Reposting Of My Fan Artworks, Sorry Nothing New Yet, But I Did Find The Story That Went With This :-)

Reposting of my fan artworks, sorry nothing new yet, but I did find the story that went with this :-)

“Mom used to take us horseback riding”.

“Will you lead off Scott Love?  I think we’re ready to go at last”  Lucille called as she trotted behind the boys’ horses, leading Allie on little Sparkle.  It was a big day for Allie and a wide grin was spread across his face.  His first ride out with the big boys on his own, and although Mom would be leading his pony , he was feeling mighty big himself.   

But uncharacteristically, it was Gordon who wasn’t feeling like one of big boys at that moment. 

Every one of his brothers had been moved up a horse so that Allie could have Sparkle, the smallest of their ponies.  Mom had explained to Gordon that it was time for him to take over the pony Virgil had grown out of, Chrystal, he was more than capable, all the Tracy boys started early on horseback.  But Sparkle suddenly seemed so big to him and moved so quickly.  Sat in the saddle, high on Sparkles back, he held on tight and panicked a little.

Virgil, sat on Murphy close by was watching him carefully, “You okay Squiddy?” Virgil had been due to move up to the next biggest, a dark pony called Star, but John was too fond of her that he’d talked Virgil into taking on Scott’s much bigger horse, Murphy.  

Virgil was more than delighted, Murphy was big and powerful.  It was a massive step up from a pony to a horse but his Mom said he was a good strong kid and well up to it.  And John got to stay with his beloved Star a little longer, who’s dark dark coat was flecked with tiny white hairs and reminded him of constellations. 

As for Scott, he was very content to move up to his Grandpa’s horse, Max, a mark of trust that he had been allowed to take on the big old working horse.  Scott felt the responsibility and yes, he would lead them out of the farm for his Mom, proud that they all trusted him so.

Chrystal fidgeted suddenly, realising that they were all about to move off and Gordon yelped. 

“Steady there, Gordo,” Virgil leaned in to take Chrystal’s reins.  “Hang on Mom!”  He slid from the big horse’s saddle to stand beside Gordon, “Gordo, I promise, she’s really lovely, she’ll look after you.”

Gordon eyed him suspiciously then the pony, whose ears were flicking back and forth.

“Have you thought,” Virgil tried again, “That maybe she’s not sure about you either?” 

The smaller boy flashed another look at Chrystal’s flicking ears and shook his head a little at Virgil. “What do I do?”  He knew - he’d been taught well but panic was something new to him, he normally just ploughed into every situation without a thought of danger - Chrystal was different, she was a living breathing creature, with a mind of her own.

Virgil took his hand and placed it on her neck mimicking stroking the dappled white coat under her mane. And he looked to Gordon, “What d’ya say?”

Gordon suddenly smiled, knowing again. “Good girl Chrystal, Good girl!”  The pony tossed her head a little in response then stretched her nose round to check out Gordon’s booted foot. 

“See now you’re friends.”  Virgil smiled.

Gordon wasn’t too sure that it was enough for a solid friendship but it was a start and he patted her again. Their Mom had come round to stand her horse and Allie’s pony in front of them and nodded approvingly at the way Virgil had handled it.  

“Thank you Virg, are you okay now Gordi?”  The two boys grinned and nodded, “Okay then, if John could now stop daydreaming now please, you can lead off Scott.

Scott reached to gently tap the shoulder of John, who had been lost in the sparkling white flecks of Star’s dark coat again.  “You with us John?”   The grin John returned was all Scott needed to call, “Okay everyone let’s go!”