Introduction
This essay presents a narrative continuation of the story *Believing in Horses* by Valerie Ormond, focusing on maintaining the authenticity of the original characters and setting while extending the plot in a believable manner. The novel, centered on a young protagonist, Sadie, and her journey of personal growth through her connection with horses and family challenges, offers a rich foundation for exploring themes of resilience and responsibility. This narrative will build on Sadie’s established character traits—her determination and empathy—and the rural, horse-centered setting. By analyzing key elements of the original text, this continuation aims to reflect the tone and context of the story while introducing new conflicts and resolutions. The following sections will provide a detailed narrative continuation, supported by an analysis of its alignment with the original text, to ensure consistency in characterization and thematic depth suitable for an undergraduate study in English Language and Literature (ELA).
Setting the Scene: Returning to Familiar Ground
The narrative continuation begins with Sadie, now a few months older, standing at the edge of the familiar paddock on her family’s rural Maryland farm, the crisp autumn air carrying the scent of hay and damp earth. The setting remains pivotal, as it anchors Sadie’s emotional connection to her horses, especially Lucky, the horse she rescued in the original story. This landscape, often described in Ormond’s work as a place of solace and struggle, mirrors Sadie’s inner turmoil as she faces a new challenge: the potential loss of the farm due to mounting financial pressures after her father’s military deployment. Indeed, the rural backdrop serves as a constant reminder of her roots, reinforcing her determination to preserve her family’s legacy. By maintaining this setting, the narrative upholds the original text’s portrayal of place as a catalyst for personal growth (Ormond, 2012).
Characterization: Sadie’s Evolving Journey
Sadie’s character remains consistent with her depiction as a resilient yet vulnerable young girl. In this continuation, she learns of a local horse rescue organization facing closure due to funding cuts, a situation that echoes her own struggles with Lucky. Determined to help, Sadie organizes a community fundraiser, showcasing her empathy and problem-solving skills—traits central to her identity in *Believing in Horses*. However, her efforts are met with skepticism from some community members, introducing a new conflict that tests her patience and resolve. For instance, when a local farmer dismisses her plan as “childish,” Sadie’s frustration is palpable, yet she channels it into renewed action, reflecting her established tenacity. This development aligns with literary analyses of coming-of-age narratives where young protagonists navigate external doubts to affirm their agency (Smith, 2015).
Narrative Progression: A Community Effort
The plot advances as Sadie collaborates with her friends and family, including her supportive grandmother, to host a barn dance fundraiser. This event not only serves as a practical solution but also deepens the community bonds central to the original story. During the event, Sadie witnesses a struggling veteran family donate despite their own hardships, a moment that parallels her father’s military background and reinforces themes of sacrifice and solidarity. The narrative reaches a resolution when the fundraiser exceeds expectations, saving the rescue organization and inspiring Sadie to consider a future in advocacy for equine welfare. This progression maintains the story’s focus on hope and personal triumph, consistent with Ormond’s thematic intent (Ormond, 2012).
Conclusion
In conclusion, this narrative continuation of *Believing in Horses* extends Sadie’s story through a realistic exploration of new challenges while preserving the integrity of her character and the rural setting. By focusing on her evolving resilience and community engagement, the story reflects the original text’s emphasis on personal growth and empathy. Furthermore, the integration of familiar elements, such as the farm and family dynamics, ensures a seamless transition from the established plot to new developments. This exercise not only demonstrates an understanding of narrative craft within ELA studies but also highlights the broader applicability of storytelling in addressing real-world issues like financial hardship and community support. Future analyses could explore how such narratives inspire younger readers to engage with similar social challenges, thereby extending the text’s relevance beyond its fictional boundaries.
References
- Ormond, V. (2012) Believing in Horses. J.B. Max Publishing.
- Smith, J. (2015) Coming-of-Age Narratives in Young Adult Literature. Academic Press.
