Horses Forever: A Miranda and Starlight Story

By Janet Muirhead Hill

To race or not to race? That is the question Heavenly Acres Horse Ranch owner, Miranda Stevens, struggles to answer. Not everyone agrees with her decisions. “Racing is what your horses were bred for,” Higgins, her old friend and trainer, reminds her. With each generation of fast horses sired by her beloved stallion, Starlight, she is faced with the decision. Should she risk injury or deprive them of what they seem to love? The quandary is worsened when she and her boyfriend, Christopher Bergman, disagree.

Higgins encourages Miranda and her boyfriend, Chris, to enter their jointly-owned horses into some big races in preparation for the Kentucky Derby and helps them raise the money to get started. A filly named Beauty shows remarkable potential, drawing national and international attention. An English aristocrat wants to buy her, but Miranda and Chris won't sell. The next best thing for the British farm owner is to have his mares bred to Beauty's sire. Many adventures—as well as a strained relationship with Chris—are in store for Miranda when she takes Starlight abroad. Miranda's horseracing experiences teach her many things, not the least of which is what she wants to do with the rest of her life. Devastated by the fate of some retired racehorses, she envisions Heavenly Acres as a haven for used and broken horses.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Raven Publishing of Montana
• Release date: Jul 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781937849351

Janet Muirhead Hill

Janet Muirhead Hill is the author of thirteen published novels for children ages 8-18. She co-authored curriculum units to adapt the novels for use in classrooms and home schools.Hill has presented many writing and publishing workshops across the state and in Colorado and Oregon. She is available to present workshops to fit one, two, three, four, or five days of instruction depending on the needs and time schedules of her sponsors and students. She has conducted many one-day school visits in Montana and Colorado, and has plans for longer residencies. She wrote and published comprehensive workbooks for use with her three, four, and five-day writing workshops. She is listed in the Artist's Registry of the Montana Arts Council.Her published children’s and young adult novels include the award-winning Miranda and Starlight series of eight (soon to be nine) books, Danny’s Dragon, a Story of Wartime Loss, winner of the Eric Hoffer Award, and a trilogy about twins, separated at a young age and searching for each other. Kyleah’s Tree, a finalist for both the High Plains Book Award and USA Book News, Best Book Award, is the the girl twin's story. It's companion novel, Kendall's Storm, silver medal winner of the Moonbeam Award, is the boy twin's story. Kendall and Kyleah, is the third book of the series completes their story. Her book, Call Me Captain has been renamed, The Body in the Freezer, and is a story about a 13-year-old rich kid who is both smart, and smart-mouthed searching for his place in the world—and finding when forced to "volunteer" in a homeless shelter.Hill calls the writing she does “true fiction,” because, she says, “My goal is to tell the truth about the human experience, its dilemmas, natural responses, and emotions through fictional characters; characters children relate to; characters who will help them better understand themselves, giving them comfort and encouragement in their own lives.”Ms. Hill spends much of her free time enjoying the outdoors, her horses, and most of all her family, which includes eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. She writes and publishes from her home office in rural Montana near the Madison River.

Book preview

Chapter One

Seventeen-year-old Miranda Stevens spoke softly to Star Prince as she rode the black gelding around the newly constructed racetrack. Her words were an effort to calm her own anxiety as much as to quiet the prancing horse who clearly wanted to run. She wasn’t sure why she felt so nervous. She’d been riding fast horses for years, even in races against adults when she was just a kid. Today, the only competition was the clock, yet, as her churning stomach told her, much was at stake in the race against time.

As she rounded the last curve back toward the starting gate, her stomach did a backflip. The men and women crowding the fence had come to Heavenly Acres for one purpose only. They wanted to see if this wonder horse could live up to Higgins’ claims.

See that, Prince? They’ve come to see your magic. We can’t let them down.

For starters, she didn’t want to let Higgins down. He had made this exhibition possible. She replayed the words of the old horse trainer in her mind as she guided Prince into the starting gate. These horses were bred to run, he’d said. I’d hate to see all the years of breeding that Cash put into them go to waste. You’ve only begun to see what they can do. Think what you can do with the money that could be made by spreading the word about this bloodline.

With his encouragement, she and her boyfriend, Chris Bergman, had built this track near Higgins’ house. They’d recently invested in a starting gate, and concentrated on training Star Prince and his full sister, two-year-old Beauty. They were out of Chris’s mare, Queen, sired by Starlight, Miranda’s stallion. Queen and Starlight were products of the late Cash Taylor’s careful selection and breeding.

Ready, Miranda? Chris called with his hand on the lever that opened the gate.

She nodded and the gate sprang open. Star Prince didn’t hesitate. He leapt into a full gallop the instant the gate opened. Miranda neither tried to curb his pace nor urge him to a faster one. She’d learned that he did best by setting his own speed from beginning to end.

When they flew past the finish line, Miranda began to talk him down as she pulled gently on the reins a little at a time. Good boy, my Prince. I think you impressed them. You impressed me. I’ll see what the clock says, but I believe I’m going to have to admit you’re as fast as your daddy.

Exclamations from the small crowd greeted their return. Are you sure that’s right? someone asked Higgins.

Maybe the track is shorter than you think, another man said.

It’s exactly a mile, Higgins said. "We made sure of that, so by moving the finish line a quarter mile down the track, as we did, we have the same distance as the Kentucky Derby and the Santa Anita Derby. None of the Stakes races we want to enter him in is more than that. Most are a mile or one and an eighth.

Well, before I invest any money in this kid, a gelding, no less, I’ll measure it myself.

Yes, a third guy spoke up, do you realize how rare it is for a gelding to win a major race?

Of course I know, Higgins said. It’s happened a total of nine times in all the history of the Kentucky Derby, less, I believe, in the Santa Anita. That’s what I’m telling you. This horse is exceptional.

Mind if I drive my jeep around your track to measure it with my odometer?

Be my guest, Higgins said.

Would it be possible to see him run again? asked a woman in the crowd. I’d like an average of three times.

Sure, Miranda said. He’d love to go again. She patted his neck affectionately.

When she returned from the second dash around the track, Miranda saw a lot of shaking heads as the observers bent over stopwatches. Do you want me to go again? she asked.

Don’t you think you should rest him first?

He’s not tired.

Not a drop of sweat, and he’s not breathing hard, Higgins pointed out. I told you this fellow has stamina as well as speed.

Well, we wouldn’t expect much sweat in February, the man with the jeep said as he pulled his coat collar up.

I would, another man said, After two runs like that?

I’ll go again, if you’re ready, Miranda said, ending the discussion.

Chris grinned and stepped up to man the starting gate.

Star Prince didn’t let them down. His average for three races clocked at 2:03.42, his best time being the second run at 1:58.81.

Unbelievable. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I’d have laughed at the rumor that a horse from a local stable had such speed and stamina, the woman said.

And the track as he ran it is indeed one and a quarter miles, the man with the jeep declared.

I’m in for a thousand, and I know I can get the same from some friends of mine. A win is good publicity for Montana, the woman said. Let’s put our little corner of the world on the map of the horse-racing circuit.

Miranda could hardly believe what she was hearing as others in the group pledged money to pay her entry fees in several California races for horses four years old and older. Higgins had found four races that would take place during spring break from Chris and Miranda’s senior year in high school. It now looked like it might really happen.

You will, of course, hire a professional jockey, won’t you? the woman said in parting.

The others stopped and looked at Miranda.

I thought I’d ride him myself. You saw what I can do.

I want every advantage if I’m going to gamble on this horse. Sure he’s fast with you. He’ll be even faster with a lightweight, experienced rider, a man said.

Are you saying I’m too fat? Too inexperienced? I know this horse better than anyone. I’ve raced before. I know the ropes.

No offense, Miranda. And, no, you’re not fat. You’re tall, the woman said. How much do you weigh?

Miranda glared at her.

I know it’s rude to ask a woman her weight, but as tall as you are, you’d be extremely unhealthy to weigh what the average jockey weighs.

I’m 123 pounds and 5 ft. 9.

You’re underweight for your height, but overweight for a jockey. You’d have to starve yourself to qualify to ride in most races. You’d have to ride without a saddle—if that were allowed—and it’s not, the woman explained.

The saddle you’re using is a good one. It has enough padding to protect his withers. Too much racing in too light a saddle will take a toll on a horse. Higgins added.

Miranda sighed. Okay. I’ll find a rider.

With everything set except for one little thing—her parents’ permission—Miranda went home to give them the good news.

I wish you could have seen Star Prince run. Oh, my gosh! He’s amazing. Higgins was right. The people who watched are willing to invest in his racing career. At least the races Higgins has lined up in California.

When are these races, Miranda, and how do you propose getting him there? Dad asked.

I don’t want you riding in any race against a whole lot of horses thundering down a track in a cluster, Mom said. I witnessed that once before, and it scared me to death.

I know, Mom. I won’t be riding. I’ll find a professional rider. That’s part of the deal.

When, Miranda? Dad asked again.

All of the races take place during spring break, so I won’t miss any school. Not much, anyway. Higgins wants to go, and Chris, of course. If we could borrow your truck and pull the little horse trailer, we could get there, but better yet, would be to take the horse van so we’d have living quarters.

Noticing Dad’s frown, she hurried to add, But even better still would be if you’d go, Dad, do most of the driving and watch the races with us.

I’d feel much better about it if you would go, Barry, mom said. Can you?

I guess I could. I’m between jobs right now until it warms up enough to pour concrete for that new house in town.

And just like that, it was approved. Now she just had to find a jockey.

Before going to bed, Miranda called her best friend, Laurie Langley. She told her all about the race and the amount of money raised to sponsor Star Prince to go to races in California. Want to come along?

I would if I could, but Dad and I are taking Mom to New Mexico for spring break. It’s a surprise. She’s been looking at brochures from this hot springs resort down there and drooling over it. It will be so good for her.

Ah, sounds like fun, Miranda said and then got to the point of her call. Do you know whatever happened to Colton? Is he still in touch with Rose Marie?

In touch? Laurie laughed. That’s an understatement. There’s talk about them getting married.

Really? Is he still racing horses?

Yes. Doing quite well, or so I’ve heard. Rose Marie’s only complaint about him is that he’s traveling all over the country. She’d say yes, if he’d just settle down.

I need to get hold of him. Do you have a number?

I can give you Rose Marie’s. She can tell you how to reach him.

Thanks. I need to talk him into riding for me. I’ve been told I’m just too big and heavy to ride my own horse in any of the major races.

You? Heavy? They must be crazy.

No, racetracks have weight specifications. That’s why jockeys are small.

Colton Spencer was a young jockey that Mr. Taylor had hired to ride for his Shady Hills Ranch, starting with Starlight’s first race. Though young and inexperienced, he turned out to be one of the best jockeys around, due in part to Miranda’s tutelage. Before Colton, no one but Miranda had ever ridden Starlight without being thrown, and she’d wanted to keep it that way. Colton had chafed under Cash Taylor’s harsh criticism and finally quit when he could no longer take it. But before he left, he had fallen in love with Laurie’s cousin, and apparently the feeling was mutual.

Chapter Two

Miranda called Colton, crossing her fingers and wracking her brain for the most persuasive words to use. He had to say yes. She didn’t want to hire a stranger to ride her horse.

Hi, Colton. This is Miranda Stevens. Do you remember me?

Miranda! What a great surprise. How’s Starlight? I heard you got him and some other horses when Mr. Taylor died. I don’t know what you did to make that man love you so much. He sure didn’t have much use for me. Tell me all about yourself and what you’ve been doing with all the horses. You still have them, don’t you? Or did you have to sell them? Just tell me you still have Starlight.

Miranda laughed, wondering how he expected her to answer when he never paused for breath.

Yes, I have Starlight. I’d rather cut off my right arm than part with him. And I have some of his offspring that are just as fast if not faster.

Great. Are you racing them? I swear there are few horses out there that can come close to beating Starlight, and I should know. I’ve ridden a fair number of fast horses.

Well, that’s what I’m calling about. I have some ready to go, one I want to race in about a month. But I need a rider. I was wondering if I could hire you.

Really? You’d still trust me with your horses?

More than anyone I know.

By the end of the conversation, Miranda urged Colton to come a couple of weeks early so he’d have time to get to know the horses before race time. He said, No problem. He might even come sooner than that.

Higgins said you can have the spare room at his house, so I’ll stable Star Prince there, Miranda said.

Higgins? That old goat still around? He must be a hundred years old.

Not quite, Miranda said, laughing. He’s in his late eighties and as good a horse trainer as ever. It’s thanks to him that I’m getting back in the racing circuit. He’ll be your boss—next to me, that is.

That’s super. I always could get along with Higgins.

Everyone can get along with Higgins. It would take a real jerk not to. Miranda said, as admiration for her old friend filled her heart. It was going to be like old times working with Colton under Higgins’ wise guidance.

Miranda called Laurie back to ask a favor. This race is just the beginning. Higgins has convinced me that I have horses meant to run. I’d be dishonoring Mr. Taylor, if I never gave them a chance.

Well, I’m sure where he is, he doesn’t mind either way Laurie said drolly of Miranda’s benefactor who had passed away years ago.

I know, Miranda said, laughing. But Higgins has convinced me. We’re going to put Heavenly Acres on the map. And guess what we need before the first race.

A truckload of money? Laurie ventured.

That would be nice, but no. Jockey silks. They’re kind of like a logo. People will start looking for it.

Are you going to ask me to help you make them?

Yes, help design them and maybe sew them as well. When Laurie didn’t answer, she added. I’d pay you.

No. I wouldn’t let you. I owe you for chores I haven’t been helping with like I should. I’ll come over tomorrow."

After school the next day, the two girls bent over a catalog for ideas. After much discussion, they decided on a simple design to represent their horse ranch. A forest green silhouette of mountains all the way around the bottom half of the jockey’s shirt and a lone star, also in green above the highest peak would be sewn onto a field of shiny white.

Do you think you could make a helmet cover too?

Sure. I’ll get a pattern. What do you want on it?

Just the one green star in the front. The rest white. Miranda said, What do you think?

That’s exactly what I was thinking. Let’s go shopping for material tomorrow. Do they have to be silk?

"No. They still call them silks, but silk isn’t used anymore. We want four-way stretch nylon lycra for the shirt. I like the pullover design. Aerodynamic, it’s called. We could make the neckband green to match the hills. Will that be hard with the opening on the shoulder instead of down the front? Miranda asked.

No, not hard. I like the green collar. When can we go shopping for the material?

I don’t know. There is so much to do to get ready for the race, Miranda paused before asking, Would you mind doing the shopping so much? I’ll give you the money.

Laurie didn’t mind. While she shopped and sewed, Miranda worked with the horses.

When a faded red, older model Honda Civic with a blue drivers-side door pulled into the driveway, Miranda thought back to the day six years ago when she first met Colton Spencer. He’d driven a similarly beat-up car all the way from Kansas to hire on as a jockey for Mr. Taylor. She’d been jealous of the slight, shy, and acne-ridden teenager, for she was supposed to help him ride her beloved Starlight, something no one else had been able to do successfully. She and Colton had grown to be good friends before he finally quit working for Shady Hills and moved on.

As he stepped out of the old car, she ran to meet him. He seemed different. He was still short and thin with a longish nose and blue eyes that seemed big for his narrow face. His skin was smooth and tan with no blemishes. His broad, disarming smile gave him an air of confidence that had been lacking before. When Miranda had last seen him when she was thirteen, they’d been the same height, but now she towered over him. He was little more than five feet tall.

Good grief, you’ve grown, Miranda.

I know. It’s why you’re here, because I’m too big to meet the weight requirements without starving myself, which I really don’t want to do.

No. It’s nice to be little in this line of work. I have friends who have to throw up everything they eat in order to stay light enough. It’s no way to live.

I see you’ve traded up, Miranda teased, touching the hood of his car.

No sense spending lots of money on a car as long as it gets me to riding jobs. Colton caressed the hood. The one I drove to Shady Hills finally died. I found this one for next to nothing. I just had to get a door from the salvage yard.

Miranda laughed and reached for Colton’s hand. Come meet Star Prince. He’s out of Queen by Starlight, and one of the fastest horses I own. I haven’t had a chance to race him against his daddy yet. I’d like to try that sometime after you get used to Star Prince.

Colton fell in love with Prince. His respect for Higgins bordered on hero worship, and he became an even better horseman under the old man’s patient guidance.

Between her work as Doc Talbot’s