Charlie burst into the clearing riding Little Joe at a gallop. Her hair streamed behind her, the stampede strap saving her hat from blowing away. She looked back as if she were being pursued by something frightening. For Ian to react and pull his rifle, he would have to hold on to both his horse as well as Lucy, the pack horse strapped with the Christmas tree.
Several white horses appeared, racing to keep up with Charlie and Little Joe. The ranch dogs followed up in the rear, keeping the small herd together.
“I’ve got ‘em!” Charlie shouted. She was flushed with excitement and looked like she was having the time of her life. Ian relaxed a little. There was nothing he could do except keep his horses from running away with him. And the Christmas tree.
She circled Ian and his two horses widely, and began to slow, the white herd staying close. When she knew they were with her, she came down to a walk and finally to a halt alongside Ian. Little Joe was blowing, and wet, as were the white mares.
J Fox Bedford Books 
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