The twins watched as the chestnut-colored himself safe. He discussed how to groom horses while watching for signs of illness. He pointed horse calmed and started cutting a fine circle out that horses spooked easily and. if they felt around Jarod, the Rocking A's horse trainer. hreatened, they would run, jump, or kick. Jarod With his head up, nose forward, and golden tail seemed impressed by Kwasi's knowledge, streaming behind. Spirit made wide rings. He "Now that you are fourteen. can you handle trotted easily at the end of the thirty.foot strap responsibility? Jarod asked. Kwasi looked that connected Spirit to Jarod's hand. Directing his pupil, Jarod used vocal commands to signal puzzled. Walk, he said just loud Accepting sole responsibility of a horse is a the horse's next move, it slowed, major commitment. What if you want to play a enough for Spirit to hear him. Spirit's sport after school, but Spirit needs exercise at the "Halt. Jarod said, shifting the strap from one same time? You can't wait to care for him at your hand to the other. convenience. Kiah might help. but she has other Reverse," Jarod said, tugging on the strap interests. You must be able to spend time with Spirit cocked one ear forward and one back. He Spirit. Are you ready for that?" hesitated. paused for a moment. and stomped the ground. "Reverse Jarod repeated 15 Kwasi took a deep breath and nodded. "I a hoof on would give up some things if Spirit were mine in a louder voice. Spirit walked backward he said finmly. a few steps Jarod patted Kwasi on the back and said, "I'll When the training session ended, Jarod talk to your folks stroked the horse's neck. Then he released Spirit The next day. Kwasi and Jarod took Spirit into a nearby pasture. He strolled over to talk to into the training arena. Kw held the line and the twins gave the commands while Jarod guided the 8 "Do you think you're ready to take charge horse according to Kwasi's directions. Finall Jarod asked K Jarod stepped away from Spirit, and Kwasi took I think so. Kwasi said with some hesitation. 10 "Let's get together after you finish your chores control, Spirit trotted smoothly 18 All of a sudden, a puff of wind blew a plastic You can tell me everything you know about caring for horses, We ll see if you are up to the bag into the arena. It landed in Spirit's path. He stopped, snorted, and laid his ears back. Starting challenge to shy, he leaped sideways, raised his head, and When the twins tunned eight years old, they started doing chores that included caring for dropped his back. He reared and then down. He was ready to run away. Kwasi's heart mucked the stalls every day the horses. They thumped hard in his chest. He wasn't sure what to remove manure and lay fresh straw. They neatly hung ropes and checked halters for to do, but he kept a firm grip on the line. 19 Jarod calmly called out, "He's nervous about flexibility. They made sure that brushes, sponges, hoof picks, and sweat scrapers were clean and that bag. Loosen the lead and give him some orderly. They checked the tack room slack. Reassure him. Don't let him think you to see are scared." that first aid kits and other medical supplies 20 Kwasi tried not to show his nervousness. for the horses were in place. They cleaned and With all the confidence he could muster, he tack and equipment. The organized the horses talked quietly to Spirit as he loosened the line. twins took turns feeding the horses. Sometimes Almost immediately, the horse calmed down. they fed them grains, but usually they fed the Jarod walked toward Spirit and stroked hi horses fresh alfalfa and water. neck. Then he shook s hand. "I think 12 After completing his chores, Kwasi met with you're ready," Jarod announced. Jarod and explained what he knew about horses. He talked about keeping the stable. horses and