When Hanna and Shy Guy joined the other kids for
their daily lesson a few days later, Madison warned
them to keep some distance, just in case. But under a
saddle, Shy Guy was confident. Sturdy.
Fearless.
Even when a barn cat got into the arena and
frightened the other horses—especially Josh’s horse,
whom he hollered at in his Tennessee accent as it
spooked and ran—Shy Guy stood his ground.
Hanna got him up to a canter that same day, and
she couldn’t hold back a shriek of excitement when
they shot across the arena. Shy Guy’s legs extended
far out in front of him; it felt like they were f lying.
“There it is again!” shouted Madison, grabbing
Fletch’s arm and pointing. “See? He can extend his
canter too.”
“Whoa.” He took off his hat. “What in the name
of . . .? Who trained him to do that?”
“Who knows,” said Madison. Hanna blushed
under their words, even though she knew it had
nothing to do with her. It was all Shy Guy—a jewel
hidden in plain sight.
When Hanna led Shy Guy through the barrel
pattern, everyone cheered. Shy Guy strutted after
that, like he knew he was a big shot.
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