I had read this before, but decided to read it again before reviewing it here. Interesting story, even though I'm not into horses.

Darla Jean Randall was daydreaming about being in the Olympics one day. Her best friend, Amy Yamamoto, was waiting for her. Amy reminded her that she had a group lesson shortly. As they biked to the Academy, they talked about DJ getting her own horse. They soon arived at the Briones Riding Academy. DJ gave a carrot to her favorite horse, Diablo. She felt that she couldn't love him more if she owned hem. Bridget. the owner, told her that one of her students, Angie, wouldn't be there to review leads & start figure eights and to give Diablo extra attention because the owners would be there. The entry feeds for the next show had to be in the next day, & DJ hated asking Gram for money. DJ hurried to her class of 2 preteen girls. One of the girl's Krissy, said her horse was stubborn, but she was more so. DJ told her that more practice would help. The other girl, Samantha, reminded DJ of herself when she was 8, the way she wanted to compete. DJ repeated the advice given her, "If you want it bad enough, you can make it happen." After the lesson, she did her chores in the barn. The July day was getting hot. She decided to pretend that Diablo was really hers. She took him through the entire routines. James followed on his horse. DJ would have given him advice on how to ride better, but he had made it plain that he didn't want her advice. Afterwards she cleaned tack until it had a shine!

Gran had promised to pay her entry fees, all she had to do was ask. Maybe she could offer to do chores without grumbling? Gran had also told her to ask God for what she needed, but she didn't like to bother Him about small things. When she talked to Gran, Gran's voice seemed off in her painting. DJ started by asking when her mom would be home. Gran was glad she had the money to give her, and read a book. DJ found that this was the best time of the day to draw. She propped herself in bed to draw horses.

In the morning, DJ rode to the Academy by herself. Diablo was gone! ( )

http://equus-blog.com/olympic-dreams-by-lauraine-snelling/ ( )