Bridle Path Read Online Free Page A

who?”
    “
If
Max wants to breed one of Pine Hollow’s mares at all,” said Carole.
    “Of course he will,” Stevie said, dismissing Carole’scaution. “Or maybe just a horse that boards here. How about Garnet?” Garnet was an Arabian mare owned by a young rider, Veronica diAngelo—the one young rider the Saddle Club girls really couldn’t stand because she was such a snob.
    “I hope not,” said Lisa. “I wouldn’t want anything that nice or that exciting to happen to Veronica.”
    Stevie laughed because she agreed.
    “I don’t think so,” said Carole. “If Garnet was carrying a foal, Veronica wouldn’t be able to ride her for a long time. I can’t see her giving up the opportunity to ride a horse as nice-looking as Garnet. And besides, all her riding clothes have been designed to coordinate with the color of Garnet’s coat.”
    Lisa chuckled, not because Carole had said a funny thing, but because what she had said was true. Veronica was more concerned with the look of her horse than with how well she could ride it. She definitely had her priorities upside down when it came to horses, and everything else.
    “Delilah!” Carole said.
    Both Lisa and Stevie looked up at her.
    “Definitely Delilah. Remember, she’s already foaled successfully, and that’s an important thing to know about a mare. It’s a while since Samson was born, and he doesn’t need her anymore, although, of course, amare can foal every year, no problem. Anyway, that’s got to be the mare that Max would choose first.”
    It made sense. And one of the nicest things about it was that since Delilah belonged to the stable, she would definitely have her foal here, and the girls could be helpful, as they had been when Samson was born.
    “What are you three doing here?” That was Max. “Aren’t you supposed to be shoveling down your sundaes by now?”
    The girls were a little surprised to learn that he knew about their traditional stop at TD’s. When they stopped to think about it, though, it wasn’t so surprising. Max always seemed to know everything.
    “Ah, the tack,” he said, confirming their suspicions. “I did notice that it needed work. A lot of it.”
    “It’s getting it,” Stevie assured him. “With a little help from my friends.”
    Max nodded. “Well, your friend Carole has been helpful to me today, too, so I’m glad to get a chance to thank her.”
    “Me?”
    “Yes, you. Judge Gavin was crazy about Delilah. He’s a fussy man, and I haven’t been able to please him at all. You managed nicely. He says he wants to ride her again, and he kept telling me what a bright and talented young woman you are. You really impressedhim in a way I haven’t. I don’t usually think it’s a good idea to coddle my riders, but Judge Gavin is an important man in town, and I was pleased when he said he wanted to ride here. He’ll probably bring me other new riders. That’s good for all of us, so, thanks, Carole. Thanks very much.”
    “You’re welcome, Max. I think I was just lucky, though.”
    “ ‘Tactful’ is probably the word. The man’s convinced that it’s his riding skill that’s tamed that spirited palomino.”
    Lisa and Stevie thought it was pretty funny when they heard the details, but they were glad that Carole had done something good for Max.
    “Listen,” he said. “One of the events that Nigel is going to be competing in is called the Gambler’s Choice. It’s really exciting. Mom and I are planning to go with Dorothy, although there’s so much work to be done around here that I’m not sure we’ll be able to take the time off. Anyway, if I could get some extra tickets, would you three like to come along?”
    Would they! The looks on their faces answered Max’s question.
    “Well, I’m not sure,” he said. “There is a lot to be done. I know I’d need some help from you all—I mean like major chores, not just the routine stuff.”
    “We’ll help,” Carole said.
    “Promise,” Stevie