Book excerpt: Silver Pony Ranch is full of ponies, puppies, and adventure! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!Sisters Tori and Miranda are practicing to compete in a horse show. Miranda wants to do showmanship, and Tori wants to try barrel-racing. The girls also make costumes to wear for the show! Ashley, a mean girl who boards her pony at Gran's ranch, is competing, too. And she has a brand-new outfit. Ashley brags that she will win a blue ribbon--not them. Do Tori and Miranda have what it takes to win?