If I Could Ride

By Don Miller

Jodie Brown, living on a small run-down farm, is a teenage girl who loves horses. Her dream is to sometimes own and ride her own horse and compete in a horse show. However, being born with a physical disability makes it impossible for her to ride. With her father passing away and her mother working two jobs to make ends meet, owning a horse is out of the question. Bridgett Van Heusen, living on a beautiful, modern farm, is a teenage girl who has it all. With her own beautiful horse and a personal horse trainer, Bridgett competes on the horse-show circuit. She has the best of everything and is very talented. She wins many ribbons and trophies and is on the road to becoming a championship rider. Fate brings Jodie and Bridgett together. A couple of dramatic events happen that will change both girls' lives and will tug at so many emotions-an ending that exemplifies life's lessons.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 27, 2019
• ISBN: 9781644711255

Don Miller

Ph.D. awarded in clinical psychology from the University of Utah in August 1966. Dr. Miller has written movie scripts and other books. Detailed synopses of his works can be found on his website. He has a full time practice in Chula Vista, California, near San Diego.

Book preview

9781644711255_cover.jpg

If I Could Ride 

Don Miller

ISBN 978-1-64471-123-1 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64471-124-8 (Hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-64471-125-5 (Digital)

Copyright © 2019 Don Miller

All rights reserved

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Covenant Books, Inc.

11661 Hwy 707

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

About the Author

Dedicated to my two precious granddaughters Madilyn and Olyvia

Cover photo

Girl—Sydney Chatlos

Horse—Yogi

Photo by David Nelson

Chapter 1

It is Chamber of Commerce Day! The riders in the horse-show ring are listening intently to the judge in the center as he speaks in his mic. Reverse and trot is his command. Bridgett tugs her horse’s rein. Barkley, turn now, and the horse instantly obeys and begins a trot. Bridgett posts in time with the horse’s gait while wiping a drop of sweat from her brow. Jimmy, the horse trainer, and Bridgett’s mother, Victoria, are watching closely from the grandstands. Victoria cheers Bridgett on with a gentle clapping with her hands. You go, dear. You’re the best!

As the competition continues, a young girl leans against the horse-ring fence, intently watching the competition. Her crutches beside her, Jodie turns to her mother, Sandy. Mom, Bridgett is so good, and I just love that horse.

Sandy replies, Yes, what a beautiful horse. I’m sure it’s the best horse here.

Jodie now grabs her crutches. Mom, I just want to ride so bad. Why can’t we get a horse?

Sandy gently puts her hand on her daughter’s shoulder and, in a soft voice, says, You know, dear, since your dad died four years ago, we’re barely making ends meet now. I’ve been working two jobs, so we certainly can’t afford a horse.

Jodie, with a big sigh, says, I know, Mom, I know. I’m sorry, but I can dream.

Sandy, with a sad face, gives her a hug, and they resume watching the competition.

The judge calls the horses to line up in the center of the ring. Bridgett impatiently yanks Barkley’s reins, guiding him to the center. She whispers under her breath, Come on, let’s get this stupid judging over and give me the trophy. I’m hot and tired.

The judge does some writing on his scorepad and grabs the mic. Third place goes to Mary Johnson riding Debbie. He walks up and hands her the ribbon. A splattering of applause. Second place to Abby Brown riding Spencer. Again, applause. And finally, this year’s grand champion winner goes to Bridgett Van Huesen riding Barkley. The judge walks over and hands Bridgett the trophy and hangs the ribbon on the horse’s bridle.

Victoria cheers loudly, clapping her hands. Great job, dear. You were so much better than the others.

A quiet murmur goes through the crowd. Jodie, walking with her crutches toward the horse-ring exit, says, See, Mom, I told you she was good. Let’s go see her.

Bridgett