---
title: "Brave Betsy Crosses the Bridge"
description: "Betsy the cow is nervous about the small farm bridge to the clover pasture. Farmer June checks the bridge, practices with Betsy slowly, and helps her cross only when the path is safe."
tags: ["Farm Adventures", "bravery", "perseverance", "confidence", "friendship", "preschoolers", "kindergarteners", "early-readers", "animal", "read-aloud", "classroom", "worry", "TheBraveCow", "FacingFears", "OvercomingObstacles", "CourageousCow", "FarmLife"]
language: en
source: "Stories for Kids"
url: https://www.stories4kids.net/stories/farm-adventures/brave-betsy-crosses-the-bridge/
---

# Brave Betsy Crosses the Bridge

_Finding courage one careful step at a time_

Betsy the cow is nervous about the small farm bridge to the clover pasture. Farmer June checks the bridge, practices with Betsy slowly, and helps her cross only when the path is safe.

Category: Farm Adventures

Topics: Farm Adventures, Bravery, Perseverance, Confidence, Friendship, Preschoolers, Kindergarteners, Early Readers, Animal, Read Aloud, Classroom, Worry, The Brave Cow, Facing Fears, Overcoming Obstacles, Courageous Cow, Farm Life

## Story

## Betsy and the Bridge

Betsy loved clover. The sweetest clover grew in the pasture across the small wooden bridge.

![Illustration: Betsy and the Bridge](../../../assets/stories/farm-adventures/brave-betsy-crosses-the-bridge-1.png)

The bridge did not cross a rushing stream. It crossed a shallow ditch where rainwater sometimes trickled after storms. Still, Betsy did not like the hollow sound her hooves made on the boards.

"Clop," went one hoof.

Betsy stepped back.

Farmer June noticed. She patted Betsy's neck. "We will not hurry."

First, Farmer June checked the boards and the rails. The bridge was dry, steady, and safe.

## Small Practice

Farmer June did not start with the bridge. She placed a wide wooden mat on flat ground near the barn.

![Illustration: Betsy Practices Crossing Bridges](../../../assets/stories/farm-adventures/brave-betsy-crosses-the-bridge-2.png)

"One step," she said.

Betsy sniffed the mat. Farmer June waited.

At last, Betsy put one hoof on the wood.

"Good," Farmer June said.

The next day, Betsy walked across the mat. The day after that, Farmer June added a second mat. Betsy learned the sound of wood under her feet while still standing on safe, flat ground.

## The Clover Pasture

On a quiet morning, Farmer June led Betsy to the bridge. The other cows grazed nearby, but no one crowded her.

![Illustration: The Big Challenge](../../../assets/stories/farm-adventures/brave-betsy-crosses-the-bridge-3.png)

"One step," Farmer June said.

Betsy placed a hoof on the first board. It made the familiar clop.

She paused.

"Good pause," said Farmer June.

Betsy took another step, then another. Soon all four hooves stood on the other side.

The clover smelled fresh and sweet.

## Back Again

Betsy ate clover until her belly was full. Then Farmer June led her back across the same safe bridge.

![Illustration: A Brave New World](../../../assets/stories/farm-adventures/brave-betsy-crosses-the-bridge-4.png)

This time Betsy still walked slowly, but she did not turn away.

"Brave can be slow," Farmer June said.

The next week, Betsy crossed when the bridge was dry and Farmer June was with her. If it rained, they used the near pasture instead.

Betsy liked knowing there was always a careful choice.