Quarter Horse Read Online Free PDF Page B

my brothers, and they all smell like goats.”
    “And how many calves have you roped and poles have you bent, Miss Champion Barrel Racer of the Bar None Riders?” Lisa questioned her further.
    “Not too many,” admitted Stevie.
    “Almost none,” corrected Carole. “And you weren’t the champion barrel racer of the Bar None Ranch, either. Kate was!”
    “Okay, so I stretched the truth a little.”
    Carole frowned. “Stevie, I’m getting really worried about you.”
    “Why?” Stevie looked puzzled.
    “Because you haven’t been this competitive in a long time, and it seems to be taking over every moment of your life. You’re bragging about things that aren’t true, and you’re not even enjoying our trip anymore because of this competition.” Carole shook her head. “Plus, who knows what a jerk like Gabriel might make you do if he wins the bet?”
    “Yeah,” agreed Lisa. “It might be something really humiliating!”
    “But you two are assuming he’s going to win,” Stevie replied. “He’s not. I am. Don’t worry about what he might make me do. Help me think up some appropriately disgusting thing I can make him do!”
    “I don’t know, Stevie.” Carole frowned. “He’s had a lot more experience at these rodeo events than you.”
    “Yoo-hoo! Girls!” Another voice rang out. “I’ve been looking all over the place for you three!”
    The girls turned again. San Antonio Sal was hurrying up to their spot beneath the tree, clutching a sheet of white paper.
    “I’m so glad I found you!” she said breathlessly. “I’ve got a real emergency on my hands!”
    “What’s wrong?” Lisa asked quickly.
    Sal waved the sheet of paper at the girls. “This is amessage the lady down at the rodeo office took for me. The Texarkana Twins just called from Donnersville. They ate a whole mess of bad catfish last night and came down with food poisoning. They’re not going to be able to make the rodeo!”
    “Oh no!” cried Carole. “We really wanted to meet them.”
    “Well, that’s not the worst part. All sanctioned rodeo events must have a team of three clowns. I’ve called every clown within two hundred miles and they’re all booked for bigger rodeos. If I can’t find two replacements by tomorrow, the junior events will have to be canceled!”
    “That’s terrible!” Lisa exclaimed.
    “Well, that’s where I was wondering if maybe you girls could help me out. I’ve seen how well all three of you ride, and you seem to have a lot of good old-fashioned cow sense about you. Would you be willing to take over the Texarkana Twins’ part of the act? I could show you the routines and teach you how to do the makeup. Plus, we’ll be working the junior events, so you won’t be contending with any wild broncs or bulls.” Sal smiled hopefully. “Course, it will mean you won’t be able to compete, since you’ll be working the whole time.”
    “Count me in!” cried Carole. “I can ride in a junior rodeo some other time, but I’ll probably never get the chance to be a rodeo clown again!”
    “Me too,” said Lisa. “Especially if without us, the junior events will be canceled.”
    Everyone looked at Stevie, waiting for her to join them. “I don’t know,” she finally mumbled, frowning.
    “Stevie, how can you not say yes?” Lisa asked. “It’s what The Saddle Club is supposed to do! Help out at all times!”
    “I know,” said Stevie. “And if you and Carole weren’t here I’d certainly do it. But since you two are here and you’re such good riders, you really don’t need me.” She took a deep breath and looked at San Antonio Sal. “I hope you’ll understand, but I’d rather compete in the events this time. I know Carole and Lisa will do a great job helping you out.”
    Carole’s and Lisa’s faces fell, but San Antonio Sal gave Stevie a big wink.
    “That’s okay, Stevie. I understand. I think you’ve got something to prove tomorrow, and with the help of your friends here, you’ll