BEST HORSE ON THE FORCE

Skyjacker, the new horse that Brandon's Uncle Roy is testing for Houston's mounted police, looks like a natural—until Brandon's reckless friend Wayne puts a burr under his saddle and an officer is hurt in the ensuing fracas. While Wayne puts off confessing, Brandon tries to get his uncle to give Skyjacker another chance; meanwhile, the boys volunteer to care for the horse and are riding him to a Fourth of July parade when a robbery occurs under their noses. They help capture the bandit, but Skyjacker takes a bullet; after some anxious hours, the horse not only pulls through but also receives a citation and a permanent place on the force. A simple story with distinct characters, an exciting chase, and some minor problem solving. (Fiction. 10-13)