There seemed to be practically no risk--Chip was amazed at the Kid's ability to ride.
Besides, Silver was growing old--fourteen years being considered ripe old age in a horse.

He was more given to taking life with a placid optimism that did not startle easily.

He carried the Kid's light weight easily, and he had not lost all his springiness of muscle.

The Little Doctor rode him sometimes, and loved his smooth gallop and his even temper; now she loved him more when she saw how careful he was of the Kid.

She besought the Kid to be careful of Silver also, and was most manfully snubbed for her solicitude.
The Kid had owned Silver for a week, and considered that he was qualified to give advice to the Happy Family, including his Daddy Chip, concerning the proper care of horses.