Ruth Fielding In the Saddle; Or, College Girls in the Land of Gold

Ruth Fielding, a bright sophomore at Ardmore College, spends her evenings dreaming of a daring summer excursion. Together with her chatty friends Helen, Jennie, and a few other spirited classmates, she hatches a plan to ride horseback from the desert town of Yucca into the rugged Hualapai Range. Their conversations buzz with jokes, nervous laughter, and the promise of fresh air, exercise, and a break from campus routines.

The girls picture the open landscape, the thundering hooves, and the chance to prove themselves capable of handling the wild terrain. As they sort out logistics—talking to the dean, arranging horses, and recruiting a reliable guide—their enthusiasm reveals a mix of youthful optimism and the inevitable worries of an unfamiliar wilderness. Listeners will feel the excitement of a coming adventure and the warmth of friendships that make even the most daunting ride feel within reach.