Chapter Three

Joker Isn’t a Joke

I drove to the barn with Grandpa on Saturday morning. A lot of kids were already there, loading their stuff into a pick-up truck. Each rider was allowed to bring one backpack and a sleeping bag.

“My bug spray, bite medicine, and mosquito net won’t fit in my backpack,” Jennifer said. “I’m allergic. I have to have them. Can’t I bring two bags?”

Megan frowned at Jennifer. “They won’t let me bring my games and snacks or an extra blanket,” Megan said. “I’ll be cold, hungry, and bored, but I’m not whining.”

“I’ll be a gigantic itchy spot!” Jennifer screeched. She sounded hysterical.

“Megan, games, snacks, and a blanket are not the same thing as needing medicine,” Alice told Megan. “Jennifer, you can bring the stuff you need.”

Megan stomped away.

Alice and Rory helped the lesson kids saddle up. The horse owners were getting ready in the barn. Six other kids were brushing horses by a horse van.

“Are those kids from Holly Hills?” I asked Chloe.

Chloe nodded and pointed to a tall man with blond hair. “That’s Chase Hogan, the Holly Hills trainer,” she told me. She pointed at a tall, pretty brown-haired girl. “And that’s Savannah Summers,” Chloe added, whispering. “I know her from going to shows. She’s not exactly nice.”

Buck hadn’t arrived with Joker yet, so I helped Chloe with Rick-Rack. She brushed one side of the horse, and I brushed the other.

“Did you bring a bathing suit?” Chloe asked me as we brushed Rick-Rack.

Savannah heard her. “Is there a pool?” she asked.

“There’s a pond,” Chloe said. “We can take our horses swimming.”

I hoped Joker liked water. This might be my only chance ever to swim with a horse. I couldn’t wait.

Savannah made a face. “I’m not swimming in scummy pond water,” she said. “And I’d never let Blue Magic get all icky!”

I gave Lancelot a carrot and patted his nose. “I wish you were coming with me, buddy,” I told him. “Hope you get some rest.”

Then I followed Chloe and Rick-Rack out of the barn. Most of the riders were outside when Buck drove in. So everyone watched Joker back out of the trailer.

Joker was still short and stocky with whiskers and shaggy legs, but at least today he was clean. Buck had combed out his mane and tail and polished the saddle.

Some of the horse snobs giggled and whispered as Buck led Joker out of the trailer.

“Who’s riding the runt?” Owen asked.

Savannah giggled.

“Who’d want to?” Megan said, laughing.

“Me,” I said. “I am. And I want to.”

Messages to MonicaLuvsHorses

	Horses4Chloe said: I hate how bullies are always picking on people (or animals) who can’t fight back. So lame.
	MonicaLuvsHorses said: I totally agree. That’s why I try to stand up for what’s right and for underdogs. That goes for animals too!

I walked over and took Joker’s reins. “Thanks, Buck,” I said. “I’ll take good care of him.”

Buck smiled at me. “I know you will, Monica,” he said. “See you tomorrow.”

I walked the horse over to Chloe and Rick-Rack.

“What’s his name?” Chloe asked.

“Joker,” I said.

“That’s a good name. He is a joke,” Megan said. “Look how slow he is!”

“He’s a cow pony!” Savannah exclaimed.

“I think he’s cute,” Chloe said. “And his saddle looks comfortable.”

Chloe was trying to make me feel better. That was nice, but facts were facts. Joker was scruffy-looking and lazy.

“I like your mangy mustang, Monica,” Owen said. “Less competition for me. There’s no way he’ll win the Most Valuable Horse trophy.”

Owen, Megan, and Savannah left to join the other snobby owners.

“Who needs a stupid award?” Chloe exclaimed. “You’re coming on the trail ride, Monica. That’s all I care about.”

“He’s a good horse,” Rory told me. “You won’t be sorry you rode him.” I smiled, but I knew he was trying to make me feel better too.

Messages to Horses4Chloe

	MonicaLuvsHorses said: Rory is a walking horse encyclopedia!
	Horses4Chloe said: I know. He’s so smart.
	Horses4Chloe said: He’s also GORGEOUS!!! ;)
	MonicaLuvsHorses said: Okay, I admit it, he is pretty cute . . .
	Horses4Chloe said: I KNEW IT!!!
	Horses4Chloe said: YOU LIKE HIM!!!!!
	MonicaLuvsHorses said: Quit it, Chloe. We’re just friends!
	Horses4Chloe said: Okay, okay. But I think he likes you. And you’d be a really cute couple.
	MonicaLuvsHorses said: I’m ignoring you now!!!

Alice told everyone to mount up.

“Let’s get going,” she said. “We want to use all the daylight we can.”

Joker didn’t move when I put my foot in the stirrup. He stood still while I got on, and he stayed quiet while I waited.

Rick-Rack pranced as Chloe swung onto his back. “Easy, boy,” she said softly.

He stopped jiggling.

When Megan put her foot in the stirrup, Dandy backed up. Megan hopped on one foot, shouting, “Whoa! Stop!” Alice gave her a boost onto Dandy’s back.

Every time Owen tried to mount, Merlin started walking. Owen hopped, sprang, flopped across the saddle, and finally pulled himself on.

Savannah led Blue Magic to the mounting stool. His gray coat sparkled, and his black mane and tail were shiny clean. But he wouldn’t stay near the mounting stool. Rory had to hold him so Savannah could get on.

I patted Joker’s neck and smiled. “Good boy,” I whispered.

The ride hadn’t even started, and I was already glad I was riding Buck’s little horse. I was the only person who hadn’t had a hard time so far.