A Ride to Freedom

by Olivia Tuffin

  “It’s cool, Alice, you can trust me.”

  Moments later, Seb was up and on Secret, adjusting the stirrups. Alice immediately got a bad feeling as Seb launched into a trot around the arena. Secret put his ears back, looking perturbed as Seb rode him into an outline, flicking him behind his saddle with the schooling whip. Alice couldn’t tell if the whip had made contact, but she felt anger bubble up inside her. She’d told Seb NOT to use the whip. How dare he ignore her!

  “Seb, stop!” Alice shouted, as he pushed Secret into a canter. She started to run across the arena, but Seb aimed Secret at the jump, digging his heels in, his strong hands keeping Secret’s neck straight. Secret cleared the jump beautifully, but Seb pulled him back on landing into a strong half-halt, keeping his canter as slow as a walk. Alice knew Secret normally bounded on and she let him, knowing his energy settled after a few jumps. Secret pinned his ears back crossly.

  “Seb! Get off!” Alice was really yelling now. But Seb was approaching another jump, Secret’s canter controlled, his expression one of annoyance.

  “Go on!” Seb flicked him again with the schooling whip, and this time Alice saw it make contact. Clearly having had enough, Secret ran out at the very last second, dropping his shoulder and dumping Seb on to the ground in a heap. Briefly stopping, Secret nipped him on the arm before bounding away.

  Seb leapt to his feet, scarlet with anger. “You little—”

  But Alice didn’t hear what he had called Secret as she rushed towards her pony. He almost crashed into her as she caught him, rubbing his head up and down her arms, covering her shirt in red hair.

  “Oh, sweetheart, I’m sorry!” Alice hugged him tightly. She felt awful. Secret had never run out, so it was clear to Alice this was his way of saying he didn’t like having Seb on his back.

  Seb strode across the school, his face dark. “Been a while since I’ve been thrown,” he said with a scowl. “Can you see what I was trying to show you about accuracy, Alice? You need to bring him right back to you after you jump. OK, I’ll get back up and we’ll jump it properly this time, Caesar.”

  “His name is Secret,” Alice said furiously. “And no, you’re not getting back on. No way! Never!”

  Seb gave her a patronising look. “You’re too soft with him! He could be a good pony, but he needs a firm hand.”

  “I don’t think so,” Alice said. “I know my pony, and you didn’t ride him in the right way. At all.”

  Before Seb could respond she swung herself up, adjusting her stirrups and patting Secret who visibly relaxed now she was back on board.

  Seb shrugged. “Suit yourself. I’m going to go and school my horse. Like, actually school. Good luck at the competition – you’re going to need it. I’d kiss goodbye to the prize money, if I were you.”

  He stalked off, leaving Alice and Secret alone.

  Picking up her reins, Alice walked Secret around, waiting until he felt relaxed enough, before nudging him into a trot, and then a canter. Secret seemed his normal bouncy self but Alice felt really cross with herself. She’d known Seb had a totally different approach to riding and that his way wasn’t right for her or Secret. But she hoped he’d be able to help her to do well, partly for Finn, but mostly because she wanted her and Secret to succeed at something they both loved. It looked like her and Secret had to do it their way.

  Secret soared over the jump, and Alice felt much better. Then, looking up over the lavender, she squinted as a familiar rider came into view, heading back to the stables. It was Finn.

  “Alice?” There was a frown on Finn’s face. “Why was Seb riding Secret?”

  Alice rode up to him. “I thought he might have some tips for me. He does really well,” she added defensively. She felt guilty about letting Seb ride Secret but he was her pony, and so it was really nothing to do with Finn!

  Finn ran a hand through his dusty hair. “Really?” he said coldly. “Did you not notice how he rode? Dad would tear him apart for those heavy hands. Letting him ride Secret was a stupid thing to do.”

  Alice saw red. “How dare you! I thought it might help to have another opinion and it obviously didn’t. It’s done now and I don’t need you making me feel worse!”

  Before Finn could reply Seb clattered up on Clea. Suddenly the huge arena felt very small and crowded. The two boys eyed each other warily.

  “Finn,” Seb said, nodding coolly. “Back from circus training?”

  “Just catching up with Alice,” Finn replied, his voice equally cold.

  “I’m surprised you let her get away with her pony’s behaviour,” Seb continued, arching an eyebrow. “Great pony … but spoilt. Maybe if it had better training?”

  “The pony is called Secret, and it’s a he,” Finn replied calmly, but his eyes flashed. “And if you knew them at all, you would know how far they’ve come in a short space of time. Alice doesn’t need your input.”

  Alice felt a rush of anger at the way the boys were discussing her as if she wasn’t even there.

  “All right Finn, leave it,” she said crossly. “And, Seb, thanks for offering to help, but I’m fine as I am. I’ll do it my way with Secret.”

  Seb shrugged and gave an insincere smile. “Up to you of course. I like a horse to be obedient. But then I guess I’m used to winners.”

  With no more activities for the day the pony clubbers were free to come and go, and Lizzie and Beth tried to persuade Alice to go down to the funfair with them.

  “Sorry, guys.” Alice shook her head. She wasn’t feeling very sociable. “I think I’m just going to have a quiet one.”

  The only place she wanted to be was with Secret, to have a bit of a think about the busy two days ahead. The festival was at its peak now and the Rebel Riders were giving their big demonstration the next day. With lots of French pony clubbers staying over the night before the class, there was also a dance planned for that evening.

  As Alice approached Secret’s stable she could see that he had a glint in his eye, one that Alice knew well. He’d been up to mischief. Straight away Alice could tell that he’d been nibbling away at the sign on his door again, and this time he’d taken a small chunk off. Assessing it, Alice groaned. As if the day wasn’t bad enough already! Trying to put it back in place, she realised she could lift the sign away from the door now, and doing so left brown stains all over her fingers. She’d have to ask Mathis for some more of the special liquid he’d used, not that it seemed to stop Secret!

  “That’ll be another thing I have to replace,” she chided her pony as she let herself into the stable, thinking back to the damage he’d caused in the shoot. She was so grateful Gabby had let her off.

  Alice sank down into the shavings, and Secret, entirely unconcerned, just nudged her until she couldn’t help but laugh, reaching up to play with his forelock. She was so lost in thought that she didn’t notice the figure leaning over the stable door and jumped when she heard her name being called.

  “Hey, I didn’t mean to startle you.” It was Celia, leader of the Rebel Riders. As Secret bustled over to say hello, Alice scrambled to her feet, brushing the shavings off her T-shirt, a blush rising in her cheeks. The older girl had such presence that Alice felt quite tongue-tied in her company.

  “Listen,” Celia continued, “I’ve found out something really cool. I was talking to one of the guys down at the festival. There’s a herd of wild horses quite near here. He said the best way to approach is by horseback, and I have a free afternoon. Want to come, if you have no other plans?”

  “Yes please!” Alice gasped – that sounded like a perfect way of spending an afternoon! “I must tell June first.”

  “Sure,” Celia said. “Meet you out here in half an hour?”

  “OK!” Alice agreed, letting herself out of the stable. It would be amazing to enjoy some time with Secret, with no pressure. And no boys!

  A short while later, Alice was mounted on Secret. Even with just Secret’s snaffle bridle and saddle, Alice felt completely overdressed next to Cel
ia, whose beautiful grey horse Domino had just a rope round his strong neck. Hopping into the saddle as Celia swung herself up, Alice smiled. “Ready!”

  Once they were climbing up the lavender path and heading to the ridge above the centre, the same one Alice had cantered along with Seb on her first night, Alice felt herself start to relax and lose some of her shyness and the girls were soon chatting away like old friends. Alice started to tell Celia about the showjumping competition.

  “I saw you jump in your lesson this morning,” Celia smiled. “You both looked great!”

  “Thank you.” She reached down to pat Secret. “But it hasn’t always been like that. Actually, I—” she hesitated for a second— “I got it wrong afterwards. I let Seb ride Secret. I thought it might help with the competition, to have his opinion. And it was totally the worst decision. Secret hated it.”

  Celia looked thoughtfully at Alice. “We’re all human; we make mistakes,” she said. “When I watched you jump you were smiling from ear to ear. People can advise all they want but you obviously know Secret best of all. He trusts you, and you need to trust yourself. And always let him be himself; his character is what makes him the pony he is.”

  They were just the words Alice needed to hear. She smiled gratefully. “Thank you,” she said. “That means a lot.”

  They rode on in contented silence for another mile, climbing a dusty path that led through a lightly wooded area until they reached a clearing and the land levelled out. There were hoof prints everywhere, but it was hard to tell if they belonged to riders on the trail or loose ponies.

  “This is where he said they gathered in the afternoons.” Celia hopped lightly off Domino’s back, before gesturing downwards. Again, to Alice’s amazement, the big horse sank down, and had a quick roll before settling into a lying-down position.

  “That’s fantastic,” Alice said in awe. “I wish I could do that.”

  “OK,” Celia said with a smile. “Let’s try!”

  Feeling a little embarrassed and half wishing she hadn’t said anything, Alice dismounted and removed her saddle. Secret was slightly damp after his climb up the hill and rubbed his head against Alice as if to thank her.

  “So,” Celia said. “Let’s see what Secret can do!”

  And with Celia’s encouragement Alice stood back and gave Secret the full length of rein. As if he couldn’t believe his luck, Secret, who adored nothing more than a good roll, sank to his knees. Using a treat from Celia’s pocket, Alice waited until he was finished and about to get up before praising him like he’d just jumped clear at Hickstead and giving him the treat. Secret nosed her hand, nibbling the pony nuts, and then clambered back up, giving himself a shake. Suddenly Alice had a flashback to the time he’d rolled in the arena when she’d been trying to show off in front of Finn, and he’d teased her for ages. She’d been so cross at the time.

  “That’s it!” Celia grinned. “It takes patience. You can see how I just need to give Domino a little cue, but I would really exaggerate your movement, show Secret what you want him to do, get him to mirror you almost. He’s a bright pony – he’ll get it.”

  Alice smiled. “Thanks,” she said. “Something cool to practise!”

  Then both ponies pricked their ears and Celia nodded to Alice. “Look!” she whispered and Alice gazed in the direction Celia was pointing.

  Emerging into the dappled sunlight was the most beautiful grey mare followed by a dark brown foal. Then another two horses, then another … until there were ten horses only metres away. Secret was transfixed, uttering a low whinny under his breath. The hairs on the back of Alice’s arms stood up as the lead mare lifted her head and stared in their direction, her dark eyes watchful but soft. Alice stood silently, hardly daring to breathe as the foal gambolled and leapt in the long soft grasses, until the herd had crossed the pasture and were out of sight. Secret whinnied once again, and was met with an answering call as the herd disappeared.

  “Wow.” Celia sounded as awestruck as Alice felt. “That was quite something!”

  Alice nodded, unable to think of the words. It had been the most amazing moment, a glimpse into the most magical of worlds.

  The girls rode back in a relaxed fashion. Alice was still smiling as she thought about the wild horses. Her mind drifted back to Finn, and she knew he would have loved it as much as she did.

  As if reading her thoughts, Celia turned to her. “So, your Finn,” she said out of the blue. “He really is an incredible rider. What a shame it looks like he’ll have to give up his own team.”

  Alice was jolted back to the present. “What?” she said, shocked. “Give up the Fillies? I know they have money problems, but the Fillies are going from strength to strength! There’s no way he’d give them up!”

  Celia bit her lip. “Alice, I’m sorry, I just presumed that you must know.” She looked mortified and Alice shook her head. Now she knew why Finn had been so up and down, and why he refused to talk about the Flying Fillies. But to think of giving it all up? Alice tried to make sense of it. He lived for his family’s display team. What was going on?

  They rode back to the centre in silence, Alice’s head spinning. She and Finn had to talk. But when? And how, when Finn hadn’t even told her in the first place?

  Finn was nowhere to be found. He didn’t show up for the evening meal or come down to the festival with the rest of the gang. And, after a restless night’s sleep, Alice only caught a glimpse of him before she had a lesson with Secret the following morning, the last before the jumping competition.

  Secret was brilliant during the lesson. Holding on to Celia’s words, Alice finally felt she was the one who knew her pony best, and it gave her a renewed confidence. They jumped the biggest they’d ever jumped, and Secret remained in control, flying around the course, at one with Alice as they practised the exercises Mathis had set out. It was the most amazing feeling. As she led him back to the dusty paddock afterwards Alice started to believe they had a real shot at the competition.

  As she slipped Secret’s head collar off Alice remembered what Celia had shown her. Secret was warm, and Alice knew he’d want to roll straight away. She clucked for him to follow her and he did so, rubbing his head on her back. Then, feeling a little silly, Alice checked all around her to make sure no one was watching and bowed towards the ground, scraping the earth like a pony would. Secret also dug with one foot, then another, before flopping down and rolling luxuriously. After he’d rolled a few times on both sides, he paused, and Alice was ready with a treat. Crouching down, she offered him a mint and he took it, remaining where he was.

  “Good boy, clever boy.”

  Praising him just as Celia had instructed, Alice enjoyed the moment – Secret next to her, the sun warm on her back. Then with a satisfied snort Secret clambered back up and shook the dust from his body before wandering over to pick at the hay. Alice remained on the ground watching him, lost in thought.

  Later that afternoon, all the pony clubbers went to watch the Rebel Riders in action. Clouds were building and the air felt heavy and oppressive. Despite only wearing a cotton dress Alice was boiling hot.

  “We’ll have a storm that will clear the air in time for your showjumping tomorrow.” Mathis addressed the pony clubbers with a beaming smile. “Short and sharp, like they are in this region! And then beautiful clear skies to jump.”

  June clapped her hands and the three Hilltops riders plus half the courtyard turned towards her, such was the booming nature of her voice. “Right, listen up!” She smiled. “I’m leaving you in Mathis’s capable hands this evening. I’ve been given the chance to visit another stables not so far from here, which might be suitable for a trip next year. I’ll be back before the end of the night. Be good everyone and enjoy the party!”

  Gathered with her friends at the ringside, Alice felt the hairs on her arms stand up as Celia galloped in on Domino. She was wearing a scarlet jacket woven with gold thread, and her hair was loose and flowing. Domino’s grey mane was plaited with w
hite roses and he looked incredible. The rest of the team galloped in behind her. Their costumes were equally beautiful, from their flowing cloaks and the carvings on the horses’ bridles to the silk ribbons and flowers plaited into the flying manes and tails. Everyone gasped and cheered as they thundered across the arena, the blackening sky providing a dramatic backdrop. And then there was Finn. He rode just as well as the rest of the team, throwing himself with ease from his saddle, his head dangerously close to the floor as his pony galloped across the diagonal.

  “Wow!” Alice heard Holly exclaim. “I never knew Finn could ride like that!”

  Alice felt so proud. But looking at Finn’s face as he thundered past, an icy shiver ran down her spine. Why was he giving up on the Flying Fillies, something he loved so much?

  Later on, as the party got under way and music and laughter filled the air, Alice searched everywhere for Finn. He’d gone back to the stables with the Rebel Riders, and Holly and Beth had bustled Alice back to the courtyard where all the visiting French pony clubbers had gathered. Swept along with them, Alice resolved to find Finn afterwards.

  Fairy lights twinkled in the lemon trees and everyone was in a good mood. The pony clubbers and the younger members of the fashion team had started to dance. Alice stood slightly awkwardly with Holly and a few other pony club girls, realising her lack of going to parties over the years meant she had no idea what to do. Should she dance? Should she just stand and try to look cool? Suddenly she found she didn’t even know what to do with her hands, and they hung awkwardly by her side, so she shoved them into the pockets of her dress.

  “Hi.” A familiar voice made her spin round. It was Seb, and the handsome grin was back on his face.

  “So, about before,” he said, before Alice could say anything. “I’m sorry. I guess we just have different riding styles? Your pony Secret is a good jumper. Friends again?”