, then we’ll just have to give him back to Katie.” He turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Cindy to sulk and glare at his retreating form.
    Katie stood rooted to the spot. Would he really give Jester back to her? It was a wonderful thought. All she had to do was give Cindy the wrong cues—not that she needed any help in that department—and Jester would soon be back in her barn.
    She looked at the horse and her heart gave a lurch. In the ten days that Jester had been here, he had changed a lot. His coat wasn’t as shiny, and he had lost some weight. How much more of this mistreatment could he take before he finally flipped his lid and became a rank horse?
    She couldn’t take that chance. Not with Jester. He meant