English practice 40

The Rodeo

I could hear their whispers as we cantering 31 around the rodeo grounds after our number was called. “I can’t believe she’s riding that horse in this competition. Look at him!” Monte snorted as if he heard their collective voices in the wind. Yet his head was so was mine, hearing a stronger, unwavering voice.

If the truth wasn’t the most beautiful horse in the world.

Monte had learned a grace that could only have come from sheer spirit and determination.

[1]“No way! No way!” [2] My butt firmly in the saddle, my back straight, and the reins held just right, we smoothly turned into the barrels. [3] Western equitation as unfamiliar to Monte and me as five 36 forks in a place setting at an upscale restaurant. [4] The voices in the wind followed us as Monte galloped faster around the ring. [5] Far from the bareback rides across the desert we had cherished over the years, we had the rules and were making believers out of the crowd. [6] Monte, now almost on his side, was racing around the barrels as gracefully as if he had wings touched by angels,

as we cantered out of the ring and suddenly I didn’t see or hear anyone my family. “No one will hurt your spirit but you,” my voice in the gentle wind that kissed my cheeks and my spirit. Monte looked so proud when won first place.