Keiko’s Pony Rescue
A Winning Plan
That evening, the girls file into their room to get ready for bed. But none of them can sleep. All they can do is talk about Daisy. Maybe Daisy can use some motivation. Sofia says when she’s in the middle of a tough soccer game, she stays motivated by thinking of going out for ice cream after. When they win, Coach buys everyone treats.
Keiko realizes maybe they can reward Daisy with something she likes. And suddenly, a plan has formed. Madison said Keiko can’t give up on her art, so she’s not going to give up on Daisy.
The next morning, the girls milk the cows and feed the chickens, and then head over to Grace’s farm with Aunt Yumi. There, they find Marigold licking Daisy’s head. The girls give Keiko some space, and Keiko slowly walks Daisy out of the stall to the edge of the barn. But that’s as far as Daisy seems willing to go.
The paddock is a large, oval-shaped enclosure with a high wooden fence. It’s meant for ponies to run and exercise, as well as for people to practice riding. But today, Keiko’s goal is to get Daisy to simply walk from one end to another.
Keiko explains she’s going to try pulling on Daisy’s lead rope to one side, so she’s off-balance. Then, she’ll hopefully take a step to the side. The girls can stand nearby and spot if she’s going to stumble or fall. Keiko stands next to Daisy and gently tugs on the rope to one side, while whispering encouraging words to the filly. Daisy resists at first, but then takes a few wobbly steps to balance herself.
Keiko is excited. It’s time for the next part of her plan. Sofia pulls out the soft brush they bought at the farmers market. Now, every time Daisy takes a step, they’ll use the brush as a reward. Keiko gently pulls Daisy’s lead to the side again, and the pony takes a few steps. When she stops, Keiko lets the pony lead against her for a moment while Sofia brushes her fluffy, soft coat.
Sofia hands Jasmine the brush, and Keiko pulls Daisy to the opposite side. Again, Daisy resists at first, but then takes a few small, unsteady steps. Next, Jasmine hands Madison the brush, and Keiko pulls the lead to the first side again. This time, Daisy steps forward without hesitating. They are making real progress. But will it be enough to get Daisy walking on her own?
For the next two days, the girls work patiently with Daisy every afternoon. Aunt Yumi calls Grace with a report on how the ponies are doing each day, and the girls know Grace wants to avoid the expensive surgery for Daisy. In addition, Dr. Brooks has been coming daily to remove the splits and check Daisy’s progress. He can see she’s improving, but he hasn’t yet made a decision on whether she needs the surgery.
On the day of Daisy’s last physical exam, Keiko and her friends hurry to Grace’s farm immediately after their morning chores to wait for the vet. Keiko feels a knot in her stomach as Dr. Brooks’ truck pulls up.
Dr. Brooks runs his hands over her legs and makes her walk across the paddock for him. The girls watch in anticipation. When Dr. Brooks returns to the barn, he’s smiling. He says her legs are loose and limber, and she’s improved a lot. She’s in fine shape, and has made a great recovery.
The girls all cry and cheer in each other’s arms. Then, they hear a truck rumbling up the road, and the girls turn to see Grace and Paul climb out of the truck, just as Daisy finishes her latest loop around the paddock. Grace lets out a happy laugh at seeing Daisy up and walking. She sure doesn’t seem like a filly who needs expensive surgery!
Dr. Brooks says it’s all due to Keiko and her friends. They came over every day and worked patiently with Daisy. They never gave up on her, and they managed to keep Marigold happy at the same time.
Keiko beams. She’s thrilled that Daisy has improved so much, and they helped Grace immensely. Jasmine pushes Keiko forward a step, saying it was all Keiko. Keiko figured out that Marigold was in labor first, and she was the one who had the ideas of how to convince Daisy to walk. Madison adds Keiko was even the one to name Daisy. Grace thanks Keiko, and Keiko couldn’t be more thrilled.