"I want ye to climb aboard Watch Eyes and Billy Blaze, 'cause today noon it 'peared to me Billy was going gimpy. You children try him out and see which leg's causin' the trouble."
Paul and Maureen were glad of something to do. The way Grandpa talked made them feel like expert horsemen. Quickly they bridled the ponies, swung up bareback, and took off. Paul stayed a few lengths behind on Watch Eyes, calling commands to Maureen on Billy Blaze.
"Walk him!"
Ears swinging, head nodding, Billy stepped out big and bold. Almost bouncy.
"Trot him!"
Again he went sound, square on all four corners.
"Whoa! Turn! Come this way."
Maureen pulled up, laughing. "Except for his being so shaggy," she said, "he could be a horse in a show, his gaits are so smooth. Grandpa knew it all the time."
"Of course. He just wanted us to stop fussing over Misty. I'll race you, Maureen."