Essay

This is my story for the Young Writer's Competition!

April 28, 2009

Sugar is a kind and gentle little pony, but I can’t ride her to save my life. No matter how hard I push her, she won’t even walk. My brother insisted on having a horse though, so I get to help in picking the perfect horse. I have gone with my dad to see some ponies already, but nearly all of them live up to my dad’s stereotype of ponies, meaning all were wild and nearly unfit to be owned. I keep telling my brother that he will get a much better steed if we look for a horse, but he is reluctant because he wants a short mount. So our search grows more difficult.

April 30, 2009

I think we have found the perfect horse! Today my grandmother told me about a sorrel pony that a man had mentioned to her. She described the pony as sweet and good natured and expecting a foal soon. I had heard enough and by the evening had convinced my grandpa to take me to meet this pony. When we arrived I was surprised to see that this was no pony, it was a somewhat tall horse. She was pitiful—her bones stuck out through her filthy, not yet shedded winter coat, her belly bulging with the burden of a fetus ready to come into the world soon. Her mane and tail were stringy and tangled, and her eyes were full of desperation. I could tell she was a good horse underneath her sad appearance, and if she stayed here, she would starve in this mud hole that was her pasture, and neither she nor the baby would stand a chance of survival. I rode her, and she did a fabulous job. She was docile and patient—I could tell she was the one. I told my dad about her when we returned home and he said she sounded great and we should buy her. We are expecting her to be brought out to our farm any time.

May 6, 2009

Finally! The horse finally arrived! She was brought earlier today, and the first thing she did was get in a fight with our other horse Fancy. Fancy won this time. The new horse seemed far more interested in the grassy pasture however, and went straight to grazing. I went to sit with her as she ate, and I could tell she was already much happier. I smiled as I took off her broken bridle and replaced it with one that we already had in preparation for her arrival. I can’t wait until her baby comes!

May 13, 2009

Today I rode Sienna! Sienna is the name my brother decided for the new horse since that is what color she is. Her smooth gait was very pleasing and I’m anxious for our next ride. She needs a little training though because she isn’t very accustomed to riding, but before long I will have her riding like a champion! Oh, and the foal is coming very soon. My dad said he could tell that she should give birth within a few days. Yay!

May 15, 2009

WOW, I AM SO EXCITED! The foal was born today! My dad called me after school to tell me! When I found out, I cried with joy, but part of me was sad because I had wanted to be there when it happened. Either way though, I was ecstatic! When I first saw him, my smile beamed like nothing you’ve ever seen, and I nearly wept. There he stood on long, wobbly legs, his dark silver coat gleaming in the sunlight. I threw my arms around him, and he didn’t back away, he embraced my hug and held there. There was an immediate love and connection that no words could ever explain. I have named him Lightning because he has two lightning bolt-shaped stripes on his nose. He has given me such joy, and I’ll never forget this day! He and I are going to have such a great relationship. I’m so anxious to see all the adventures he and I will encounter together! I love him and Sienna so much, and I always will.