Humph, thought Maggie. I'm the one who wanted a pony.
The cows started toward the barn at a fast walk. Then they broke into a trot, and the horses did too. The cows began to gallop, and the horses kicked up their heels as they joined the excitement. That's when Dad fell off.
Maggie ran toward him yelling, "Dad, are you all right?"
He was on his feet immediately, but he rubbed his shoulder. "Yeah," he said, "but I'm going to be sore tomorrow."
* * * * *
After her father's fall, Maggie was a little afraid to try riding again. But Dad said, "It will be okay. Molly only kicked up because she got excited."
"All right," said Maggie, "but you hang on to her."
Dad put Maggie up on Molly's back and led her around a few times. Molly was fine.
"Show me how to steer," Maggie begged.
Dad showed her how to pull on one rein until the horse turned her head. Of course, Maggie also had to let go a little bit on the other side to make that possible. At first it was hard, because Molly's neck was so thick. The big mare ignored Maggie instead of turning.