Willow King Read Online Free Page A

get used to not having Jester around.”
    Cindy pouted prettily, trying to draw the attention back to herself. “Katie Durham, don’t you go trying to make me feel guilty about this. We traded fair and square. Besides, I’m sure my dad will let you ride the old Appaloosa pony horse.”
    â€œAnd if you get tired of riding that old rocking horse, I’ll let you ride one of my Paints,” Jason offered.
    Cindy put her hands on her hips and squared her shoulders. “You won’t even let me ride one of your precious Paints—how come you’ll let Katie?”
    Jason reached out and tweaked Cindy’s braid. “These are cutting horses, girl. They can jump out from under you quicker than greased lightning.”
    â€œI can ride as well as Katie can.” Cindy crossed her arms and frowned.
    â€œI know you can.” He winked at Katie, flashing her a crooked grin. “It’s just that I didn’t figure you would want to be riding another horse for a while now that you’ve got a new one.”
    That brought the smile back to Cindy’s face. “You’re right. Who needs one of your old Paints when I’ve got the horse that’s going to win at all the local shows. With the way this horse moves, no one can touch us in the English Pleasure classes.”
    Cindy didn’t notice the stricken look on Katie’s face, but she saw the frown that Jason gave her and laughed at him, thinking he was upset because she had insulted his horses. “Don’t be such a downer. Call one of the grooms and tell him I want my saddle and bridle. I’m going to ride this horse now.”
    Katie stood back and watched as the tack was placed on Jester. He had never carried another person’s saddle before, and the bit Cindy used was much harsher than the ring snaffle bit he was used to. Cindy stepped up to the horse and pulled the girth as tight as it would go with one savage yank. Jester swished his tail and rolled his eyes, but like a gentleman, he accepted the unwarranted roughness with patience.
    Despite all of her years in the saddle, Cindy had never acquired the graceful balance and good horsemanship that came with years of practice. Instead of a quick, agile mount, she put all her weight in the stirrup and pulled downward on the saddle as she attempted to climb on top of the horse. Jester shifted nervously as the saddle pinched his skin.
    â€œHold still.” Cindy jerked on the bit and the horse’s head popped up at the unaccustomed pressure on his soft mouth. “What’s wrong with this horse? I’ve never seen him act this way before.”
    Jason stepped forward and pulled an extra four inches of rein out of Cindy’s fingers. “You’ve got to give this horse a little more rein. He’s not used to a heavy hand.”
    Katie smiled her thanks at him and advised Cindy, “Jester is a push-button horse. He’ll respond to the slightest pressure of your hands or legs. If you pull too tight, he’ll toss his head.”
    Cindy looked condescendingly down at them. She had a proud way about her that sometimes made Katie feel about six inches tall. From that high perch atop Jester’s back, it was even more intimidating.
    â€œAre you guys trying to tell me I don’t know how to control a horse?” She pulled on the bit and spun Jester around to face the arena. “Watch this.”
    Katie wanted to close her eyes as Cindy cantered into the riding ring and put Jester through his paces. She jerked on his mouth and used leg pressure that was strong enough to cue an elephant. The horse moved around the arena, throwing his head up and running zigzag patterns, trying to do as his rider asked. Finally, Cindy trotted him back to where they stood.
    â€œSee, I can ride this beauty. We’ve just got to get a little more used to each other.”
    Jason stepped up and took the reins from Cindy. “That’s enough for