The Day Begins

   Marko Bear woke up one morning, 

stretched, and just knew that something 

   great was  going to happen today.

  Today was Marko's birthday!

       Morning Routine

   Marko hurried and got dressed, then went to the 

   bathroom to brush his teeth and comb his hair.         

    Then he went to his room and made his bed just 

     like he always did.

Breakfast

  Lola, Marko's sister, and his mom were already in

the kitchen when Marko went to breakfast. "Happy

 Birthday, Marko," said Lola and his mom.

  "Hurry and eat your breakfast.  Your dad and I 

have a special surprise for your birthday, " his

 mom said.

          Birthday Surprise

 Just then, Marko's dad came into the kitchen and went to the calendar on the refrigerator.  A gold heart was around the date.  

  Marko's dad told the family, "For your birthday, we are

   going to go--- horseback riding!"

   Lola jumped up and down in her chair.  "Yeah!  That sounds like so much fun."

 Marko was excited at first, but then he got kind of nervous.  "What if I fall off the horse and get hurt?" he thought to himself.

Driving to the Stables

  The family got into the van and Dad drove to the Sunshine Stables.  Lola was asking, "Are we there yet?" but Marko was quiet in the back seat.  Lola

   said to Marko, "You will do fine on a horse. We all

   will help you."

  Soon the family arrived at the stables and were met by the stable owner.  He gave them all riding helmets and then he went to get the horses.

Meeting the Horses

Dad chose a Palomino, Mom chose a paint, and Lola

 chose a bay.  Marko's eyes got BIG when he saw the

 horse that the owner had brought for him.  It was a

 horse named Chestnut.

  "He's so BIG--I'm scared," said Marko.  He tried to hide

 behind his mom.  "It will be fine," his mom said.

The stable owner said, "Chestnut may look scary, but he is the most gentle horse we have.  He will be perfect for you.  Would you like me to help you up?"  

Marko nodded shyly.  He was gently put on Chestnut's back.  Then Marko sat up straight and proudly announced, "I did it! I did it."

Riding Chester

   The family rode down a path away from the

 stable. With every step, Marko grew more 

confident and  he sat higher in the saddle.  

Every now and then, Chestnut would look back at 

Marko as if to say, " I have you, you will be okay

with me."

Meadow Reflection

  After the family had ridden for a while, they stopped to rest  and look around.  They were in a beautiful meadow with mountains in the distance, and flowers and butterflies were everywhere.

  "Isn't this just wonderful?" Mom asked.  Everyone agreed.  The Bear family didn't really want to leave, but it was getting late.

Returning to the Stable

  The family took their time returning to the stable.  The owner was waiting for them.  "Did you enjoy your ride?" he asked.

  Marko replied, "It was the best day ever."  The owner helped Marko down from Chestnut.  Marko patted Chestnut's nose and told the horse, "You were the best horse ever."

   The owner of the stable gave Marko a little horseshoe-shaped charm.  "This is for your birthday, and for being so brave."