Chapter 11

A wide circle of people had formed around Sandy outside the Calloway Barn, hoping to help wrangle the horse and also protect the floats from destruction. She kicked and whinnied, stomped and snorted. She was scared.

“Don’t spook her!” Turo said insistently, breaking through the crowd. “I know this horse. Sandy is stronger than she looks! Does anyone have any food?”

“We do!” shouted the PALs, arriving just in the nick of time. “And she’ll listen to us.”

Abigail, Lucky, and Pru dismounted from their horses and carefully entered the circle. “It’s okay, Sandy…” Lucky cooed. Sandy started twirling around frantically and shook her mane unhappily. The PALs inched closer, gently trying to calm Sandy down.

“C’mon, girl,” Abigail said, holding out a treat. “Come here, please?” Sandy just backed up and gave a high-pitched whinny in response.

“Lucky!” The crowd parted around Caroline as she rolled her wheelchair into the circle. The moment Sandy noticed Caroline, she began to walk around the perimeter of the circle. Then she backed up and began again, this time going into a trot.

“What’s she doing?” Abigail frowned. “She’s just going in circles.…”

“Lucky!” Pru exclaimed with a smile. “She’s doing the training practices! Sandy remembers what we taught her!”

Though it hardly seemed real, Pru was right. All those lessons and failed attempts at teaching the little horse had soaked in after all, even though she didn’t want to listen to the PALs. Something just clicked when Caroline was there! Lucky felt as if her heart was bursting with pride for Sandy.

But she was still technically on the loose.

Like a beautifully choreographed dance, the PALs called out commands to the little horse with Caroline cheering for her on the sidelines. Sandy performed each one with style. As the girls directed her, Sandy cantered, galloped, walked, and stopped. After each move, the crowd became more and more delighted. They cheered and clapped, and the miniature horse wasn’t even scared anymore. Sandy’s capture had turned into an accidental spectacle—a training display showcase.

As the PALs finished with their commands, Caroline rolled toward them. Immediately, Sandy was alert. She neighed happily and trotted over, meeting Caroline right in the middle. Then the horse leaned forward and licked her cheek. It was then that Lucky understood. This had all been for a reason, and it wasn’t for them to become Trail Trainers.

“What exactly is going on here?” yelled a voice. Mr. Rollins broke through the crowd, looking stressed. “I heard my Sandy escaped! Where is she? I’m taking her back!”

“Mr. Rollins!” Pru rushed forward, scrambling to explain. “She did escape, but—uh, we have it totally handled now.” She gestured to Sandy and Caroline. “As you can see.”

“It’s true! Sandy has learned so much with us,” Lucky added. “This is her new friend Caroline. We think Sandy’d be the perfect companion horse for her.” Lucky turned to Caroline. “Pru was right, Caroline. You two were definitely meant for each other. I never should have doubted that, and I’m sorry.”

Caroline smiled warmly. “It’s okay, Lucky. You just wanted what was best for Sandy.”

“And I think this is best,” Lucky replied. “Mr. Rollins, what do you think?”

Sandy walked alongside Caroline as Caroline rolled her wheelchair forward. When she rolled back, so did Sandy. Everyone cooed at how sweet it was.

“Well, I’ll be…” Mr. Rollins smiled and removed his cowboy hat. “I’ve never seen my little scoundrel Sandy so calm and well-behaved.”

“And I’ve never seen such a compelling Trail Trainers demonstration!” announced a new voice.

Immediately, the girls whipped around. They were greeted by the sight of none other than the Mrs. Hungerford, the very lady they needed to impress. How had she known to come to Miradero at all?

“You look surprised to see me,” said Mrs. Hungerford with a smirk. “But you should ask your friend Abigail. She wrote to me a couple of weeks ago and said today was the day you would be doing your demonstration.”

Pru and Lucky turned to Abigail, who was blushing deep crimson. “Oh yeah, I kinda forgot I did that.”

“Well, no mind anyhow. I’ve seen more than enough to know that you three are true Trail Trainers. I’ll see you at the next Jamboree.” And with that, Mrs. Hungerford turned on her heel and left.

“I can’t believe the progress you’ve made with Sandy. She’ll be the perfect companion horse. You girls sure proved yourselves to be skilled trainers,” Mr. Rollins said, taking a step forward and petting Sandy. “How about your riding skills? They just as good?” He pointed to the floats. “That business I’m attending to? One of my old friends asked me to choose the riders for the front of the parade this year. Are the four of ya interested?” He gave Caroline a wink.

“Are we interested?!” Pru screeched, jumping up and down. “In leading the Founders’ Day Parade?! Are you kidding me?” Lucky, Abigail, and Caroline joined in the squealing.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Mr. Rollins laughed. “But there’s just one thing left to settle first.”

“What?” Lucky asked, bubbling over with happiness.

Mr. Rollins laughed as he said it: “Where is that apple pie I was promised?”