The Boy and the Rescue Pony

Jack gives up his Saturdays to help at the animal sanctuary, and one morning Mara introduces him to a new rescue pony called Pepper. The cream and chestnut pinto has a messy flaxen mane and a wary look, and she clearly carries the noise of her old farm with her. She refuses to eat, will not be touched, and presses into the corner of her stable whenever Jack comes close. Carrots, a cheerful voice and eager attention all fail, and Jack starts to believe he cannot help her at all.

Mara explains that Pepper needs calm rather than excitement, and that frightened animals feel safe when the same gentle things happen the same way each day. So Jack changes his approach, arriving early to speak softly from the stable door, brush Pepper's coat with long slow strokes and offer a small handful of hay without hurrying or shouting. This gentle tale by Jane MEADOW follows his patient routine and what slowly begins to change. Readers can find the story on Kids Tale Book.