Third Grade
Worksheets
Nathan's Spirit Horse, Part 2
The next day during his riding lesson, Nathan asked Laughing Bear the question that had been pressing on his mind.
"Laughing Bear, what is a spirit horse?"
"A spirit horse is one with special markings like yours has. Many have only a single hand shape. Some have only the war bonnet. Yours is special. He has a war bonnet and two hand prints. He is endowed with good medicine, or luck."
"If he's such a special horse, how did I end up with him?" asked Nathan suspiciously.
"Many have wanted to choose him for their own, but he chose you. The bond between a spirit horse and his rider should be special."
"Is that why some of the others have given me a hard time? They are jealous?"
Laughing Bear nodded his head. "Many have coveted him. They may also try to steal him. The bond you establish may bring him back to you if he is taken."
"Someone would be allowed to steal my horse?" asked an astonished Nathan.
Laughing Bear nodded. "Stealing horses is an honorable way to add to your wealth. It has always been so among our people. It shows cunning and bravery. That is not to say that you have to allow it to happen."
