six star ranch

The

SUNBRIDGE GIRLS SIX STAR RANCH At

Chapter 13

Adventure ACTIVITY

Robyn Smith

Original Story by Eleanor Stuart

How to Use This Reading Adventure

Pony Partners:

Step into Chapter 13 of The Sunbridge Girls at Six Star Ranch and ride along with the Happy Hexagons on a 1913 Texas ranch adventure.

As you read, you’ll stop along the way to:

• notice clues in the story • take a Mini-PAUSE and think before deciding • separate guesses, evidence, and assumptions • discover TRUE EQ horse knowledge • compare riding and ranch life then and now • explore new trail words • solve puzzles and challenges • enjoy coloring and creative activities

You do not have to finish everything at once.

Read a few pages, try an activity, or come back another day. Some activities help you think about what is happening in the story. Others are bonus challenges just for fun.

Most important: stay curious.

A wise Pony Partner slows down, notices carefully, asks questions, and looks for good evidence before deciding what something means.

Now saddle up and join the adventure!

FOR PARENTS & EDUCATORS This Activity Adventure combines a public-domain story from 1913 with new RiseUp EQ learning activities for children ages 9–12.

Chapter 13 was selected to give readers a chance to experience another time and place while practicing skills that still matter today.

Throughout the adventure, Pony Partners are encouraged to:

• read closely and notice story clues • tell the difference between a guess, evidence, and an assumption • consider more than one point of view • pause before jumping to conclusions • compare historical horse practices with modern knowledge • build vocabulary through context • practice observation, problem-solving, and thoughtful decision-making Some activities are designed to be completed during the story because they help children think about what they have just read. Puzzles, vocabulary challenges, and coloring pages are in the back of the book and may be enjoyed at any time. Historical public domain stories may describe attitudes, language, or horse-care practices that may differ from what we know and recommend today. RiseUp EQ uses these moments as opportunities to help readers compare the past with modern TRUE EQ knowledge and Wise Horsemanship . REQ Activity Adventures encourage children to read or work activities independently and ask a parent, caregiver, teacher, or homeschool educator for help or discussion as needed.

The goal is not simply to finish the activities.

Our goal is to help young readers become careful observers, thoughtful thinkers, and responsible Pony Partners who are learning to become someone animals and humans can trust.

The Original 1913 Cover The Sunbridge Girls at Six Star Ranch was published in 1913 under Eleanor H. Porter’s pen name, Eleanor Stuart. You’re about to read part of the story that appeared inside this book more than a century ago.

Meet the Original Creators The Author

A Name to Notice Eleanor H. Porter (1868–1920) grew up in Littleton, New Hampshire, in the White Mountains. Before becoming a well-known writer, she studied music in Boston and performed as a singer. The Sunbridge Girls at Six Star Ranch was published under the name Eleanor Stuart. Porter’s publisher later explained that it normally did not publish two books by the same writer in the same year, so her second book of 1913 appeared under a pen name.

Eleanor H. Porter (1868-1920)

Did You Know? Porter’s most famous book, Pollyanna , was also published in 1913.

The Illustrator

Frank J. Murch is the artist credited with illustrating the 1913 edition of The Sunbridge Girls at Six Star Ranch. His black-and white drawings helped bring scenes from the story to life.

“Follow me—quick!” he ordered. Illustration by Frank J. Murch, 1913

CHAPTER XIII THE PRAIRIE - AND MOONLIGHT

By Eleanor Stuart Pen name of Eleanor H. Porter (1868-1920)

Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Chapter 13 of The Sunbridge Girls at Six Star Ranch!

This 1913 adventure follows the Happy Hexagons as they ride across the Texas prairie, meet travelers, explore ranch life, and face an unexpected danger after dark.

As you read, don’t rush to decide what something means.

A wise Pony Partner slows down, notices clues, asks questions, and looks for good evidence.

Here are three detective skills you’ll use along the way:

EVIDENCE - something the story actually tells you or a trustworthy source confirms.

GUESS - a possible answer that still needs checking.

ASSUMPTION - a guess treated as true before there is enough evidence.

Watch for Mini-PAUSE stops throughout the story. They’ll invite you to notice details, consider another point of view, connect clues, and think about what matters. You’ll also discover TRUE EQ horse knowledge and compare some 1913 riding and ranch practices with what responsible horse people know today.

Ready to begin?

Who do you think the Happy Hexagons are?

Make your best guess: _______________________________

PRE-CHECK YOUR EQ: TRAIL WORD ROUND-UP

1. Open grassland with few trees is a _____________. 2. Riding with both legs on one side is called riding ______________. 3. Long garments worn over the riders’ legs are called ____________. 4. A lively Western horse may be called a _____________. 5. Ranch animals such as cattle and horses were called _____________. 6. Gathering cattle together is a _____________. 7. A person assigned to keep watch is a _____________. 8. A herd suddenly rushing together is a _____________. 9. Gathered together or brought safely back can be called ____________. Kick off your trail adventure by testing your TRUE EQ trail vocabulary. Write the correct word from the corral on each blank.

WORD CORRAL

sidesaddle

prairie

skirts

stampede

round-up

broncho

corralled

guard

stock

THE PRAIRIE - AND MOONLIGHT (1)

One by one the long, happy July days slipped away. There was no lack of amusement, no time that hung heavy—there was so much to be seen, so much to be done!

Very soon after the trip to Quentina's home, Mr. Tim produced from somewhere five stout little ponies, warranted to be broken to "skirts"—which Genevieve had said would be absolutely necessary, as the girls would never consent to ride astride. It was a nervous morning, however, for five of the Happy Hexagons when the horses were led up to the door. Cordelia was frankly white-faced and trembling. Even Tilly looked a little doubtful, as she said, trying to speak with her usual lightness: "Oh, we know, of course, Genevieve, that these little beasts won't teeter up and down like Reddy's broncho; and we hope they'll bear in mind that Westerners ought to be politely gentle with Easterners, who aren't brought up to ride jumping jacks. But still, we can't help wondering."

"Genevieve, I—I really think I won't ride at all to-day," stammered Cordelia, faintly; "that is, if you don't mind."

THE PRAIRIE - AND MOONLIGHT (1)

One by one the long, happy July days slipped away. There was no lack of amusement, no time that hung heavy—there was so much to be seen, so much to be done!

Very soon after the trip to Quentina's home, Mr. Tim produced from somewhere five stout little ponies, warranted to be broken to "skirts"—which Genevieve had said would be absolutely necessary, as the girls would never consent to ride astride. It was a nervous morning, however, for five of the Happy Hexagons when the horses were led up to the door. Cordelia was frankly white-faced and trembling. Even Tilly looked a little doubtful, as she said, trying to speak with her usual lightness: "Oh, we know, of course, Genevieve, that these little beasts won't teeter up and down like Reddy's broncho; and we hope they'll bear in mind that Westerners ought to be politely gentle with Easterners, who aren't brought up to ride jumping jacks. But still, we can't help wondering."

"Genevieve, I—I really think I won't ride at all to-day," stammered Cordelia, faintly; "that is, if you don't mind."

Pressured or Prepared?

The Hexagons are excited to ride, but Cordelia is uncertain. Some details may help her decide whether the ride is a safe choice. Other words may make her feel that she must ride to please her friends. A wise Pony Partner learns to recognize the difference between being prepared and being pressured.

Which story clues suggest that the girls and ponies are prepared for the ride?

Which words or expectations might make Cordelia feel pressured to go?

What seems to influence Cordelia’s decision most: the preparation, pressure, or both? Use one story clue as evidence.

Happy Hexagons mystery:

MINI-PAUSE

Have you figured out what or who the Happy Hexagons are yet?

S

e

e

n

k

s

a

e

Which rider looks more prepared?

M

THE PRAIRIE - AND MOONLIGHT (2)

"But I do mind," rejoined Genevieve, looking much distressed. "Of course, girls, I wouldn't urge you against your will, for the world; but we can't have half the fun here unless you ride, for we go everywhere, 'most, in the saddle. And, honestly, Mr. Tim says these horses are regular cows. Father told him he must get steady ones. Won't you please—try it? It will break my heart, if you don't. You see I've said so much to the boys, since I came, about your riding! They were so surprised to think you could ride, and I was so proud to say you did!"

"You—you were?" stammered Cordelia.

"Yes."

"Well, young ladies," called Mr. Tim, at that moment, "here's the steadiest little string of horses going! Who'll have the first pick?"

"I will," cried Cordelia, wetting her dry lips, and speaking with a stern determination that yet did not quite hide the shake in her voice. "That is—I don't care about my pick, but I'm going to ride—right away—quick!" she finished, determined that at least Genevieve should not be ashamed—of her. After all, it was only the first five minutes that were hard. The little horses were politeness itself, and seemed fully to realize the responsibilities of their position. The girls, determined not to shame Genevieve, acquitted themselves with a grace and ease that brought forth an appreciative cheer from the boys as the young people rode away.

"Now I feel as if I were in Texas," exulted Tilly, drawing in a full breath of the fresh, early morning air.

"I'm so glad—so glad we're all in Texas," cried Genevieve, looking about her with shining eyes.

THE PRAIRIE - AND MOONLIGHT (3)

According to Tilly, there was always "something doing" at the ranch house. The boys—much to their own surprise, it must be confessed—had adopted "the whole bunch" (as Long John called the young people), and were never too busy or too tired to display their skill as ropers or riders. Always there was the fascinating morning start to work to watch, and frequently there was in the afternoon some wild little broncho that needed to be broken to the saddle, or to be trained to stop, wheel instantly, stand motionless, or to start at top speed, according to his master's wishes; all of which was a never-ending source of delight to unaccustomed Eastern eyes.

For pleasant days there were, too, rides, drives to Bolo, picnic luncheons, and frolics of every sort.

For rainy days there were games and music in the living room, to say nothing of letters from home to be read and answered.

Most of the twilights—if fair—were spent by everybody on the front gallery watching the golden ball in the west set the whole prairie, as well as the sky itself, on fire.

In the early afternoon, of course, there was the inevitable siesta—Tilly's abhorred "naps."

THE PRAIRIE - AND MOONLIGHT (4)

There were callers at the ranch house, too.

Sometimes a cowboy from a neighboring ranch came to look after a lost pony, or to see if his cattle had strayed off the range through a broken fence.

Sometimes a hunter or trapper would stop for a chat on his way to or from Bolo.

Once Susie Billings in her khaki suit and cowboy hat came to spend the day; and once, on Sunday, Mr. Jones came to hold service again.

Much to the girls' disappointment, Quentina did not come with him. The mother's foot was better, Mr. Jones said, but the twins had come down with the whooping cough, and poor Quentina could not be spared to leave home. Sometimes a score of men and teams and cowboys with their strings of horses would pass on their way to a round-up; and once two huge prairie schooners "docked in the yard," as Tilly termed it; and their weary owners, at Mr. Hartley's invitation, stopped for a night's rest.

MINI-PAUSE

Spot the link!

A schooner is a sailing ship—but a prairie schooner traveled across land. A prairie schooner was a covered wagon. Its white canvas cover reminded people of a ship’s sail moving across a “sea” of grass. Now watch for the prairie schooners in the story! Why Is It Called a Prairie Schooner?

THE PRAIRIE - AND MOONLIGHT (5)

That was, indeed, a time of great excitement for the Happy Hexagons, for under Genevieve's fearless leadership they promptly made friends with the sallow-faced women and the forlorn children, and soon were shown the mysteries of the inside of the wagon-homes.

"Mercy! it looks just like play housekeeping; doesn't it?" gurgled Tilly.

"But it isn't play at all, my dear," replied one of the women, a little sadly. "Seems now like as if I ever had a home again what stayed put, that I'd be happy, no matter where 'twas. Ain't that the way you feel, Mis' Higgins?" "Yes," nodded the other woman, dully, from her perch on the driver's seat. "But I reckon my man ain't never goin' ter quit wheelin', now." Even Genevieve seemed scarcely to know what to reply to this; but a few minutes later she had succeeded in gaining the confidence of the several children hanging about their mothers' skirts. Laughingly, then, the young people trooped away together to look at the flowers—all but Cordelia Wilson.

MINI-PAUSE

e

i

r

h

T

S

i

e

d

e

Cordelia remained behind with the two women.

e

S

Imagine you are one of the children traveling with the families in this story. Your home moves with you. Your family’s food, blankets, tools, and belongings must fit inside or on the wagon. You may spend long days traveling and leave familiar places behind. Now think about what the women in the story said. What story clue helps you understand how one of these travelers might be feeling? Living in a Wagon

THE PRAIRIE - AND MOONLIGHT (6)

"Please—I beg your pardon—but did you say your name was 'Mrs. Higgins'?" she asked eagerly, turning to the woman on the driver's seat.

"Why, no—I didn't, Miss. But that's my name."

"Yes, I know; 'twas the other lady who called you that, of course; but it doesn't matter, so long as I know 'tis that."

"Oh, don't it?" murmured the woman, a little curiously.

"No; and—you came from New Hampshire, once, didn't you?"

An odd look crossed the woman's face.

"Well, I ain't sayin' that."

"But you did—please say that you did," begged Cordelia. "You see, I'm so anxious to find you!"

A look that was almost terror came to the woman's eyes now.

"I don't know nothin' what you're talkin' about, and I don't want to know, neither," she finished coldly, turning squarely around in her seat.

Cordelia hesitated; then she stammered:

"If—if you think it's because your mother will scold you, I can assure you that she will not. She is very anxious to hear from you—that's all. She's been so worried! She wants to know if you're doing well, and all that."

"What are you talking about?" demanded the woman, turning sharply back to Cordelia. "Your—mother."

"My mother is—dead, Miss."

"Oh-h!" gasped Cordelia. "You mean you aren't Mrs. Lizzie Higgins—she that was Lizzie Snow of Sunbridge, New Hampshire, who eloped with Mr. Higgins and ran away to Texas years ago?"

THE PRAIRIE - AND MOONLIGHT (7)

The woman laughed. Her face cleared. Whatever it was that she had feared—she evidently feared it no longer.

"No, Miss. My name isn't 'Lizzie,' and it wa'n't 'Snow,' and I never heard of Sunbridge, New Hampshire."

"O dear!" quavered Cordelia. "Mrs. Snow will be so sorry—that is, of course she'll be glad, too; for you aren't—"

With a little gasp of dismay Cordelia pulled herself up before the words were uttered, but not before their meaning was quite clear to the woman.

"Oh, yes, she'll be glad, too, no doubt," she cut in bitterly; "because I'm not exactly what a woman would want for a lost daughter, now, am I?"

Cordelia blushed painfully.

"Oh, please, please don't talk like that! I am sure Mrs. Snow would be glad to find any one for a daughter—she wants her so! And she's her—mother, you know."

The woman's face softened.

"All right," she smiled, a little bitterly. "If I find her I'll send her to you."

"Oh, will you? Thank you so much," cried Cordelia. "And there are some others, too, that I'm hunting for. Maybe you can find them—traveling around so much as you do. If you've got a little piece of paper and a pencil, I'll just write them down, please."

Evidence, Guess, or Assumption? When working around horses, these skills matter. A responsible horse person learns to slow down, notice carefully, ask questions, and look for reliable evidence before deciding what a horse’s behavior means. Instead of quickly labeling a horse as difficult, stubborn, or bad, you can stay curious and look for clues. Learning to separate evidence from assumptions helps you make kinder, safer, and more thoughtful choices-and helps you grow into someone animals can trust. Bridle Trail Detective Skills

PRACTICE BRIDLE TRAIL DETECTIVE SKILLS Now put your Bridle Trail Detective Skills to work! Decide whether it is: EVIDENCE - something the story actually tells you GUESS - a possible answer that still needs checking ASSUMPTION - A guess treated as true before there is enough evidence.

Clue Corral Evidence, Guess, or Assumption?

MINI-PAUSE

Bridle Trail Detective Skills

e

S

n

e

s

k

e

a

M

Good investigators make guesses—then check the evidence! Read each clue below. Write E, G, or A in each corral.

Guess A possible answer that still needs checking.

Evidence What the story actually tells you.

Assumption A guess treated as true before there is enough evidence.

Clue Corrals:

Example

This woman ran away from Sunbridge with Mr. Higgins.

Maybe this woman once lived in New Hampshire.

The woman’s last name is Higgins.

The woman says she has never heard of Sunbridge, New Hampshire.

This woman could be the Lizzie Higgins Cordelia is looking for.

This woman came from Sunbridge, New Hampshire.

Because her last name is Higgins, she must be Lizzie Higgins.

Maybe she traveled to Texas with Mr. Higgins years ago.

The woman says her mother is dead.

Maybe she knows something about the others Cordelia is seeking.

The woman says her first name is not Lizzie.

Mrs. Snow is this woman’s mother.

Think About It

What happened when Cordelia began treating her guess as if it were true? How could Cordelia have checked her guess before making an assumption?

THE PRAIRIE - AND MOONLIGHT (8)

It was soon after this that the Happy Hexagons and Mr. Tim, returning on horseback from a long day on the range, met with a delay that would prevent their reaching the ranch house until some time after dark. “Oh, goody! I don’t care a bit,” chuckled Genevieve, when she realized the facts of the case. “There is a perfectly glorious moon, and now you can see the prairie by moonlight. And you never really have seen the prairie until you do see it by moonlight, you know!”

“But we have seen it by moonlight—right from your steps,” cried Tilly.

“Oh, but not the same as it will be out here—away from the ranch house,” cried Genevieve. “You just wait! You’ll see.”

And they did wait. And they did see.

It did seem, indeed, that they never before had really seen the prairie; they all agreed to that, as they gazed in awed delight at the vast, silvery wonder all about them, some time later.

THE PRAIRIE - AND MOONLIGHT (9)

“Why, it looks more than ever like the ocean,” cried Bertha.

“That grass over there actually ripples like water in the moonlight,” declared Elsie.

“I didn’t suppose anything could be so beautiful,” breathed Cordelia. “But, Genevieve, won’t Mrs. Kennedy be dreadfully worried, at our being so late?”

Genevieve gave a sigh.

“Yes, I’m afraid so,” she admitted. “Still, she has Father to comfort her, and he’ll remind her that Mr. Tim is with us, and that delays are always happening on a day’s run like ours.”

“I wish she could see this beautiful sight herself,” cried Alma. “She wouldn’t blame us, then, for going wild over it and not minding if we are a little hungry.”

Tilly, for once, was silent.

“Well?” questioned Genevieve, after a time, riding up to her side.

“I don’t know any one—only Quentina—who could do justice to it,” breathed Tilly. And, to Genevieve’s amazement, the moonlight showed a tear on Tilly’s cheek.

THE PRAIRIE - AND MOONLIGHT (10)

There was a long minute of silence. The moon was very bright, yet the many swift-flying clouds brought moments of soft darkness, and cast weird shadows across the far-reaching prairie.

“I think I smell a storm coming—sometime,” sniffed Mr. Tim, his face to the wind.

“Wouldn’t it be lovely to have it come while we were out here,” gurgled Tilly.

“Hardly!” rejoined Mr. Tim with emphasis. “I reckon you needn’t worry about that storm for some hours yet. I’ll have you all safely corralled long before it breaks—never fear.”

“I wasn’t fearing. I was hoping,” retorted Tilly in a voice that brought a chuckle to the man’s lips.

A moment later Mr. Tim stopped his horse and pointed to the right. “Do you see that black shadow over there?” he asked Bertha Brown, who was nearest him.

“Yes. From a cloud, isn’t it?” Bertha, too, stopped to look.

THE PRAIRIE - AND MOONLIGHT (11)

“I think not. It’s a bunch of cattle, I reckon. I think I make out the guards riding round them.”

“What is it, Mr. Tim?” Genevieve and the other girls had caught up with them now.

“Cattle—over there. See?” explained Mr. Tim, briefly.

At that moment the moon came out unusually clear.

“I can see two men on horseback, passing each other,” cried Bertha.

Mr. Tim nodded.

“Yes—the guard. They ride around the bunch in opposite ways, you know.”

“Let’s go nearer! I want to see,” proposed Tilly, trying to quiet the restless movements of her pony.

MINI-PAUSE

E

e

y

Something has changed. What clues in the last few paragraphs suggest that the situation may no longer be safe?

s

e

i

s

W

The man shook his head.

“I reckon not, Miss Tilly. A stampede ain’t what I’m looking for to amuse you all to-night.” “What’s a stampede?” asked Tilly.

“Mr. Tim, look—quick!” Genevieve’s voice was urgent, a little frightened. But the man had not needed that.

THE PRAIRIE - AND MOONLIGHT (12)

With a sharp word behind his teeth, he spurred his horse.

“Follow me—quick!” he ordered. And with a frightened cry they obeyed.

Genevieve obeyed, too—but she looked back over her shoulder.

The moon was very bright now. The black shadow to the right had become a wedge-shaped, compact, seething mass, sweeping rapidly toward them. There was a rushing swish in the air, and the sound of hoarse shouts. A few moments later the maddened beasts swept across their path, well to the rear.

“I’ll answer your question, now, Miss Tilly,” said Mr. Tim, as they reined in their horses and looked backward at the shadowy mass. “That was a stampede.” “But what will they do with them?” chattered Cordelia, with white lips. “How can they ever stop them?” “Oh, they’ll head them off—get them to running in a circle, probably, till they can quiet them and make them lie down again.”

THE PRAIRIE - AND MOONLIGHT (13)

“And will they be all right—then?” shivered Elsie.

“Hm-m; yes,” nodded Mr. Tim, “—till the next thing sets them going. Then they’ll be again on their feet, every last one of them—heads and tails erect. Oh, they’re a pretty sight then— they are!”

“They must be,” remarked Tilly. “Still—well, I sha’n’t ask you again what a stampede is—not to-night.”

Mr. Tim laughed.

“Well, Miss Tilly, ’tain’t likely I could show you one if you did. I don’t always keep ’em so handy! And now I reckon we’d better hit the trail for the Six Star, and be right lively about it, too,” he added, “or we’ll be having Mis’ Kennedy out here herself on a broncho after ye!”

Half an hour later a white-faced, teary-eyed little woman at the Six Star Ranch was trying to get her joyful arms around six girls at once.

READ • EXPLORE • ASPIRE • LEARN

HISTORY IN HINDSIGHT RIDING IN 1913 - READY TO RIDE?

When Genevieve’s friends prepared to ride, even their clothing mattered! Around 1913, many women in formal riding circles wore long riding habits and rode sidesaddle . But not everyone did. Some women rode astride , with one leg on each side, especially in western and rough country settings. HORSES & GUARDS AT WORK The girls soon discovered that ranch riding was not all picnics and moonlight adventures. Day herders watched grazing cattle from horseback, where horses gave them height and mobility to cover wide country. Other cowboys moved herds or stood night guard —but this rider is watching the herd. CHUCKWAGON ON THE MOVE The Happy Hexagons were fascinated when prairie schooners- large covered wagons used for overland travel-stopped at the ranch. Ranch and cattle crews used another kind of wagon, too: the chuck wagon. It carried food, cooking gear, and supplies, becoming a mobile camp kitchen. This one was pulled by four mules.

HISTORY IN HINDSIGHT HISTORY IN HINDSIGHT READ • EXPLORE • ASPIRE • LEARN

Riding in 1913

A “Habit” Was Clothing A riding habit wasn’t a habit at all—it was clothing made for riding. Around 1913, women in formal riding circles often wore long riding habits. So when the story talks about riding in “skirts,” it is describing part of the riding style of the time.

Do people still ride sidesaddle today? Yes! Sidesaddle riding is still practiced today. Modern riders use specialized instruction, properly fitted equipment, protective headgear, and clothing designed for sidesaddle riding. What looks like a piece of riding history is also part of the equestrian world today.

READ • EXPLORE • ASPIRE • LEARN

HISTORY IN HINDSIGHT

Riding Then & Now - Make the Safer Match

The story shows choices made by riders in 1913. Today, some of those situations would be handled differently. Match each story detail with the safer modern riding strategy. Then compare your answers.

RIDING IN 1913

_____ Cordelia keeps riding although she is trembling and afraid. _____ Mr. Tim says the ponies are steady, but they’re new to the girls. _____ Nervous riders head directly into open country. _____ The delayed ride continues after dark. _____ The approaching storm is judged by smell. _____ The riders continue after becoming tired and hungry.

TODAY’S SAFER RIDING CHOICES

A. Check the forecast and plan for changing weather. B. Plan water, food, and appropriate rest breaks. C. Pause and build confidence without pressure or embarrassment. D. Carefully assess and match each horse to its rider. E. Practice stopping and steering in a contained riding area first. F. Plan the route, timing, and safe return before setting out.

Wise Horsemanship Closing Reflection Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of the trail!

Along the way, the Happy Hexagons had to make choices, notice clues, ask questions, and sometimes change what they thought they knew.

Wise Horsemanship means slowing down long enough to understand what is happening before you decide what to do.

THINK BACK OVER THE ADVENTURE:

1. Which moment showed why it is important to notice clues before making an assumption?

____________________________________________________

2. Which choice in the story would you handle differently today? Why?

____________________________________________________

3. What is one thing a responsible Pony Partner can do to help a horse feel safe and trusted?

____________________________________________________

FIND THE NUGGET

Finish this sentence:

A wise horse person ___________________________________

____________________________________________________

Wise Horsemanship begins with noticing, learning, and choosing what helps the horse.

Trail Vocabulary Word Hunt: Read the paragraphs below. Circle any trail words you learned in the story. RECHECK YOUR EQ:

Across the wide prairie, five ponies waited for the girls. Mr. Tim warranted them to be steady. They rode sidesaddle instead of astride and wore long skirts for the trail. Nearby, a spirited broncho tossed his head while cowboys worked with ranch stock and prepared for a round-up. Though nervous at first, the girls soon acquitted themselves with surprising grace. After a noon siesta, the friends met forlorn travelers and heard about a woman who had eloped years before. One voice quavered as questions followed. Later, under the moonlight, a guard circled the cattle. Suddenly, the seething herd broke into a stampede. The girls reined in their ponies and followed Mr. Tim. Mr. Tim promised to have the girls safely corralled before the storm arrived.

MINI-PAUSE

Gold Nugget Challenge How many new words did you learn? I found: ______ new words

__________ __________

___________ ___________

Bonus Trail Activities You Made It to the Bonus Trail!

You finished the Reading Adventure and reached the Bonus Trail. Now choose your next stop!

Try a word search, solve a trail puzzle, test your vocabulary, crack a secret phrase, complete a crossword, or relax with a coloring page.

Do the activities in any order. Choose your favorites, skip around, or come back later.

Some are easy. Some take a little detective work.

Happy trails, Pony Partner!

SG Bridle Trail Word Search Mini’s Trail Tip: Words travel across, down, and diagonally.

BRIDLE BRONCHO CATTLE CORRAL COWBOY

GUARD LARIAT MOONLIGHT

RANCH RIDER ROUNDUP

STAMPEDE STOCK STORM

PONIES PRAIRIE

SADDLE SKIRTS

TEXAS TRAIL

BONUS TRAIL ACTIVITY Two Kinds of Schooners

MINI-PAUSE

SPOT THE LINK: TWO SCHOONERS

Look closely at both pictures. What details might have made a prairie schooner remind people of a sailing schooner? Can you spot the link? Hint: Look at the sails and the wagon’s white canvas cover. Color the two schooners, background, and horses.

FOLLOW THE TRAIL BONUS CHALLENGE: CAN YOU FOLLOW EVERY TRAIL COMMAND WITHOUT GETTING LOST? START WITH THE LETTER TRAIL BELOW. AFTER EVERY COMMAND, WRITE YOUR NEW ROW OF LETTERS ON THE NEXT LINE. ONE WRONG TURN CAN SEND YOU OFF THE TRAIL! Your Starting Trail: MOONTRAILSSAXXSTORRNICCHQQ Trail Commands:

Leave the Moonlight Behind: 1. Delete the first 4 letters. Ride Past the Trail Sign: 2. Delete the first 5 letters. One Rider Heads Home: 3. Delete the first letter.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

Separate the Double Tracks: 4. Find the two X’s together. Delete one X. __________________________________ Clear the Cattle Crossing 5. Find the two C’s together. Delete one C. ___________________________________ Drop One Stray from the Rear: 6. Delete the last letter. ___________________________________ Another Stray Follows: 7. Delete the last letter again. ____________________________________ Take the First Trail Turn: 8. Find the first vowel. Change it to I. ____________________________________ Take the Second Trail Turn 9. Find the second vowel. Change it to A. _____________________________________ Trade Places on the Trail: 10. Switch the 9th and 10th letters. _____________________________________ Make the Final Turn 11. Find the third vowel. Change it to A. ___________________________________ YOU MADE IT! ADD SPACES TO YOUR FINAL LETTERS. WHERE DID YOUR TRAIL LEAD?

ANSWER: __________________________________________________________________

BONUS TRAIL VOCABULARY POEM

The ponies were __________-steady and true, Mr. Tim guaranteed they knew what to do.

The girls would not ride __________, with legs on each side; They mounted sidesaddle before the trail ride.

Though nervous, the girls __________ themselves with grace, And cheers from the boys brought smiles to each face.

At noon, a __________ brought rest from the heat, A nap in the shade made the day feel complete.

Round up the word that fits each line. Follow the clues— you’ll do just fine!

The traveling children looked __________ and worn, Their wagon-home journey continued each morn.

A missing young woman had __________ long ago; She married in secret—but where did she go?

MINI-PAUSE

Cordelia __________, her voice full of fright; It trembled and shook in the soft morning light.

The cattle were __________, a dark, churning tide, While ponies and riders raced safely aside.

At last they __________ their horses to slow, Then watched the herd in the moon’s silver glow.

WANTED! WORDS TO SOLVE THE PUZZLE

astride

acquitted

quavered

siesta

warranted

eloped

forlorn

seething

reined in

Mini’s Trail Tip: The trail words got mixed up. Can you put them back in order? Bridle Trail Word Scramble

Solve each scrambled word. Then copy the letter from the shaded box into the Secret Trail Phrase boxes below. When you have all 12 letters, rearrange them to discover the hidden Western phrase!

RAIPIER OISEPN NBOCROH SILSDEEDAD SSKRTI NPURODU OEHRSOESH NTGOLOMHI CELTTA EPMDTESA ADOECIRL AGXNEOSH

Secret Trail Phrase:

Bridle Trail Crossword Trail Clues: Use the clues to complete the crossword. If you get stuck, follow the trail back to Chapter XIII.

Across 2. What Mr. Tim says he can smell coming 4. Two huge prairie____________ stopped at the ranch for the night 5. The stout little animals brought for the girls to ride 6. Genevieve’s home state 9. The Happy ______ is the girls’ group name 10. These moved across the sky and cast strange shadows on the prairie 11. A person who keeps watch over the cattle 12. Animals the riders see on the prairie

Down 1. The ranch is called Six _____ 3. What Bertha says the moonlit prairie looks like 5. Wide grassland crossed by the riders 7. A sudden rushing movement of a herd 8. Animals gathered and watched on a ranch 14. The girl who asks, “What’s a stampede?” 15. The place everyone safely reaches after the ride 16. The story says the girls needed horses “broken to ___” for their riding clothes 17. What shines over the prairie during the late ride

Bridle Trail Crossword Follow the Chapter XIII trail clues.

7

8

1

15

2

17

6

4

16

10

3

11

14

5

12

9

WHAT IS A PUBLIC-DOMAIN WORK? A public-domain work is a book, story, picture, or other creative work that people are free to use without asking the original creator for permission. Many public-domain books were written a long time ago. Their copyright has ended, so the work can now be shared, studied, printed, and sometimes adapted in new ways. Public domain does not mean the original creator should be forgotten. At RiseUp EQ, we believe in giving credit to the people who created the stories and illustrations we enjoy. When we can, we tell you the title, author or artist, and where the original work came from. Sometimes we may shorten a passage, explain an old-fashioned word, or add new activities and illustrations to help today’s readers enjoy the material. When we do, we will make that clear. Public-domain works give us a special chance to discover older stories, learn from the past, and create new learning adventures while still respecting the people who made the original work.

BEHIND THE BOOK Sources & Credits ORIGINAL STORY

The Sunbridge Girls at Six Star Ranch Chapter XIII: “The Prairie-and Moonlight”

Written by Eleanor H. Porter (1868–1920) Published in 1913 under the pen name Eleanor Stuart

Original 1913 illustrations credited to Frank J. Murch.

The featured chapter comes from the original public-domain work. Historical spelling, dialogue, and period details have been preserved unless a change or explanation is clearly identified.

NEW RISEUP EQ MATERIAL This Activity Adventure includes new educational material created by RiseUp EQ, including:

• Mini-PAUSE reflection activities • TRUE EQ and Wise Horsemanship features • History in Hindsight pages • evidence, guess, and assumption activities • vocabulary activities • puzzles and trail challenges • coloring and observation activities

Activity Adventure and new educational material by Robyn Smith / RiseUp EQ.

HISTORICAL IMAGES Historical photographs and illustrations used in the History in Hindsight features come from public-domain or otherwise cleared sources.

Ai was used to upscale, enhance, and develop images improving the reading and visual experience for kids.

WHY WE CREDIT THE ORIGINAL CREATORS Public-domain works belong to our shared cultural history and heritage, but the people who created them still deserve recognition.

RiseUp EQ identifies the original authors, artists, and historical sources whenever possible so young readers can enjoy the past while learning where the material came from.

Answer Key:

Bridle Trail Word Search

Pre-check Your EQ: Round-up

1. prairie 2. sidesaddle 3. skirts 4. broncho 5. stock 6. round-up 7. guard

8. stampede 9. corralled Pressured or Prepared? Answers Vary. Check with an adult.

Clue Corral

Follow the Trail TRAILSSAXXSTORRNICCHQQ

SSAXXSTORRNICCHQQ SAXXSTORRNICCHQQ SAXSTORRNICCHQQ SAXSTORRNICHQQ

SAXSTORRNICHQ SAXSTORRNICH

SIXSTORRNICH SIXSTARRNICH SIXSTARRINCH SIXSTARRANCH Final Answer: SIX STAR RANCH

Answers Vary. Check with an adult. Clue Corral: Think About It

Riding Then & Now - Safer Riding Choices

C, D, E, F, A, B

Bonus Trail Vocabulary Poem

Recheck Your EQ: Answers Vary. Check with an adult.

warranted astride acquitted siesta forlorn eloped quavered seething reined in

Answer Key:

7

S T A

Bridle Trail Crossword Across 2. STORM 4. SCHOONERS 5. PONIES 6. TEXAS 9. HEXAGONS 10. CLOUDS

8

1

15

S

S

R

M

2 S T O R

17

6 T E X A S

M

P

O

O

A

N

E

4 S C H O O N E R 16 S

10

3 O U D S

C L

K

N

K

H

C

E

11. GUARD 12. CATTLE

I

E

11 G U A R D

R

Down 1. STAR

14

T

T

N

5 P O N I

3. OCEAN 5. PRAIRIE 7. STAMPEDE 8. STOCK 14. TILLY

E S

R

L

12 C A T T L E I Y R I 9 H E X A G O N S

15. RANCH 16. SKIRTS 17. MOON

Bridle Trail Word Scramble

PRAIRIE PONIES BRONCHO SIDESADDLE SKIRTS ROUNDUP HORSESHOE MOONLIGHT CATTLE

STAMPEDE CORDELIA HEXAGONS Secret Trail Phrase: PRAIRIE STORM