A Ride to Freedom

by Olivia Tuffin

  “It made my day that the runaway pony was followed by such a pretty owner … even if she had sat in muck!” he grinned, and, blushing, Alice found she felt a bit better.

  Alice felt well enough to go outside towards the end of the journey and enjoyed the fresh salty air as she and Finn tried to be the first to spot France. As the huge ferry pulled smoothly into the dock, she wondered if Secret knew they had arrived.

  While the transporter dealt with all the paperwork, Alice reboarded the minibus. She was soon asleep, able to nap anywhere after years of long journeys in the horsebox with her mum. It felt as though only five minutes had passed before she was being shaken awake by Finn.

  Alice sat up in confusion, and then blushed as she realised that she’d fallen asleep on Finn’s shoulder and he’d put his arm round her. Her tummy flipped upside down… She hoped she hadn’t dribbled on him!

  Finn was smiling. “We’ve arrived at the overnight stop. Good job – my shoulder was getting tired!”

  “Where’s Secret?” she asked, wide awake now. The minibus was bumping along a dusty track next to a field full of sunflowers, eventually coming to a stop outside a pretty house.

  “Just behind us,” Finn said. “He’ll be glad to stretch his legs.”

  So am I, Alice thought, slowly unfolding her own long legs and following the others out.

  The warm sunshine washed over her, and the air seemed to hum with the sound of crickets. To the left of the house was a huge pony field and to the right was a meadow where tents were all set up. To Alice’s relief, the silver lorry then eased its way up the drive and there was a familiar whinny. Secret!

  After hugging the little Welsh gelding, Alice turned him out with the other ponies, and they all rolled luxuriously before putting their heads down to graze. Alice and Holly ran around exploring the meadows, enjoying the last of the evening sunshine. Alice didn’t think she could feel happier. It was going to be the best week ever – she was sure of it!

  Later that evening, after a barbecue, Alice wandered back over to see Secret. As she made her way over to the field the chirrups of the crickets got louder and the meadow grasses brushed her bare legs. Secret trotted over to see her and she smiled. “So proud of you today, boy,” she said, running her hand through his mane. Then she frowned, hearing a familiar voice. It was Finn, on his mobile.

  “Really?” He sounded shocked.

  Alice knew she shouldn’t be listening in, but it was impossible not to. She stood quietly, unsure what to do. There was a pause.

  “What are we going to do?” Finn was speaking again. “That doesn’t give us long, does it? Where are you going to find a thousand? So that’s it…” Another pause. “I know, Dad, I know. You always say that, but it’s not worth it, is it? It’s just not worth it…”

  Alice made her way quietly back to the group and Finn joined them a minute or so later. Finn didn’t say anything when he returned, but he seemed very distracted. Whatever was going on at Rookham Manor sounded serious … and Alice wondered who wanted £1,000, and what for. But Finn’s dad Angus was at home and in charge now, so surely he could sort out whatever problem they were facing? With everyone gathered round the campfire she didn’t have a chance to talk to Finn on his own, and he headed to bed early. Frowning, Alice watched him go. She guessed he’d tell her what was going on when he was ready…

  They had another couple of hours of driving in the morning before they arrived at the equestrian centre. Alice felt a leap of excitement as the minibus pulled off the road. They dipped down a short sharp hill, crossing a trickle of water before lumbering up again and carrying on up a long drive of a mile or more that was flanked by trees

  White post-and-rail fencing divided the land either side into dusty paddocks, and each paddock was swarming with activity. The festival was due to start the very next day and there were teams of people everywhere setting up rings full of shiny showjumps, a huge yellow and white circus tent and even a Ferris wheel! Alice craned her neck to see as much as she could as they passed the big arena. She and Secret would soon be jumping in that ring, she thought excitedly.

  “That little dip we drove through is where the ford usually is, but it’s dry at the moment. I’ve been told when it rains it can get rather deep, so let’s hope we avoid any storms!” June beamed at the riders and nodded at the huge honey-coloured house in front of them. “And here we are!”

  The first thing Alice noticed when she climbed out of the minibus was the smell. The warm air was heavily scented with lavender and beyond the house, which was more like a castle, purple fields stretched into the distance. The second thing Alice noticed was the boy who stood by the gates smiling broadly. He was about her age, maybe slightly older, and had the tousled blond, tanned look of a surfer, only he was dressed in a blue striped shirt and breeches.

  “Welcome! You made it. Dad will be here in a minute; he’s just finishing off a schooling session.” The boy’s English sounded perfect but he had an unmistakable French accent. Alice wondered if his dad was the resident instructor.

  As the boy shook hands with everyone Alice swore that he held on to her hand just a tiny bit longer than the others. He grinned at her – flashing perfect white teeth – and for a moment she found herself unable to speak.

  “Alice,” the boy repeated softly, as she introduced herself. “Wonderful to meet you. I’m Sebastian, or Seb.” Then he smiled round at everyone. “Shall I show you the stables?” he said in a charming voice. “Your ponies should be arriving in about half an hour.”

  “Thank you, Seb.” June took charge, organising the group, and everyone trooped behind Seb as he headed in the direction of the yard. Finn walked next to Alice.

  “Finn?” Alice tried to keep her voice low, aware of Holly and Sam right behind them. “Are you OK? You seem a bit … a bit…” She struggled to think of the right word. She didn’t want Finn to know she’d overheard his phone conversation the day before.

  “A bit what?” Finn snapped. “Yes, Alice, I’m fine.”

  Alice frowned, but was distracted as they went through the huge ornamental gates leading to the stable yard. They were in an enormous cobbled courtyard with stables down two sides and a huge fountain in the middle. The heady scent of lavender mingled with the hay, and calm horses hung their heads over stable doors.

  “How lovely!” June said. “Have you just got the pony club here?”

  Seb shook his head. “It’s a busy week. We’ve got fifteen pony clubbers from the UK and we’ve also got a team from a fashion magazine staying. They’re doing a photo shoot with the lavender and they want to include some horses.”

  “And are all these horses part of the yard?” June asked.

  “Not all,” Seb replied. “We’ve actually got other horses staying for the festival. A travelling display team, the Rebel Riders?” He shrugged. “They are a big deal in France.”

  “Did you say the Rebel Riders?” Finn asked, suddenly sounding very alert.

  Seb nodded.

  “Oh right,” Finn answered. “That is cool.”

  “Who?” Alice whispered as Seb waved to a smartly dressed man who was heading over.

  “I’ll tell you later,” Finn whispered back, but his eyes were sparkling.

  The man now shaking June’s hand looked like an older version of Seb.

  “Hello!” He waved at the group. “I’m Mathis, the resident instructor here. I’m so sorry – I didn’t expect you for a few minutes longer. Otherwise I would have been waiting at the gates!”

  As he smiled around at the group with an easy charm, Alice instantly felt at ease. It was clear Mathis was a horseman from the way his gorgeous grey horse followed him adoringly back into the stable. According to June, Mathis was one of the best instructors in France.

  “So today you’ll settle in, and tomorrow the festival begins!” he beamed, and then he looked up as the big silver lorry trundled up the drive. The ponies had arrived!

  Alice was soon preoccupied with getting Se
cret settled. Finn helped the pony club members unload their ponies and stable them in the enormous loose boxes at the end of one of the rows. The stables had windows at both the front and back and despite the heat a breeze fluttered through, keeping the ponies cool. Secret’s was the very nearest stable to the yard entrance and Alice hoped she might even be able to see him from her room, like she could at home. It was comforting, having him near. Out of the back window, Alice was gazing at the purple fields again when something caught her eye.

  A group of riders were cantering together in the dusty area in front of the lavender rows. All were bareback, some without bridles, on a mixture of horses. As they neared, Alice’s eyes were drawn to the woman riding the Arab horse in the lead. She had long dark brown hair flowing behind her, and her posture reminded Alice a little of Sasha.

  “Who are they?” She turned round expecting to see Finn, but instead Seb was leaning on her stable door, a dazzling grin on his face. Alice felt a blush rise up. He was magazine handsome!

  “They,” Seb replied, “are the Rebel Riders. They’re a display team from Spain who travel Europe with their show. They are very good but, between you and me, I like my riding a little more … how do you say … traditional.” He gave a lopsided grin. “I prefer to sit on my saddle, not stand!”

  Alice couldn’t help but smile back. He was gorgeous and his accent was adorable! Then, looking back out of the stable window, she gave a start as she noticed Finn standing between two rows of lavender, hand shielding his eyes from the sun, as he also watched the riders.

  “So the Rebel Riders are a big deal, right?” Alice sat down next to Finn later in the courtyard. They were having an evening meal after exploring and settling in. Secret was happy in his enormous stable and Alice was planning to ask if she was allowed to ride him once the temperature dropped. She wondered if there was any way Finn could join her, riding one of the yard horses. Perhaps then they could talk while they rode, like they did at home. Something was going on with him, and she knew it was connected to the conversation with his dad that Alice had overheard.

  “You can say that again!” Finn replied. “They’re amazing. Sasha has all the videos on her laptop, and we always watch them when we’re thinking up new routines. They are way above us, though, like leagues above. I’ve always wanted to see them in action, and now here we are – staying in the same place as them. I can’t believe it!”

  “That’s so cool!” Alice said, thinking about the showjumpers she loved and how amazing it would be to meet them.

  Finn nodded. “Isn’t it? They’ve actually asked if I want to go and watch their practice tonight,” he continued. “I told them about the Fillies and they said I can get involved this week when I’m not helping June. I’ll do as much as I can with them!”

  Alice realised her face must have fallen and she quickly plastered on a smile. She’d hoped to spend some special time with Finn during the trip as well. “That’s great!” she said in a bright voice. Then she paused. “Are you sure you’re OK, though, Finn?” Alice asked again.

  Finn gave her an exasperated look. “Yes,” he said. “I’m sure!” Then his phone beeped, and, pulling it out, his face darkened.

  “Who’s that?” Alice asked, and Finn shot her an annoyed look.

  “No one.”

  Just then a new group of people arrived and sat at the tables next to them. Alice couldn’t help but stare. They really didn’t look like horsey people! Despite the heat, they were mostly wearing black and everyone was wearing huge sunglasses. They had to be the fashion magazine team. Noticing Alice looking at them, the lady nearest to her pushed her sunglasses up and glared at her with very green eyes. She was quite young, perhaps in her mid-twenties.

  “Yes?” she snapped. “Can I help?”

  Finn raised his eyebrows.

  The lady next to her frowned. “Maria, be nice. They’re just pony club kids.” Then, leaning forward, she gave a little wave. Alice smiled shyly. She recognised her; she was sure of it. Her pale hair was pulled back into a neat chignon and she had an heart-shaped face. Diamond bracelets round her slim wrists sparkled as she moved her hands.

  “I was in a pony club when I was your age,” she smiled. “You’ll have to introduce me to your ponies! I’m Gabby, by the way. This is Maria.”

  Alice was sure she hadn’t met Gabby before but she seemed so familiar, perhaps she just reminded her of someone else?

  The rude lady, Maria, gave a snort and grimaced. “Rather you than me,” she said. “Quite frankly, the further we stay from those horrid creatures, the better. It’s bad enough having to get up close and personal to them in the shoots.”

  Gabby grinned and rolled her eyes behind Maria’s back, making Alice laugh. She promised Gabby she would introduce her to Secret. But turning back to chat to Finn, Alice gave a start. He’d gone.

  A few minutes after Finn’s sudden departure, Holly joined Alice at the table. The super-friendly girl had already got to know all of the girls from the other pony club branches who’d arrived during the day, and waved for them to come over.

  “Alice!” she squealed. “This is Lizzie, Beth, Jenny and Ellen! Isn’t this so exciting?”

  And, despite wondering why Finn had disappeared so suddenly, Alice felt content. It was really nice to meet the other girls and chat about the festival and their ponies. It turned out Beth’s pony Buzz was stabled next to Secret.

  “I met Secret just now,” Beth said in a soft Welsh accent. “He’s gorgeous!” Alice swelled with pride. “Just watch Buzz,” Beth continued. “She can nip, but she’s all talk mostly!”

  “Sounds like Minstrel! Small pony syndrome!” Holly laughed. Her Shetland cross Welsh pony was on the other side of Buzz. The rest of the meal was full of laughter and pony chat and Alice loved every second.

  She went to see Secret once they’d finished dinner. Mathis had promised the pony clubbers they could turn their ponies out in the shaded paddocks surrounding the yard, but Secret seemed happy in his huge space and Alice was pleased that she’d remembered to pack his special door clip. She’d never live it down if he escaped! Crossing the yard towards the tack room, she jumped as she almost walked straight into Seb, who was carrying a bridle over his arm.

  “Hey, Alice!” Seb grinned at her. He looked super handsome in his riding kit.

  She gave a little awkward wave in response. “Hey!”

  “Where’s your friend Finn?” Seb continued, leaning against the whitewashed wall.

  “Oh.” Alice hesitated. “I think he’s hanging out with the Rebel Riders.”

  Seb raised an eyebrow. “Interesting,” he said. “They usually keep themselves to themselves.”

  “Finn rides in a display team at home, with his sister,” Alice explained. “He’s good. Really good,” she added.

  “Hmmm,” Seb said dismissively, then grinned his heart-stoppingly gorgeous grin. “It’s a beautiful evening,” he said, gesturing at the sky that was a hazy mixture of turquoise and pink. The heat had gone out of the day, and it was balmy and peaceful. “Would you like to come for a ride with me, and I’ll show you around?”

  Alice smiled. She’d been longing to ride around the estate ever since they’d arrived. “That would be lovely,” she replied.

  “Meet me out here in ten minutes.” Seb grinned at her again, and then he was gone.

  Alice had expected Seb to be riding a pony, but he led out a beautiful dark brown warmblood mare, who was well over sixteen hands. She was so tall that Alice had to look up at Seb as they rode side by side, turning up the dusty track that wound its way through the lavender.

  Seb’s mare wore a lot of tack. There was a complicated bridle with a grackle noseband and martingale and boots on all four legs. Seb had on expensive-looking long shiny boots and spurs, the type Alice saw on the showjumpers at Hickstead. Alice looked down at Secret’s bridle. He had a simple snaffle with plaited reins, and the oiled leather felt cool and familiar in her hands. Josephine was a firm believer in as lit
tle tack as possible and, with Finn and Alice, had overhauled the tack room one quiet day, getting rid of any unnecessary gadgets. It had made Alice so happy to see her mum and Finn really working together.

  “Your horse is lovely,” Alice said, unable to think of anything else to say. “And quite big.”

  “Yes, I’ve never really bothered with ponies.” Seb smiled down at her. “If you want to compete with the other riders, a good horse is the way forward! I’ll leave the ponies to the amateurs.”

  Alice raised an eyebrow. “Ponies have just as much going for them,” she said loyally. “And believe me,” she added, thinking of her past struggles, “just because they’re smaller doesn’t make them easier!”

  Secret was feeling a little fresh, and skipped along beside Seb’s mare as if proving Alice’s point.

  “What’s her name?” Alice felt slightly breathless, trying to stop Secret from cantering off. He was having to jog to keep up with the warmblood’s long strides.

  “Clea,” Seb replied.

  “Pretty name,” Alice said. “It suits her.”

  “I guess.” Seb shrugged. “I didn’t name her. I’m more interested in what she can do.”

  “Oh.” Alice felt taken aback.

  “She’s got this season to prove herself, and if not, she’ll be sold on,” Seb continued. “I want to make it as a professional, get sponsorship. So, I need the right machine.”

  “Er, right.” Alice had never heard a horse referred to as a machine before.

  Seeing her expression, Seb chuckled. “Alice, it’s a business,” he said, and she frowned. Seb was more or less the same age as her, and yet he was speaking to her as if he was a grown-up and she was a child! “I can’t afford to ride horses who aren’t producing results.”

  Alice nodded, although she couldn’t imagine selling Secret just because he wasn’t capable of doing exactly what she wanted.