Editor’s Note: The staff of The Messenger believes that the growth and improvement of our society relies on the future thinkers and leaders around us — children. For this reason, The Messenger has created Kids Korner, a weekly opportunity for local children to display their stories and ideas. When a child’s creativity is encouraged, we are gifted a glimpse of what the future might be. If you know of a child who might be interested in submitting stories, email khoskins@gadsdenmessenger.com or call our office at 256-547-1049.
By Andi Chupp
Once upon a time there was a horse named Whisper Victor who loved to run. She loved to run so much that she became a racing horse just like her parents were. Her father was a very successful racing horse who won a lot of money racing.
Whisper Victor was not as fast as her father was and did not win a lot of money racing. She practiced all the time trying to be as good as he was. She loved to run, and she knew one day she was going to be as good as her father was. Her owner’s pushed her to be as fast as her father. Until her last race when she was running her little heart out and injured her leg. It ended her track racing career forever.
After her leg injury, Whisper Victor was sold in an auction because her owners were not able to use her as a racing horse to make money. She moved several times from ranch to ranch trying to find her a new place to call home.
She never stayed at one place for very long before her current owners sold her because she was not able to do what they wanted her to do. Whisper Victor only wanted to run fast, and no one wanted to take the time to help her get better.
Until one day a girl named Andi met Whisper Victor and fell in love with her. Andi talked her mom and dad into buying her so she could train Whisper Victor to barrel race. Andi decided to give Whisper Victor a fresh new start by changing her name. Andi had a horse stuffed animal that was given to her when she was very sick and in the hospital. It was a horse that had lavender scent to help calm her when she was in the hospital. Andi loved that stuffed animal who helped get her though tough times in her life, so she decided to name her new horse Lavender.
Although her previous owners sold Lavender as a barrel racing horse, she was not. She was an off-track racing horse, so it took a lot of time to train her for events. Andi rode Lavender two to three times a week to help train her for competitions.
After several months there was not a lot or progress with training Lavender. Andi’s parents and trainer Cassidy were starting to have doubts that Lavender would ever be a barrel racing horse. Even though Andi and Lavender were not winning any races, Andi knew to keep chasing her dream with Lavender. She knew that one day Lavender would be the best barrel racer she could be. After many weeks and months of trial and error with Andi and Lavender the day finally came. The Dynamic Duo became victorious.
Andi Chupp is nine years old and will be entering 5th grade at St. James Catholic School this fall. She loves all things horses and wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up.
