The Boy and the Talking Horse

The Boy and the Talking Horse Jane MEADOW

Noah lived on a small farm with a big red barn and a field of yellow flowers. Every morning he put on his yellow rubber boots and his straw hat with the frayed brim. Then he ran to the paddock to see his horse, Star. Star was chestnut brown with a white star on her forehead and a cream mane that shone in the sun. She wore a red halter with a small brass bell that jingled when she walked. 1

Noah loved Star more than anything. He brushed her coat until it gleamed and gave her fresh hay and cool water. Star would nuzzle his curly dark hair and make soft, happy sounds. Noah talked to her all the time, telling her about his day and his dreams. Star listened with her big dark eyes and flicked her long ears, but she never said a word back. Noah didn't mind. He knew horses couldn't talk. 2

One sunny morning, Noah brought Star a bucket of oats. He set it down and said, 'Here you go, Star. Your favorite!' Then a voice said, 'Finally! I've been waiting all morning. These oats are good, but I prefer them with a little apple chopped in. And not too much, mind you.' Noah dropped the bucket. 'Did you just talk?' he gasped. 3

'Of course I talked,' said Star, swishing her cream tail. 'I've been talking for years, but you never listened. Now, about these oats—they're a bit dry. Next time, add a chopped apple. And maybe a carrot. But not too much carrot; it makes me fizzy.' Noah stared, his hazel eyes wide. Then he started to giggle. 'You can talk! And you have opinions!' 4

Star flicked her ears. 'I have many opinions,' she said. 'For example, I think we should go for a walk on the hill path today. Not the muddy one by the creek. The hill path has better grass and a lovely view.' Noah laughed again. 'Okay, Star. The hill path it is.' He put on her blue blanket because the morning was cool, and they set off together. 5

As they walked, Star kept talking. 'This grass is nice,' she said, 'but the clover by the fence is sweeter. And you walk a little fast. I like to stop and smell things.' Noah slowed down. He had never thought about what Star wanted. He always just did what he thought was best. But now he listened carefully. 'Sorry, Star,' he said. 'I'll go slower.' Star nodded her head. 'Thank you. That's very kind.' 6

When they got home, Noah gave Star her hay. Star sniffed it. 'This hay is a bit dusty,' she said. 'Could you shake it out? It makes me sneeze.' Noah shook the hay and gave it back. Star ate happily. 'Much better,' she said. 'You're a good listener, Noah.' Noah smiled so wide that the gap between his front teeth showed. 'I'm trying,' he said. 7

That night, Noah went to the barn to say goodnight. Star was already in her stall. 'Noah,' she said, 'I don't like to be alone in the dark. Could you leave the barn door open a little? Just a crack? Then I can see the moon.' Noah opened the door a little. 'Is that better?' he asked. Star sighed happily. 'Much better. Goodnight, Noah.' 'Goodnight, Star,' he said. 8

The next morning, Star had more to say. 'I think we should explore the far meadow today,' she said. 'I've never been there, and I'm curious.' Noah had never been there either. 'Let's go!' he said. They walked through the gate and up a small hill. The far meadow was full of tall grass and wildflowers. Star gasped. 'Oh, it's beautiful! I'm so glad we came.' 9

They spent the whole morning in the meadow. Star told Noah about the time she was a young horse and raced the wind. Noah told Star about his dream of building a treehouse. They laughed and talked and nibbled apples. Noah realized that Star was not just a horse. She was a friend with thoughts and feelings, just like him. And listening to her made everything more fun. 10

On the way home, Star stopped. 'Noah,' she said, 'I have a worry. What if you stop talking to me? What if you forget about me when you grow up?' Noah put his hand on her warm neck. 'Star,' he said, 'you're my best friend. I will never forget you. And I will always listen. I promise.' Star nuzzled his cheek. 'That makes me very happy,' she whispered. 11

From that day on, Noah listened to Star every day. He learned that she liked her oats with apple, that she loved the hill path, that she needed the barn door open at night, and that she dreamed of seeing the ocean. Noah did his best to make her happy. And Star listened to Noah, too. She learned that he liked to sing while he worked and that he was afraid of thunder. She would stand close to him during storms and tell him funny stories until he felt brave. 12

Their days filled with small adventures. They explored the creek and the woods and the top of the hill. Star told Noah which paths were safe and which had too many rocks. Noah told Star which fields had the sweetest grass. They were a team. And whenever Noah had a problem, he would tell Star, and she would listen with her long ears flicked forward and her big dark eyes soft. Then she would give him advice, and he would feel better.