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.
"Kick her over in the direction you want to go," said Dad.
"No," said Maggie. "I don't want to hurt Molly."
Dad laughed and said, "Honey, you're too small to hurt that big horse.
She'll barely feel you."
So Maggie kicked and the big lazy horse turned.