Chapter Eleven

Hannah hasn’t been able to make it to the Pony Palace all week. In fact, I heard Kate say that she might not be coming back at all. Even though Gizmo and Tonto are being really nice to me, I just can’t seem to cheer up. I have lots of other lovely riders – Darcey, Tara, Emma and many more – but Hannah is kind of special. I know her voice, her smell, her laughter – everything. I don’t even feel like being part of a ride today.

Gizmo comes trotting back into the stables full of excitement. He tells me all about the lesson in the sand school and how Claire fell off. I’ve noticed that he’s a lot more animated lately and spends less time dilly daydreaming.

‘She’s okay, though,’ he tells me. ‘The sand school’s pretty soft, so she didn’t hurt herself, and she got right back on afterwards.’

It’s nice to see Gizmo taking an interest in his rider. Claire’s been good for him, and Oskar’s been really good for Tonto. But what about me? All the other kids here are great, but they’re just not Hannah.

‘Hello there, Daisy,’ Kate says, walking towards me. ‘Sophie’s going to be riding you this afternoon, so Mark will be along soon to tack you up.’

‘I don’t want anyone else to ride me,’ I whinny sadly. Besides, Sophie normally rides Parsley. She’s used to riding at a different pace.

Kate must understand me because she says that Sophie needs to try out other horses.

‘Partnerships are good, but it’s important for riders to try out other ponies – just like it’s important for you ponies to adapt to other riders,’ she says. ‘Anyway, I don’t want you in here in the stable moping all day. Much better to get you outside into the fresh air.’

‘Oh, all right then,’ I nicker. Sophie is a sweet little girl, and maybe the lesson will take my mind off things. Old Rupert in the next stable gives me a nod and tells me to get out there and enjoy myself. Rupert’s retired now and he always gives us younger ponies good advice. So when Mark comes in I let him lead me out and put my best hoof forward. After all, all the riders at the Pony Palace are special, and they deserve a pony who’s on top form.