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The next morning, the sun had barely risen when the first bell of the day rang out across the Saddlestone Connemara Pony Listening School. Its call echoed through the wide corridors and open fields, pulling everyone from the paddocks and stables towards the main hall. The air buzzed with the anticipation of a new day filled with ponies, lessons, and great friends.
Inside the main hall, students and teachers hushed their chatter as a striking figure ascended the podium at the front.
It was Mrs. Thundercare, the school's principal. Her silver hair was swept up into a bun, as tight and precise as the discipline she instilled in her students. Her blue eyes, sharp and watchful, swept across the room, causing an immediate silence.
"Settle down, everyone," Mrs. Thundercare's voice boomed, bouncing off the high ceilings and the well-worn wooden floor. Even the building seemed to heed her command, the whispering wind and the distant whinnying of the horses falling silent.
With a deep breath, she began.
"I've a special announcement to make."
Her eyes moved slowly over the crowd, making sure she had everyone's undivided attention.
"As some of you may know, the Irish Eventing Championships are taking place in Athenry next week."
A flurry of excited whispers rippled through the room.
The National Eventing Championships was one of the most important equestrian events in Ireland, watched by thousands in Ireland and broadcast live on radio and TV around the world.
"Mr. O’Leary, who usually organises the championships, has unfortunately broken his leg," Mrs. Thundercare continued, and murmurs of concern filled the hall.
"He is unable to manage the championships this year. But..." she paused for effect, "I’ve just had a phone call from the Irish eventing committee. They have asked me to step in and run this year's championships."
The room erupted with gasps and whispers. The children stared wide-eyed at each other. This was massive news. Roisin, Tara and Una exchanged glances, their eyes as big as saucers.
"Wow, Mrs. Thundercare is running the championships!" Roisin whispered to her friends.
"I know!" Una responded, "This is huge!"
Tara just nodded, her mouth hanging open slightly in surprise. “Do you think she’ll let us watch?”
Mrs. Thundercare continued. "Now, this is a huge task. And I will need lots of help. So, I'm asking for volunteers. I need some Saddlestone students to do some jobs during the three days.
Things like helping at the shopping stands, directing cars into the car parks, getting coffee for the judges and writing down the dressage scores. Maybe even a few fence judges too."
The hall buzzed with energy. The possibility of being part of such a huge equestrian event sent shivers of excitement down their spines.
Roisin leaned towards Tara and Una, her eyes sparkling.
"This is amazing! Imagine, we might even be able to meet George and Superstar!"
Just the thought of it made Roisin’s heart race with anticipation. “We’d definitely be able to see them in person!” Tara pointed out.
Mrs. Thundercare continued, "If you're interested, add your names to the list Mr. Gallagher will have. This is a great opportunity, so don't let it pass you by."
The moment Mrs. Thundercare had finished her huge announcement, a ripple of electricity passed between Roisin, Tara, and Una. Their hearts raced as they exchanged excited glances, their eyes shining with excitement.
"Let's do it!" Tara said with determination, her eyes sparkling with the prospect of adventure.
Roisin clasped her hands together, unable to suppress her excitement.
"Can you just imagine?" she asked, her voice echoing Tara's quiet exuberance. "Being so close to all those amazing riders, seeing how they work, how they communicate with their horses!"
Without wasting another second, they hurriedly left their seats and began to make their way towards Mr. Gallagher who was at the back of the room. They weaved their way through the crowd, elbowing past chattering classmates, their hearts pounding in their chests.
"Mr. Gallagher!" Roisin called out as they neared him. "We want to help! We want to volunteer for the event!"
"Yes, us three," Tara said, pointing to herself, Roisin, and Una.
"And we promise, we will do our very best!" Una chimed in, her grin stretching wide across her face. Her enthusiasm was impossible to hide.
Mr. Gallagher looked at them, his glasses perched high on his forehead as always, and gave them a warm smile. "Fantastic. I'll put your names down so. I'm sure we can find something for you to help with."
"Thank you, Mr. Gallagher!" the girls replied, all together.
They were all grins as they left the hall, practically skipping with joy. The anticipation bubbled within them as they thought of the upcoming event. This was going to be an adventure they would never forget.
