Justin had never ridden a horse in his life. Not long ago, he would have laughed at the idea. Now, here he was, astride a prehistoric beast halfway between camel and elephant, and riding it like some sort of alien cowboy. Ever since the name had popped into his frantic pleadings the day before, he had begun referring to his furry new friend as Seabiscuit.

Zechariah had taken a few minutes to instruct him on how to control his steed-to press his legs inward against the animal's ribs to ...