An old work horse ambled across a field over grown with cheat grass and thistles. He had been munching on some of the soft shoots of grass he could find underneath the weeds when he heard his girls voice. He had grown to love that voice more then any other, it provided food, and water, love and attention.
When he reached the fence she was waiting there. Her light cotton dress that would normally reach to right below her knees was blowing easily in the wind. Her bare legs were bright against the sun and lead down to two bare feet, toes wiggling in the dirt.
"Oh Ransom, today has been the worst of days." She reached up and fed him the carrot slice she held in her hand, then leaned her head on his shoulder. When she started to cry he didn't move, but stood solid and firm for his little girl.
Several minutes passed before she lifted her head, whipped her eyes free of the moisture, and patted him. "Good boy, I feel better already."
Smoothing out some of the many wrinkles on her dress she turned and headed back for the small log cabin not far from the field.
Ransom watched her until she opened the door and entered the cabin before turning and heading back to the grass patch he had been snacking on. He sighed as he settled back to his grazing. Another days work done.
Spring, the time that is my favorite season. But this spring I had to do something that I have never done before and it would change my life forever. My name is Charger and this is the story of my trip to the california mines, during the time of the California Gold Rush.
The Gold Rush was all I heard of for the one hundrenth time. Today was the last day to pack and all that was left in the house were the pots and pans for cooking, the mats on the floor for everyones make shift bed, and a little food that my family would use for breakfast. The night before everyone had slept in there traviling clothes and I was left in the stable to be quickley harnesed up for the long journey ahead the next day. Well now was the day that I would leavce behind all that I knew and if it was hard on the family it was harder on me, this was because all the horses were counting on me to give them the news about what has been happening in the town. I learn a lot because Jim, my master, is one of the leading farmer and he gets to go places and learn new things all the time ; so naturely he rides me and I get news from some horses that have been on the trail all the way from california or oregon.
We set out at four in the morning and all the family was there to wish us well and to say their goodbyes, when suddenly uncle todd and his family said that they were going along with us. Of course miss julie My masters wife was asking if they were ready and if they really meant it. They said that they did mean it and have been planning on surprising us for a long time. I was so excited because mary my sister who had been sold to uncle todd when she was a colt would be coming along for the trip to california.
As we set out on the trail the days were long and hot and our masters had to get two more horses to help us. They knew this at the beginning but all the good horses had been taken months ago at the livery stable in St. Louis. I didn't like the new horse that I had to work with she was grouchy and made me do most of the work. She also ate almost all our food at night and always snorted at me when I tried to ask for a little more help on pulling the wagon. Most of the time I would see little mary or peter walking along side their mother picking up stick and wood for the evening fire if they were not playing nearby in the tall grass. I was content apart from having to pull the heavy load almost all by myself, then the sickness came. Cholera swepted into camp and many people died within days of the sickness. Even some of the animals died including my partner, this I thought was far worse than pulling most of the load now I would have to pul all the load until we got another good horse.
My little sister died along with her horse that she was pulling with. Uncle todd went to get another persons horses. All the family had died and the woman had said that when she dies that anyone can take the children ( There are inly good family people in our wagon train ) and to take whatever we needed. Sad to say but the children died an hour after the mom. No one knew that they were sick and it struck quite suddenly. We buried them and set out again. Now Uncle todd is giving one of the horses to us every other day so that I won't get so tired and he is very good company and pulls his own load, unlike the other one I had to work with, and we are one day away from california.
We have come to the boarder line of Nevada and California the line is where a steep cliff is and we will have to use the chains to get down. My only hope is that I will not get crushed by the wagon on the way down. This time I get to work with the other horse that uncle todd owns and he is also nice. He is the strongest so he will be able to handle both the loads, I passed safe and sound with him and all is well in another day or two we will be in Sacramento. We rested that night and all was well we will arrive in Sacramento tomorrow and most of my work will be done. I can only thank the Lord that all of us are safe and sound here and soon will be starting a new life. And so my story ends the life of me, the journey into the unknown.
15 year old Karen Wagner sat silently by the fire gazing moodily over the expanse of the prairie. She was sick of the endless journey to the new home out in the west. She looked at her hands and sighed. They were hopelessly covered with soot from the fire. Being too tired and cold to move from the blaze, she just had to hope that she wouldn’t become too dirty. She missed the cleanliness that had presided in her old home.
Turning to her father she said, “Papa, will we ever get to our new home?”
“Be patient, me gel,” he said slowly. “We should be getting there soon.”
“Papa, why did we have to leave home?”
He knelt beside her and looked directly into her eyes. “Listen Karen, I need you to try to understand. When your Mama died I just couldn’t stay there. It was too hard.”
Karen could see that he was trying to help her but she was feeling angry and rebellious. “I still don’t see why you had to drag me and the baby out to this place. And why do you have to start a horse ranch? I hate horses! All I do all day long is cook and look at those horrid animals.”
Pain entered her father’s eyes and he said, “Karen, go to bed, please. You need your strength for tomorrow.”
Karen rose from her seat and left without saying goodnight.
The next morning Karen awoke to the sound of her baby sister screaming. She rose wearily and proceeded to begin the duties of the day. After feeding the baby she put her back to sleep and went out to cook breakfast.
Suddenly she heard her father call her. “Karen, could you come here for a moment. I want to show you something.”
His voice was accompanied by a soft whinny that made Karen roll her eyes. “He probably wants to show me some new horse or something. I don’t understand why he likes those things.”
She walked toward the herd and halted abruptly when she saw her father. He was holding a halter rope and it was attached to the most beautiful mare that Karen had ever seen. Karen caught her breath as she took in the sight, admiring the golden coat and the long cream mane.
Karen drew closer and reached out to touch the horse. But, frightened by the sudden movement, it drew away quickly.
“I just bought her this morning,” her father said quietly. “The man I bought her from was abusing her. She is very skittish.”
Karen nodded and slowly moved her hand up towards the horse’s head, while calmly talking to her, like she had seen her father do. The horse allowed Karen to touch her neck and Karen slowly moved up towards her head, still sweet-talking her.
The horse relaxed and leaned her head down close to Karen’s face. Karen laughed happily and ran her hands across the velvety nose.
“Her name is Sunshine,” Karen said decidedly.
“She is yours,” Karen’s father said.
Karen turned to him. “Oh, papa,” she said. She ran and threw herself into his arms. “Papa, I have been so horrid lately. Please forgive me.”
“Yes, sweetheart. I forgive you. I think that you had better go ba-.” Suddenly he stopped and his eyes grew wide.
“Karen,” he exclaimed. “There it is! The stream that marks the beginning of our property. We are home, Karen!”
Karen smiled at him as he knelt down beside the water. He turned back to look at her, “You know, Karen, you chose the right name for that horse. Sunshine is what I got in my heart.”
“Mine too,” Karen replied, smiling through her tears of joy.
OK...the other day I tried taking this picture of me; with a cowboy hat, and the rope we have. So this is what I got. Then I edited it to make it look old, and put different pictures of horses behind the picture. Enjoy!
This one has no picture behind it.
-Now they start having pictures.- My Dad said that it looks like I am holding the horse on this one!
This is for my book...Hannah is the girl in the story!
Thanks to all three that entered! Since it was hard to pick one...and there were only three entries, I just made them all winners! If you guys have any problems with the ebook, just let me know. I hope you all had a great 4th!
P.S. I hope to post the stories soon.
Here is a picture I took last night(the fourth)...then edited it to lighten it so you can see the flag better.
I am going to have a story contest! Here is the information!
1. The theme is "Horses in the Pioneering Days."
2. The story should be short, like a couple paragraphs or so.
3. The deadline for entries is the end of June!
4. The winner will get this button to put on there blog. AND a free ebook copy of my book "Skylark." I will email the pdf version.
5. You can enter your story by posting a comment, or by sending me a message. MAKE SURE, you leave your email address along with it, so if you win, I will be able to send you your prize!
6. This is open for anyone, as long as you have an account with HSB! I can't know how to contact you if you don't!
7. Last but not least...have fun!!!!!!!
I Can't Wait To See What You Come Up With!
-Sarah-
Here is an short story from an old Sunday school lesson that I saved and put in my horse notebook. Here it is! -Sarah-
The Foal
Once a young lady bought a foal. She raised it and trained it herself. As the foal grew, she trained him to be a trail horse. They went riding into the woods for hours, jumping over fallen trees, splashing through rivers, joyfully taking on whatever the challenges the woods presented. For many happy years they spent their free time riding trails.
The years passed. When the horse grew to be about 18 years old, he began to stumble on trails. While it didn't seem to be anything serious. it worried his owner. She took him to the vet and described his symptoms. She said, "He's fine at home. It's just that when we're out on the trails he stumbles sometimes over little things that shouldn't trip him."
After careful examination the vet gave her the new. "Your horse," he said "has an eye condition. He's probably been almost totally blind for the last two years."
"That can't be," she argued. "We ride new trails all the time. How could he run over ground and through rivers he can't even see?"
The vet's reply stunned her heart. "That," he said, "is how much he trusts you."
I think that led into trusting God. Isn't that how much we should trust God...even trough the valleys, rivers and mountains?! Hope you enjoyed!
I thought it would be cool to have this picture taken. Riding my bike is like, and is the closest thing to riding a horse! Here is the photo my brother took of me hugging the best two wheeled horse!
-Sarah-
I have finished my book! I posted the first chapter on here awhile back, and now it is finished! I am selling it on lulu as a softcover and an ebook. I have started a blog that has the first chapter and the back cover text as a sample. If you want to check it out here is the link. Enjoy! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Skylark/
We watched the this preview on their website, and we wanted it!!! We ordered it and have watched over and over. It is a really good movie...there are some really funny parts!!! Great story! We will watch it many times more.....Oh, and there is a horse of course on it. :)
We made it back from our trip! We got in and out of airports just in time!
I am working on finishing my horse book SKYLARK. I have posted the first chapter on here...It is about a girl who loves horses but can't ride them often. The book starts when she is twelve, and goes through her life, how she is able to ride horses, the horse Skylark, and how her dream comes true.
Hey everyone! We are leaving on Christmas vacation today! We will be having to deal with winter weather, so you can pray for us! Have a merry Christmas!
Here is some fun info on me and my family. Maybe you can get to know me a little better!!!
Here it is!
1. My hair is long and brown.
2. My eyes are blue.
3. I have 4 siblings, Robert(9), Jonathan(4), Rachel(2), and Wesley(1)
4. I like football! Go Oklahoma!
5. When I whistle, I suck in instead of blowing out!
6. My Mom has her own business. She has a website and sells ebooks. Here is her website...some of your Moms might enjoy it! http://www.school4jesus.com/
7. Love pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.
8. I do not have a horse, we live in a town. (I think though that a miniature horse in our back yard would be quieter then the dogs around here! : )
9. I can play the piano.
10. I am not good and math and I hate it!
11. I have a long nose...so does my mom! It's from her dad's side of the family I think.
12. I am 5 foot 5 1/2 inches.
13. This morning Robert and I weighed our selves and...my 9 year old brother weighs more then I do! He is built like our Uncle who is 6 foot 3 or something.
14. I have only ridden horses a few times....and only walking.
15. I like to take photos of my brothers and sister! They are so cute! Or just pictures in general.
16. I don't like to get up in the morning!
17. My Birthday is March 3, 1993...3/3/93...cool?!
18. Some favorite movies- Facing the Giants, Flywheel, Balletmagnificat's DVDs, The Sound of Music, Love Comes Softly series, and Little House.
19. I really like the song There is a River, done by the Gaither Vocal Band from the concert they did in south Africa. "Love Can Turn the World"
20. People out in public have thought before that some of my younger siblings, were MY kids!
Feel free to use this idea for your blog...it was fun!
Have a great day!
This is a story I am working on. It is about a girl named Hannah and her dream. This is the first chapter, but I might change it or add stuff later but this will be close anyway. Sorry if there is Typos, I have not had my mom look over it yet! I think the name of the book will be called "Skylark." Enjoy!
-Sarah-
~
Hannah
12 year old Hannah Steavenson lived with her parents Rebecca and John Stevenson, on a small piece of land with a barn, and pasture. There were just two problems; the barn and pasture were in terrible shape, and her parents didn’t have money to support a horse. As long as Hannah could remember she had wanted to ride horses. But there was no Local barn in the town where they lived, so there was not really anywhere for Hannah to ride.
Hannah couldn’t wait till that night; her parents were going to take her to the local rodeo! Hannah could hardly sit still in the car on the way; she could not wait to see what it is like to be at a real rodeo.
From in the front seat Rebecca, Hannah’s Mom said, “There is the rodeo up here on the left.”
There were pickups and horse trailers every where. Owners were grooming and tacking up their horses. Hannah’s face was glued to the window of the car. But the best part came when they were in the stands watching. She loved the barrel racing. They sped around the barrels as fast as the wind. She also liked the calf roping but didn’t enjoy the bull riding as much.
Lying in bed that night Hannah though about the rodeo. She though it would be so fun to ride, and especially, to barrel race. She knew now that’s what she would love to learn.
Soon after that Hannah was siting on the back porch of Mary Sun’s house, her best friend. Mary had some exiting news to tell. She said,
“There is a new man that moved in on the east-side of town. Well he is starting a boarding barn called Sunflower barn, and hopes to board lots of horses, AND give riding lessons.”
Hannah looked into her friend’s face; the excitement that she felt in her heart was reflected on Mary’s face. Mary said,
“Let’s go ride our bikes over their tomorrow and talk to…oh yes, Mr. Pickle is his name.”
Hannah replied,
“We should ask our parents first, right?”
“That’s right but I think they will let us. My Dad and him were friends in college,” said Mary.
Hannah said goodbye headed toward home, but she had a hard time concentrating on steering her bike because her mind was thinking about Mr. Pickle and the new Sunflower barn.
Hi my name is Sarah. I am 16 years old and love horses. I don't have any horses but like to study and ride them! All of the entries on my blog are things I have read in books or magazines. I hope you enjoy all the information!
I have also published a book during the 2009 school year, "Skylark." Here is the blog to see more about it!
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Skylark/
This one has no picture behind it.
My Dad said that it looks like I am holding the horse on this one!
This is for my book...Hannah is the girl in the story!
This is my little brother Jonathan!
And little sister Rachel!
