The Palomino Pony Runs Free

by Olivia Tuffin

  Contents

  Title Page

  Dedication

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Acknowledgements

  Copyright

  For little Grace,

  who’s pony mad like me!

  O.T.

  The boy placed a comforting hand on the neck of his dark brown mare as he guided her carefully down the ramp. Three gorgeous ponies caught his eye as he glanced around the pretty cobbled yard; they were gazing at the new arrivals with keen interest. His first impression was that this was a really well-kept, happy yard and he was sure they would be fine here – it was just so different to home.

  Clicking his tongue, he led the mare into a box and began settling her in. What would the other people be like? He had heard a bit about the teenage girl who had a pony here, but other than that, he didn’t know much. Thinking of home again, he pressed his face against his pony’s neck as she snuffled his hand, comforting him. He sighed heavily.

  This was it. He had one last shot, one last chance to succeed. He didn’t know if it would work, but he needed to try his very best for his pony’s sake. Gathering his thoughts, the boy pulled on his baseball cap, straightened up and stepped out into the sunlight, ready to meet the yard owner. Looking back at his pony, he took a deep breath. It was important that he created the right impression and did not let his mask slip even once. He had to do this for his pony – to repay all that she had done for his family over the years.

  “Georgia? Are you listening?”

  Georgia’s friend, Dan, gave her a nudge as the teacher walked over and stood in front of them.

  “Sorry, could you repeat the question?” Georgia asked, trying to focus on the whiteboard at the front of the class. She was experiencing it again – an uncontrollable, tummy-churning rush of nerves that had arrived totally out of the blue in the middle of a history lesson. Georgia clenched and unclenched her clammy hands. She felt quite lightheaded as she pushed aside an unruly blonde curl and looked apologetically up at the teacher.

  Dan shot her a sympathetic look, but luckily Miss Hayes had given up waiting for her answer and had turned her attention back to the whiteboard. Georgia tried to concentrate, but the noise of the classroom had become nothing more than a background hum now. As she closed her eyes, all Georgia could see were the bright lights of the arena at the Horse of the Year Show, and all she could feel was serious panic!

  Once the pure shock and elation at qualifying for the Show had worn off, Georgia had started to feel the pressure of competing at such a level. From that point on, all eyes had been firmly on her and Georgia had begun to have doubts about whether she and Lily deserved their place at the Horse of the Year Show. The pretty palomino had caught everyone’s eye as soon as they’d started competing, but as Georgia was new on the circuit no one had viewed them as serious contenders until now. Georgia had only been riding Lily since last summer, and even though they were a brilliant pairing she couldn’t help but feel nervous. And if she felt like this with several weeks still to go, what was she going to be like on the actual day?

  Georgia let out a shuddering breath, which caused Miss Hayes to look around at her again.

  “I–I’m sorry. I’m not feeling well,” Georgia stammered. “May I go to the bathroom?”

  “What was all that about?” Dan asked as he caught up with Georgia after school, jogging beside her as she hurried down the corridor and out to the bus. “Are you OK? What’s the huge rush?”

  “I just want to get to the stables, all right?” snapped Georgia. “To see Lily.” As Dan fell into step beside her, Georgia took a deep breath and imagined resting her head against the palomino pony’s neck. She knew that burying her face in Lily’s creamy mane and breathing in her sweet horsey scent would make her feel so much better!

  “Is it the Horse of the Year Show again?” Dan raised an eyebrow. “You know Georgia, you don’t have to compete. Not if it’s bothering you this much. No one would mind, especially not Melanie!”

  “Do you really think so?” Georgia considered this as she thought about Melanie, the owner of Redgrove Farm, where Lily was kept. Melanie had done so much for her – she had saved the little palomino pony by buying her, for starters – and then she had given her to Georgia on loan.

  “Yes, I do,” Dan replied. “You just have to do what’s best for you.”

  Georgia knew that he was right. But it had always been a dream of hers to compete in the Horse of the Year Show, and then to carry on year after year as a professional show rider. But now that it was within her reach, the thought of taking part completely terrified her!

  “Oh, I don’t know,” she said, shaking her head as the school bus pulled up outside the gates to Redgrove Farm and the swing doors brushed open. “I’ll call you later, Dan, OK?”

  “Sure.” Dan waved and Georgia jumped down, making her way up the drive and past the tennis court and paddocks. Redgrove Farm was a large modern house with stables attached. It had everything that you could possibly want – even a swimming pool! Georgia felt so lucky that she was allowed to come and ride here whenever she wanted. She lived with her mum in the village, but she came to the stables every day.

  As Georgia made her way into the yard, a few of Melanie’s bantam chickens were scratching around the edge of the hay barn, searching for stray pony nuts. There was a note pinned to the board in the feed room.

  Hey G, I’m out at a Pony Club meeting. Can you come and see me when you get back from your ride?

  The writing was Melanie’s and she’d added a little smiley face. Georgia thought that Melanie probably wanted to talk about Lily’s training routine for the run-up to the Show. A shiver ran down Georgia’s spine again and she had to shake herself. She was just here to hack out on Lily this evening. No pressure!

  Picking up the little mare’s tack – a simple snaffle bridle and soft suede saddle – she made her way to the fields. Callie and Wilson – Melanie’s other ponies – were already waiting by the gate. Wilson, a dark brown thoroughbred cross, was wearing a lightweight rug to keep him warm but Callie was unclad, her hardy Exmoor coat protecting her from the chilly breeze. The sky was still as blue as it had been in the summer but there was a definite nip in the air. Georgia wrapped her jacket a little tighter round her.

  “Looking for a treat again, Callie?” She chuckled as Callie’s soft nose brushed against her hand. Georgia pulled a Polo mint from her pocket and gave it to her. She looked over the Exmoor’s back to see Lily hanging back, behind Wilson.

  Georgia felt all her troubles wash away as the palomino whickered a greeting and gently pushed her way through the other ponies. Seeing Lily always made Georgia smile! The little Welsh pony had never looked better. Her champagne coat shone brightly and her creamy mane was lustrous and soft, brushed by Georgia every day until it was as smooth as silk. Her muscles were clearly defined beneath her coat, but Lily was slim and elegant and her delicate neck arched as she nuzzled Georgia, gently breathing on her face. You’d never know that she had foaled last year – a little colt called Secret who had gone to live at Josephine Smalley’s show yard, up the road. Georgia had worked her gently since Secret was weaned, and Lily looked amazing!

  “Let’s get you tacke
d up,” said Georgia, slipping the bridle over Lily’s head and sliding the saddle down her back. If only Eric, Lily’s breeder, could see her now. Georgia had heard that he had been in and out of hospital, so she hoped he was OK. She had sent him Lily’s qualifying rosette in the post with a letter but hadn’t received a reply yet. Maybe his granddaughter, Jemma, had opened the letter. Georgia shuddered, remembering the events of the previous summer when she’d rescued Lily from the brutal girl. At least Jemma couldn’t hurt Lily now, and with rumours circulating on the competition circuit about her cruel treatment of Lily, Jemma rarely showed her face at shows any more.

  “Come on, my angel,” Georgia whispered, leading Lily through the gate and gently pushing Wilson and Callie back. It was still light enough after school to have time for a decent ride and Georgia was able to squeeze in the all-important hill work to keep Lily fit.

  Leading the palomino up to the yard, she tied her by the mounting block for a moment while she quickly changed into her old navy jodhs in the tack room. She tied her curly blonde hair back into a ponytail. Then, remembering Melanie’s yard rules, she pulled on a high visibility jacket, just in case the sun started to set before she got back.

  Swinging lightly into the saddle, she set off on one of her favourite rides. She meandered down the lane from the yard, then looped round the heath that fell between the stables and Dan’s farm. On a clear day she could just make out the red brick building of the farm shop, and see Dan’s black-and-white collie, Hattie, who liked to lie by the entrance catching the last rays of sunshine.

  As Lily’s long, fluid strides ate up the chalk path and she moved into a rolling, rhythmic canter, Georgia felt all her worries vanish. This was what riding was all about – being out and about and enjoying time with your pony. She concentrated on keeping her contact light and soft and her legs still in the stirrups, and time seemed to melt away.

  But all too soon, it was time to head home. “Whoa lovely, whoa.” Georgia soothed the little mare back to a walk, letting her have her head so she could warm-down after her hill work. Lily stretched her long, elegant neck and gave a happy snort. Georgia laughed and patted her, thinking again how lucky she was to have the palomino pony.

  She was so deep in thought that she almost didn’t hear the heavy thud of hooves until another horse was suddenly bearing down on them.

  Lily gave a startled squeal, leaping into the air as a sleek dark brown pony overtook her at a fast canter.

  “Wotcha!” The rider laughed as he hurtled past, turning sideways to grin at Georgia and flashing white, straight teeth. He was wearing a dark green baseball cap instead of a riding hat and a blue zip up jacket with motifs emblazoned on it.

  “Hey – watch it!” Georgia cried, unnerved as Lily plunged forwards and half-reared. Everyone knew you should wear a hard hat and it was an unwritten rule that you should be careful not to pass other ponies at speed when you hacked out! The rider and his dark brown pony continued on around the bend before disappearing from view, leaving Lily crabbing sideways.

  Georgia was furious. Soothing Lily, she patted her neck and walked her forwards in the direction of Redgrove, outwardly calm but seething with anger inside. Whoever that rider was, he could have caused Lily to bolt or fall. Georgia shuddered to think of the palomino crashing to the ground and hurting herself. Their perfect evening ride had been ruined by that arrogant boy and his pony – and just when Georgia had started to relax and forget her worries. What an idiot!

  Georgia was still muttering crossly to herself as she untacked Lily and rugged her up for the night. The little mare was calm again now and stood quietly, enjoying the attention, closing her white-lashed eyes. Carefully, Georgia wiped the pony’s face with a cloth. “It’s just lucky you’re so trusting now,” she murmured as she finished her grooming routine. “That stupid rider could have really unnerved you!”

  “Georgia!”

  Melanie’s voice cut across her thoughts and she whirled round to see the owner of Redgrove striding across the yard, a terrier at each heel. Kind, caring and a brilliant rider, Melanie was Georgia’s absolute role model, and had taught her everything she knew about ponies.

  “Hello Georgia, hello Lily…” Melanie paused to stroke the little mare. “Goodness she’s looking well, isn’t she? Anyway, G, I’m glad I caught you. I nearly didn’t get out of that Pony Club meeting alive – you know what Janey’s like, planning rallies left, right and centre!”

  Georgia chuckled. She loved Janey, the Pony Club instructor, but she could be fierce, and she liked to talk – a lot!

  “Anyway,” Melanie continued, raking her hands through her dark hair and securing it with a tortoiseshell clip. “There’s something that I meant to tell you yesterday … but it all happened so fast, and it was a bit last-minute. You remember Sara, who used to live in the village?” Georgia vaguely recalled one of Melanie’s horsey friends and nodded.

  “She’s the one who had Sophie to stay for a while when she was doing her university placement last term,” Melanie went on. “So I owe her a favour – and she’s asked if we can have her nephew and his pony here in the run up to the Horse of the Year Show – just to help him keep focused. He qualified like you did, but as a working hunter jumper, not a flat show rider.”

  “Really?” At the mention of the Horse of the Year Show, Georgia was immediately interested!

  “Yes, he’s come to train with Janey,” Melanie continued, stroking Lily. “He used to be in the Round Barrow Pony Club. I said we had a spare stable.”

  Georgia’s interest was definitely piqued. A new livery, and one that was also going to the Horse of the Year Show! Georgia hadn’t been on the competition scene for long and so she didn’t know anyone else who had qualified. Although Dan and Emma – her other best friend – shared her excitement, it was hard for them to understand the enormous scale of the event, so it would be great to have someone to talk to about it. She could ask him how he was dealing with his nerves. Or maybe he could even give her some help with her jumping. Although Lily was an excellent jumper, Georgia always felt more comfortable doing flatwork.

  “So, what do you think?” asked Melanie.

  “Sounds great,” said Georgia. “We can compare notes and it’ll be someone to ride out with as well.” She grinned enthusiastically. “When does he arrive?”

  “Well…” Melanie’s answer was cut short by a shrill whinny from Callie as the yard gates opened and a horse and rider clattered over the cobbled floor. “He’s actually already here!”

  Georgia looked up and let out a gasp. Trotting towards her was the dark brown mare from earlier – the one that had nearly run them down out on the heath. Georgia’s eyes narrowed as Melanie continued talking.

  “I know you’ll get along brilliantly,” she was saying. “You’re both as pony crazy as each other! Georgia meet Will. Will – Georgia! Oh, and Will’s pony, Santa.” Pausing, Melanie gave a sigh of exasperation. “Sorry, Will, I don’t mean to nag on your first day, but when you ride here, hard hats on, please.”

  The rider, Will, had now dismounted and removed his baseball cap, revealing thick dark hair. “Sure, Melanie. Sorry about that,” he apologised, speaking with a polished accent. “My brother’s habit.” Smiling at Georgia, he stuck out a hand to greet her.

  “We’ve met,” Georgia said icily, reluctantly shaking his hand as Melanie raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Out on the ridgeback … when you nearly ran us over.”

  “Ah, that was you! Sorry about that!” Will chuckled, not sounding sorry at all. “Melanie did tell me you rode flat in the show ring; I guess us jumpers are just used to cutting across each other in the warm up!”

  “OK, guys, I’ll leave you to get to know each other,” Melanie said, glancing at her watch. “I need to get on and cook supper.” And with that she headed back into the house.

  “You could have caused an accident back there!” Georgia burst out once Melanie was out of earshot, struggling to stay calm. Then she took a deep breath – af
ter all, this was a family friend of Melanie’s and he would be staying here until the championships, so she had to try to be polite! “Next time you ride on the heath just slow down if you see another horse, OK?” She knew she sounded patronising but she still couldn’t believe how badly Will had behaved earlier.

  “Yessir!” Will clicked his heels together and pretended to salute.

  Ugh, he was worse than Harry Blake, one of the few boys in the Round Barrow Pony Club, and Harry was annoying enough! Giving Will an icy smile, Georgia turned her attention back to Lily, who was gazing at the new arrival. She whinnied gently and the dark brown mare whickered back, a kind expression in her eyes. Georgia had to admit that Will’s pony was a beauty, even if he was a complete idiot. The brown mare had some native in her, New Forest perhaps, but also some Arab lines or thoroughbred as well, and she was obviously bred for speed and jumping.

  Concentrating on brushing Lily down, Georgia tried to stifle her bad mood. They’d got off on the wrong foot, but maybe he wouldn’t turn out to be so bad after all!

  “He’s awful, totally awful!”

  It was a couple of days later at school, and Georgia was complaining loudly to Emma and Dan, stabbing at her yoghurt pot with her spoon in frustration.

  Emma raised an eyebrow, looking up from her book. She hadn’t met Will yet, but had heard plenty about the new arrival already! “Is he really so bad?” she said mildly. “I can’t imagine Melanie letting anyone that terrible stable at Redgrove.”

  Georgia snorted and shook her head. “You have no idea what he’s like!”

  Still, she wasn’t really sure what Emma would make of Will. She’d probably think he was OK! After all, Will was totally charming towards everyone else – Melanie, her husband Simon… Even Georgia’s mum had laughed along at his stupid jokes when she’d come to the stables with her weekly bag of carrots for Lily. But Will was always messing around, winding Georgia up and spoiling her enjoyment of the yard. And he was arrogant too, going on about the number of classes he’d won, and how he rode at the highest level. Georgia knew she had to be polite as he was Melanie’s guest and livery, and it certainly wasn’t up to her who stabled at Redgrove. But it was hard, particularly when he kept referring to her beloved Lily as Barbie’s pony!