Valentina’s First Race

By Serin O., 5th Grade

[2] Without a doubt, Valentina was ready to race. She had diligently cleaned her chariot and polished her horse, who was named Ash’s hoofs. As she put on Ash’s bridle, her male neighbors, Felix and Remus, walked over. [3] Unfortunately, in ancient Rome, girls were not allowed to race because men thought they were weaker. 

“Hey!” Remus shouted. “The race is for men only. You are barely even a full-grown woman!”

“Yeah, I bet that horse of yours is so not prepared. He will trip on every single tiny pebble on the whole racetrack!” Feliz taunted. The bullies walked away laughing.

Valentina felt embarrassed and intimidated, but she knew these pesky boys could not get in the way of her earning that olive branch for first prize in the race.

Valentina obviously knew she could not enter the competition without hiding the fact she was a girl. [3] Reasonably, she had made a plan, which she whispered to Ash. Because there were only thirty minutes until the race, she wanted to give Ash and herself a decent pep talk of encouragement. [2] In spite of not having proper training, Ash was very nimble. “Give it all you can, and do not make sharp turns,” she reminded him. Lovingly stroking Ash’s mane, she put on her disguise and prepared to enter the race.

“Why are you wearing a helmet, and what is your name?” the entry guard suspiciously asked Valentina when she approached him.