Spirit galloped through the golden grass. A blue butterfly darted low, skimming past her ears. She stopped, one hoof raised.
Then a whistle echoed across the hill. Spirit's ears swiveled. She knew that sound.
The girl stepped into the meadow, holding out a shiny red apple. 'Come here, Spirit!' she called.
Spirit trotted forward, but the butterfly fluttered away. She paused, watching it rise. Her stomach rumbled.
Spirit cantered up the green hill. At the top, she stopped and gazed at the endless sky.
The girl reached the top, breathless. She held out her hand. 'Are you okay?' she whispered.
Spirit nudged her palm with her nose and let out a soft nicker. The girl smiled.
They walked back together. The butterfly landed on the horse's nose. She sneezed! Both laughed as they went down the hill.