Silver Spurs Read Online Free

instead of me trying to teach Tori.”
    Mom rose to her feet. “This wouldn’t have happened if you’d asked me if it was all right for Tori to ride Capri. I’d have said no or told you I had to be there to help. You can’t make these decisions on your own, Kate.” She planted her hands on her hips. “Accidents like this can get a barn closed down and make insurance rates go through the roof, not to mention risking the life of a novice rider. Promise me you’ll never do something like this again.”
    â€œI’m sorry, Mom.” Kate scuffed her toe in the dirt. “But you don’t have to get so mad.”
    Tori dusted off her pants, then leaned over to whisper near Kate’s ear. “Your mom’s right. She might not let us board horses if you keep arguing.”
    â€œI didn’t think of that,” Kate mumbled low enough so her mother couldn’t hear. She heaved a sigh, knowing she’d been wrong. “I’m really sorry, Mom. I’ll take care of Capri while you drive Tori home.”
    â€œGood decision.” Her mother tapped each girl’s head in turn. “You gave me a scare. I love you both, and I don’t want anything to happen to either of you.” She wrapped an arm around Tori and drew her close. “Let’s take you home and talk to your mom about riding lessons—and more than just a half hour or an hour a week.”
    â€œHuh?” Tori raised wide eyes.
    â€œI think it’s time we see about getting a trainer and opening this barn for business. If you girls are determined to ride, you need to learn the safe way to do so.” She turned to Kate and smiled. “Your dad and I discussed it, and we’ve decided to turn this into a boarding stable if the two of you are willing to help.”
    â€œYippee!” Kate shrieked and jumped a foot off the ground. “Colt will too, Mom!” She grabbed Tori’s hands and drew her into a hug. “We’re going to have a real barn. Isn’t that the best thing you’ve ever heard?”
    Tori’s eyes shone. “Totally. Thanks, Mrs. Ferris. I’ll help any way I can.”
    Kate’s mom patted Tori’s back. “I appreciate that. Kate will need to muck stalls and feed the horses, but it shouldn’t take more than an hour or so after school—pretty much like you’ve been doing at the other barn. That is, if your mother will allow you to help, Tori. Kate and I can feed the horses in the mornings, but Kate, it means getting up earlier than you’re used to.”
    Kate hugged herself with joy. “That’s okay, I don’t mind. I bet Colt would want to bring his horse here, if he can work off part of his board. Can we put an ad in the paper tomorrow, Mom?”
    Kate wanted to dance around the arena. Once she took some lessons, she might even get to compete in a show. If I win, maybe Mom and Dad will even notice me more. A twinge of guilt tugged at her. It wasn’t that they ignored her, but Pete took so much of Mom’s time, and Dad worked a lot of hours at his job.
    â€œNot so fast, young lady. We still have more cleanup to do and shavings and hay to order. Dad and I figured we can start advertising next week. Hopefully we’ll get some boarders soon, since the other barns are pretty full. And after this stunt, your dad and I will have a few extra chores for you as well.”
    Kate hung her head for a moment. “Yeah, okay.” Then it hit her again. Mom had said yes about the barn! She pivoted toward her friend, a hundred ideas bouncing around. “I can’t wait! It’s going to be so much fun, huh, Tori?”
    â€œYeah. Only one thing worries me.”
    â€œWhat’s that?” Kate couldn’t imagine anything going wrong now. They’d have a trainer and lessons in no time.
    â€œI heard a couple of the girls in the equestrian club talking about the barns getting full