Sofia and Sundance: Sofia's Story, #3

By Laura Holt-Haslam

A Journey of Trust, Friendship, and Finding Home.

Eleven-year-old Sofia Ruiz believes her dreams have come true when she's reunited with her beloved horse, Sundance, but reality has its own plans. The bickering and bossy demands of her friends, Olivia and Ryan, leave her little time alone with Sundance, but how can she stand up to them? Being the new kid at Maplewood Middle School is hard enough without worrying about losing her only two friends.

 

After an accident shakes Sundance's confidence, the once-perfect partnership between girl and horse unravels, leaving Sofia questioning her abilities and unsure of how to regain her horse's trust.

 

Sofia's world takes another unexpected turn when a mysterious letter arrives, unearthing secrets about the father who abandoned her as a young child. Fearful of her mom's likely reaction, Sofia hides the letter and wrestles with how to respond. Does she want to discover more about her father and the family she never knew she had? Should she forgive him and welcome him back into her life?

 

Will Sofia summon the strength to repair broken trust with her horse and the courage to mend the fragile bonds holding her friendships and family together? Join Sofia as she discovers that from life's challenges spring remarkable growth of self, family, and friendship. This captivating ride will linger in your heart well beyond the final page.

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laura Holt-Haslam
• Release date: Sep 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393753599

Laura Holt-Haslam

Multi-award-winning author and lifelong horse enthusiast, Laura Holt-Haslam, writes realistic middle grade fiction that inspires readers of all ages. While horses feature prominently, the heart of her writing revolves around the human characters as they navigate life in less-than-perfect families, learn how to make and be friends, overcome challenges that stand in the way of their dreams, and discover the healing power of love and forgiveness. Laura is passionate about sharing her love of horses through art, writing, and hands-on learning. For over thirty-five years, she has taught basic horsemanship and mentored hundreds of children and teens, encouraging them not only to become more confident equestrians, but more compassionate people. Laura is the mother of two young adult children. She lives in Southern Maine with her husband, two adorably naughty cats, and the friendliest dog you’ll ever meet. She and her daughter share ownership of Max, a 27-year-old palomino miniature horse who loves to jump. Learn more about Laura and her books, and Max and his friends at https://lauraholthaslam.com/.

Book preview

Chapter 1

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Sofia rubbed her arms, glad she’d worn her new sweatshirt to the barn this morning. Mom would probably scold her when she got home. Honey Bear, that’s for school. What will your classmates say when you come stinking of horses?

That’s what washing machines were for, and besides, she still had two days of summer left. Not that it felt much like summer this morning, with the temperature hovering around fifty-five degrees. Even the crickets’ incessant chirping had mellowed during the past two mornings, as if they couldn’t decide whether they should sing or go back to sleep.

She pushed her pitchfork under a pile of manure and scooped it into an overflowing wheelbarrow. Now that she was cleaning three stalls instead of two, she could barely fit the soiled bedding into the wheelbarrow, but she was too stubborn to make a second trip to the manure pile. She needed to hurry if she wanted to ride before her friends, Olivia and Ryan Murphy showed up. Once they got there, they’d probably insist on riding Sundance, too.

Sofia wanted to be generous. She really did. But all this sharing left little time for her to enjoy riding her horse.

Cleaning the stalls, paddock, and pasture was part of the arrangement she’d made with Stephanie, the owner of the barn. Sofia agreed to do all of the regular chores in exchange for Sundance’s board. Grampy had offered to pay for Sundance’s hay and grain, but Sofia planned to earn as much money as she could to help with the expenses of caring for her horse. Unfortunately, she hadn’t found anyone who was interested in paying an eleven-year-old for work.

Sofia fluffed the wood shavings in her gelding’s stall before returning the pitchfork to the wall. After sweeping the floor and dumping the wheelbarrow, she had three water buckets to scrub and refill. Then she’d be finished with the morning chores.

She dumped the contents of Snickers’ bucket, watching the dirty water swirl down the drain. For such a little guy, the miniature horse could sure make a mess. At least he hadn’t pooped in it last night. In contrast, Kit Kat’s bucket didn’t have as much as a speck of hay or wood shavings floating in the water.

Sofia pulled the phone from her back pocket to check the time. She had forty-five minutes before the last Mini Whinnies meeting of the summer was scheduled to begin. That should give her just enough time to ride before Olivia and Ryan showed up.

Where was Grace, the leader of the Mini Whinnies Horse Club? Sofia wasn’t allowed to ride Sundance alone. It was one of Stephanie’s rules. Last night Grace had agreed to supervise a quick morning ride.

Sofia texted, I finished chores. Getting Sundance ready now.

Sundance’s purple halter with red hearts and matching lead rope hung on his stall door, below the rainbow-lettered sign Ryan, had painted for them. Sofia retrieved the halter and hustled out of the barn.

Snickers snorted as Sofia strode past the miniature horses’ paddock, which had lately doubled as their riding area.

A twinge of guilt tugged at her, and she paused. Since she’d been reunited with Sundance, she’d spent little time with Snickers. She reached her hand between the worn wooden boards to stroke the tiny bay pinto’s face. Snickers’ pasturemate, Kit Kat, nickered and joined him at the fence, poking her dainty, chestnut nose into Sofia’s leg.

The Mini Whinnies Horse Club meetings were supposed to focus on miniature horses, but all Olivia and Ryan wanted to do was ride Sundance. Since his arrival a week and a half ago, the twins had ridden Sundance three times, and Grace had ridden him twice. Grace’s mother, Stephanie, had gotten on once. Sofia even led her own terrified mother around the makeshift riding ring for a few minutes. Thankfully, Grampy didn’t think his eighty-year-old body was up to riding a horse anymore.

Sofia sighed and gave Snickers a final scratch behind his white ear before continuing to Sundance’s pasture.

Sundance lifted his head and peered at Sofia through his long, white forelock. The sun had risen above the tree line, bathing his palomino coat in a warm, golden glow. He truly was the most beautiful horse in the world.

She smiled as she ran her palm down the gelding’s muscular neck. Only a few weeks ago she thought she’d never see him again, and yet here he was, nuzzling his lips against her shoulder. The Quarter Horse had been a birthday gift from Gramma Lisa, who Sofia had lived with for over a year. When Mom had demanded she move from Gramma Lisa’s house to Grampy’s place in Maine, she’d been forced to leave Sundance behind. Thankfully, Mom had broken off her engagement to the snobby control-freak, Paul, and instead of being shipped to a boarding school in England, Sofia would be starting sixth grade with Olivia and Ryan. Gramma Lisa agreed to trailer Sundance to the barn at Stephanie’s house, and Grampy offered to let Sofia and Mom live with him. Mom promised to look for their own place as soon as she found a job.

Sofia slipped the halter around Sundance’s head and led him back to the barn. His hooves echoed against the concrete floor. Clip clop. Clip clop. They seemed enormous since spending the summer handling Snickers’ and Kit Kat’s tiny feet.

She secured the cross ties to each side of her horse’s halter before wrapping her arms around his neck. She wanted to stand there forever, pressing her nose against his mane and breathing in his horsey scent.

Sofia’s phone vibrated. Grace had responded to her text.

Start getting him ready without me. I’ll be out soon.

Sundance snorted and pawed the floor.

Stop your fidgeting. Sofia grabbed a rubber curry comb from her brush box. Her horse had never been impatient at Gramma Lisa’s barn, but since arriving at Stephanie’s he’d behaved differently. He didn’t like being inside the barn while she groomed and tacked him, but at least he relaxed once he was led out to the paddock. She’d better hurry and get him outside.

After a quick grooming, Sofia fastened the chin strap on her helmet and reached for Sundance’s bridle. Riding him bareback would be fun. Besides, she doubted Ryan or Olivia would want to ride him without a saddle. It might give her a bit more time in case they arrived early. They’d probably beg her to stop and tack him up so they could ride, too, but hopefully Grace would intervene.

As Sofia led Sundance through the barn door, the Murphy’s white van bumped down the gravely driveway. Seriously? The twins were twenty-five minutes early!

Olivia scrambled out of the back seat, her crutches hitting the dirt with a clack and her riding helmet swinging from her right hand. Hey! Can I ride?

Ryan tumbled after her. Me, too!

Sofia sighed, wishing Grace would hurry up. I’m just going to hop on for a couple of minutes before Mini Whinnies starts.

That’s okay, Olivia said as she ambled across the driveway. I can ride after you finish. I’m sure Grace won’t mind if we start a little late.

Sofia was quite sure Grace would mind. Every meeting started at exactly eight in the morning, and Grace must have a lot of packing to do. She would be leaving for college tomorrow.

Ryan rubbed a hand through his bristly blond hair. His mother, Pastor Amy, must have given him a buzz cut last night. Why doesn’t he have his saddle on?

Olivia rolled her eyes and shook her head. Because Sofia’s riding bareback, stupid.

But what do you hold on to so you don’t fall off? And how do you even get up there without stirrups? Ryan stared, wide-eyed at Sundance’s naked back. I don’t think I can ride him that way.

Olivia smirked. You don’t have to. You can just watch us.

You’ve ridden bareback before? Sofia asked, trying to imagine how Olivia would keep her balance.

Olivia narrowed her eyes and scowled.

I just… I didn’t mean it like that. Now she’d have to allow Olivia to ride, or she’d never hear the end of her ranting.

For your information, a lot of hippotherapy is done without a saddle. I’ve been riding bareback forever.

Sofia stared at her paddock boots. Sorry.

Olivia poked Sofia’s foot with her metal crutch. Don’t worry about it. Let’s just ride.

What about me? Ryan whined.

Olivia shrugged. You can watch.

That didn’t seem fair, but if Ryan rode, Sofia would barely have time to hop on Sundance’s back before the meeting started.

Ryan crossed his arms and glared at Olivia. You get to ride every week at the therapy barn. And Sofia can ride anytime she wants.

Sofia’s face grew hot despite the cool morning air. She couldn’t ride whenever she wanted, because she was only allowed to mount up when an adult was watching. And Grace would be leaving for college tomorrow, which made one less person to supervise. Besides, Sundance was her horse. Not Ryan’s. Not Olivia’s. Who did all the chores? Sofia. Who paid for his care? Sofia, with Grampy’s help, of course.

Her throat burned with the words she wished to hurl at them, but she choked them back. Ryan and Olivia were her only friends, the only kids she would know on the first day of middle school. She’d changed schools so often that she knew exactly how it felt to be left out, sitting by herself during lunch, ignored by everyone, or, even worse, made the object of teasing and ridicule.

Sofia handed Sundance’s reins to Olivia, annoyed with herself for giving in to the twins’ demands so easily. I’ll get his saddle. Ryan can borrow my helmet since he doesn’t own one yet.

Olivia was already sitting astride Sundance when Sofia returned from the barn with her horse’s English saddle.

Sofia clenched her jaw to prevent herself from screaming in frustration. How did you get? she began, but cut the question short.

Olivia grinned. Picnic table.

Ryan shook his head. I told her to wait, but you know Olivia.

We don’t have all day, Olivia said. Mini Whinnies starts in twenty minutes.

Sofia glanced at Stephanie and Grace’s house. They shouldn’t be riding without Grace, but Olivia was already steering Sundance toward the minis’ paddock.

Open the gate for me, Olivia commanded.

Sofia’s hands shook in silent fury as she unlatched the chain.

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Hey, Ryan. I see you guys started without me. Grace leaned against the paddock fence, gathering her newly-dyed, purple hair into a loose ponytail. Not the greatest idea. You know my mom’s rule. It’s a good thing she’s not here to catch you.

I’m doing fine, see? Ryan continued to navigate Sundance around the set of cones he’d been practicing with.

Grace frowned. Mini Whinnies starts in five minutes, so you need to dismount and bring Sundance back to his pasture now.

Can’t we keep riding? Ryan asked. Sofia didn’t even get a turn.

Grace glanced at Sofia, and mouthed I’m sorry. This is our last meeting of the summer and I have something else planned.

What? Olivia asked.

You’ll see.

Ryan groaned. Just tell us.

Grace pursed her lips. Dismount and help Sofia untack Sundance.

You don’t have to be such a grump about it, Ryan said.

Grace’s expression hardened, reminding Sofia of the stern face Stephanie used when one of them didn’t follow her directions properly. You know, Ryan, I don’t have to do this. It’s not like anyone’s paid me to give you guys free horsemanship lessons all summer. She turned and stomped back to the barn without looking back.

Sofia glared at Ryan.

What the heck? Olivia growled at her brother.

I don’t see why we can’t just ride, he said, roughly pulling Sundance to a halt. I’m finally getting the hang of it.

You can barely even steer by yourself, Olivia said. And now Grace is mad at us.

She’s the one—

We don’t have time to fight about it. Sofia grabbed Sundance’s reins to steady him. We’re going to be late and make her even more upset.

Ryan scrunched his face. Whatever. He leaned forward in the saddle and started to swing his left leg over Sundance’s back.

Wrong side, you idiot! Olivia shouted. You dismount from the left.

Ryan’s leg hovered, suspended over Sundance’s rump. As he attempted to right himself and sit back into the saddle, the toe of his boot dug into the horse’s flank.

Sundance lurched sideways, away from the pressure of Ryan’s foot.

Sofia tugged on the reins, but Sundance backed away from her grip, dragging her with him.

Help! Ryan wrapped his arms around Sundance’s neck while his body slid a few inches further down the horse’s side with each hurried step.

Just let go! Olivia shouted.

I can’t! His legs dangled precariously close to Sundance’s belly now.

Snickers and Kit Kat looked up from their hay and snorted. They’d never worried about sharing their paddock while Sundance was being ridden, but now they pricked their ears forward in high alert.

Whoa. Whoa, Sofia pleaded. Sundance strained against her grasp, the whites of his eyes registering his alarm.

The miniature horses leapt forward, tossing their heads and bucking. As Snickers and Kit Kat raced past, Sundance broke free.

Ryan squealed as the palomino bolted. The heels of his boots skimmed along the ground beside Sundance’s galloping hooves.

Whoa! Sundance, whoa! Sofia cried.

Ryan’s hands clung to Sundance’s mane as he pressed his face against the underside of the horse’s neck. His feet cut a deep swath through the sand as the horse dragged him along, faster and faster.

Let go, Olivia repeated. You have to let go!

Whether finally obeying her command or from sheer exhaustion, Ryan released his death-grip from Sundance’s neck. His head slammed against the ground and his body skidded to a stop.

Ryan! Olivia screeched.

He lay still in the dirt as Sundance and the minis raced around the paddock.

Sofia didn’t know if she should catch Sundance or run to help Ryan, but the decision was made for her as Grace dashed to the paddock’s gate.

Olivia, help your brother. Sofia, get Sundance.

Heart pounding, Sofia sprinted toward her horse. The reins from Sundance’s bridle had slipped forward along his neck. One side hung dangerously close to the ground. If he stepped through the loop, he could get tangled and fall.

Stay calm. Don’t spook him.

Snickers charged past Sofia, nipping at Sundance’s tail before wheeling back toward Kit Kat.

As Sundance lowered his head to buck, the reins caught around his ears.

Easy, boy.

Sundance spun to face Sofia, his nostrils flaring and sides heaving.

Sofia’s hands shook as she reached for Sundance’s dangling reins. She stroked his trembling neck. You’ll be okay.

She only hoped Ryan would be, too.

Chapter 2

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Grace hovered over Ryan, while Olivia knelt beside her brother, shaking his shoulder and calling his name.

Sofia grasped Sundance’s reins. Deep wrinkles were etched into the skin above his wide eyes, and Sofia could sense his fear. She shuddered.

Ryan coughed and raised his head. He struggled to push himself into a semi-upright position before groaning and slumping back to the ground.

Are you okay? Grace helped him to sit.

Ryan shook his head. What do you think? Sundance threw me off and dragged me!

I can’t believe that happened. Sofia led her horse a few steps closer to Ryan. I’m so sorry. Sundance has never acted like that before. Her throat tightened. Maybe if she hadn’t been so impatient for Ryan to dismount, this wouldn’t have happened.

Olivia tutted. It wasn’t Sundance’s fault. Ryan’s the one who lost his balance. If he had just let go like I told him to--

Easy for you to say. Ryan wiped a streak of dirt from his face. You weren’t the one about to be trampled to death by a crazy horse.

Sofia narrowed her eyes. "Sundance is not a crazy horse."

It was an accident, Grace insisted. Sundance didn’t mean to hurt you, Ryan.

He sighed. I guess you’re right.

How are you feeling now? Grace asked. Can you stand?

I think so. Ryan took Grace’s outstretched hand and stood. He brushed sand from his jeans. I’m kind of sore, that’s all.

We need to call your mother, Grace said. You should get checked by a doctor.

I’m fine. It’s our last Mini Whinnies meeting. I want to—

No. Grace folded her arms. Remember a couple months ago when Sofia got heatstroke? I’m not going to make that mistake again. I’m calling your mom right now.

Sofia’s face flushed. She’d rather forget that embarrassing incident. I’m sorry.

Olivia scrambled to her feet, using her crutches to push her up. Stop apologizing, Sofia.

Sorry.

Olivia laughed. You said it again.

Sorry. Sofia attempted to smile, and then turned away as her eyes welled with tears. She dabbed at them with the sleeve of her sweatshirt, hoping Olivia hadn’t noticed.

Grace wrapped a protective arm around Ryan’s shoulders and guided him to the gate. Olivia glanced back at Sofia before joining them. They exited the paddock and sat at the picnic table beside the barn.

Sofia remained with her horse in the make-shift riding area, unsure of what she should do next. Sundance’s breathing had returned to normal, and Snickers and Kit Kat were back at their hay bags, chewing contentedly as if nothing had happened. Ryan didn’t seem to be seriously injured. So why were her hands still trembling?

She hissed out a long, frustrated breath. Instead of riding Sundance as she’d planned, she’d given in to Olivia and Ryan yet again. Where was her turn to ride her own horse?

No, she shouldn’t think like that. Ryan had gotten hurt. But whose fault was it that Ryan fell off in the first place?

I should have been able to control my own horse.

That was just it, though. Sundance was her horse. Olivia and Ryan had showed up twenty-five minutes early expecting to boss their way into riding her horse. They’d gotten exactly what they’d wanted. Why couldn’t she stand up for herself?

Sofia led Sundance through the gate. There was no time to ride now.

Yes, Amy. Grace rose from the picnic table, her phone pressed against her ear. He fell from Sundance. He seems okay now, but he might have bumped his head. She paced in a circle. Yes, you can talk with him.

Ryan groaned before taking the phone. Don’t freak out, Mom… No… Don’t call an ambulance! Ryan nodded before handing the phone back to Grace. Mom’s coming. She’ll be here in ten minutes.

Olivia sighed. I guess this means I’ll have to go, too.

Sofia halted Sundance. So we’re not having a Mini Whinnies meeting?

Grace shook her head.

Sofia closed her eyes. Their very last meeting had been canceled. Grace would leave for college and that would be it. No more Mini Whinnies until when? Next summer?

She swallowed the bile burning her throat. Can I have my helmet back?

Ryan stared at her. Oh! I forgot I still had it on.

Olivia rolled her eyes. "It’s a good thing you were wearing it.