The Opening Scene:
Mary is steering me toward the big water jump. It has a small ditch with water in it right in front of it. I remember seeing one at the Sterling Horse Show when I won the Green Hunter Championship. It scared me a little then because I hadn’t seen it before. I had to stop and have a good look at it then. But once I knew that I wasn’t supposed to step in it, I did okay. I got a good running start so I wouldn’t put my foot in it. I remember wondering why they put the water there in the first place. There wasn’t enough of it to take a bath anyway. But then I decided it was good to have a challenge. After all, I had to prove I was worthy of my name Charlene the Star. Mary has always been my trainer and rider. She talks to me. She’s very patient, too. She shows me the new jumps before we jump them.
Now Mary’s talking to me. She’s telling me to get ready for the in and out jumps. They can be tricky. You only have one or two strides between them so you have to concentrate, or else anything can happen.
“Charlene, I have the feeling your mind is wandering. We’re almost at the in and out, but you’re looking here and there like we’re sight seeing, “said Mary. “Even though you’re a champion jumper now, we still need to practice."
Hattie's remarks:
"Are you a shy horse? Do you have low self-esteem? Not sure where you fit in? Call 1-800- Hattie 4 U
“Good morning, Charlene, “said Hattie, taking a bow, as she caught her breath. “I do love to wear hats! Mama said when I was born part of my shell was sitting right on top of my head, so she had the feeling I’d like hats. That’s how I got my name. "
I really enjoyed this book! Thanks for sharing these excerpts.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the comment, Sherry. Glad you enjoyed reading about Hattie.
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