The Palomino Pony Steals the Show Read online

  Left alone with Lily, Georgia rolled up her sleeves to look at her watch. It was only two o’clock and she wasn’t meeting the other students in the barn until three. Just enough time to give Lily a groom.

  Picking up her body brush, she set to work on Lily’s golden coat, which was just starting to show a hint of summer dapple through her full clip. Chatting away to her pony, who flicked her ears back and forth as if listening, Georgia was so engrossed in her grooming routine that she almost didn’t hear the softly spoken “hello” over her stable door. Turning round, she jumped as she noticed a girl about her age standing outside her stable, holding a leather head collar.

  “Hello!” Georgia said brightly.

  The girl gave a shy smile. “I’m Jodie,” she said, giving a little wave. “And this must be Lily, I’ve read loads about her in the pony mags.”

  “That’s right!” Georgia grinned, giving Lily a pat. It still amazed her when people recognised the little mare but she had featured in all the horsey publications recently, following her Olympia win. And she was extremely striking with her golden coat.

  “I’m next door to you,” Jodie continued, gesturing to the stable adjacent to Lily where a black pony’s head popped over, mouth full of hay and eyes bright. Jodie smiled and reached across to stroke the pony’s delicate muzzle. As small as Lily, who stood just under thirteen hands, but finer, Jodie’s pony was a gelding. He wasn’t native, Georgia was sure about that, but he looked like a show pony, or a miniature thoroughbred.

  “Wow,” Georgia breathed, always appreciative of a gorgeous-looking pony, and guessing Jodie’s family must be seriously horsey and wealthy to have such a beautiful pony. “He’s amazing!”

  Jodie looked proud and smiled. “Thanks! He’s called Jackson. He’s my pride and joy. Hey, shall we go to the barn together for the intro talk?”

  “Sure!” Georgia said, pleased. Jodie seemed nice and it would be good to have someone to go with. After putting Lily’s rug back on, and after Jodie had checked that Jackson had enough hay, the two girls made their way across to the meeting barn, where the other riders were starting to assemble.

  There was a tall, thin man inside, wearing a bomber jacket and chaps and talking quietly with a pretty young woman, wearing equally smart riding gear. They both nodded at Georgia and Jodie, gesturing for them to come in. “We’ll be with you in a few minutes,” the man said, nodding curtly in their direction.

  The low buzz of chatter paused as the girls sat down on a squishy sofa covered with a Newmarket blanket, opposite another pair of teenagers. A girl with bright-red hair gave a small wave and the boy next to her unfolded long legs and gave a lazy smile, reaching out his hand in greeting. Georgia shook it, feeling shy.

  “I’m Sebastian Woodley,” the boy drawled in a refined Home Counties accent. “And this is Ellie,” he said, gesturing to the girl with red hair, as she and Jodie introduced themselves. Sebastian turned his attention to her. “So you must be Georgia,” he continued, “with the show pony.”

  Georgia nodded and was just about to reply when a girl with long dark hair, sunglasses and a smart black riding jacket swept in and sat down next to Sebastian. Georgia heard Jodie draw in her breath sharply. “Serena!”

  “Hi, Jodie,” she sneered. The words were friendly but Serena’s voice was icy. Georgia realised immediately that they knew each other. You could cut the tension between them with a knife.

  Jodie shrank back into her seat, barely whispering a reply. Sebastian carried on with his introductions. “Serena, this is Georgia,” he said, waving a hand towards her. “The showing girl.”

  Serena flicked her dark mane over one shoulder. She was as polished and glossy as the dressage horses that filled the luxurious boxes at Rosefolly. “Oh, yes,” she said in a flat voice. “I heard you were joining us.” She spread her long elegant fingers, examining the manicured nails. “Not being funny, but showing’s a bit different to dressage, isn’t it? I mean, don’t you just ride in a circle?”

  Georgia looked at her, slightly taken back by her bluntness.

  Sebastian grinned. “Oh, come on, Serena,” he said cheerfully. “Georgia won Olympia at Christmas; that’s quite a big deal.”

  “Yes, I’m aware,” Serena hissed. “I do read Horse & Hound every week.” She took off her sunglasses and fixed Georgia with a cold stare. “Rosefolly’s training camps are pretty exclusive,” she continued. “Be interesting to see how your Welsh pony copes.” She put extra emphasis on the words ‘Welsh pony’, as if driving home a point.

  Georgia was too startled to think of a reply. She had never met anyone quite as blunt as Serena, and she was surprised that anyone still had that attitude when native ponies up and down the country were doing well in all sorts of disciplines.

  With one last glare at Georgia, Serena turned her attention to Sebastian. As the two of them chatted away, it became clear they knew each other from the young riders’ circuit. It sounded a world away from Redgrove.

  Serena gossiped at length about her recent pony-buying trip to Germany, and Sebastian filled her in on news he had heard from his trainers. They were so glamorous and self-assured, despite seeming to be the same age as Georgia. Georgia suddenly thought of Redgrove and felt a twinge of homesickness. Once again she reminded herself it was only a week, and made a mental note to keep out of Serena’s way. At least Sebastian seemed OK, even if Serena was all over him.

  The thin man in the bomber jacket at the front of the room clapped his hands, making everyone jump, and the chat quickly died away. “Welcome, everyone,” he said in a brusque voice, his piercing eyes boring into each and every attendee. Even Serena was listening quietly. “Some of you – Sebastian and Serena – may know me from past training days here at Rosefolly, but for those of you who don’t, I’m Henry Winters, chief instructor. This is Daisy. She’s new to Rosefolly and she’ll be helping me this week.”

  The young woman next to him smiled warmly, a sharp contrast to Henry’s steely expression.

  “First things first,” Henry started. “Rules. We have very high standards here at Rosefolly and any rule-breaking could see you leaving the course. Please read through your welcome letters.”

  Glancing down at the letter Georgia had been handed on arrival at the barn, she skim-read the bullet-pointed list of rules. They were mostly standard yard things – stables to be mucked out before eight a.m., riding hats to meet current safety standards, and so on. Georgia noticed no one was allowed on the yard after nine p.m. and felt a twinge of sadness. Lily was so close to her and yet she couldn’t even sneak down to kiss her goodnight. Still, glancing at Henry’s stern face, she decided there was no way she wanted to break the rules and make him angry!

  After running through the week’s itinerary, it seemed that the riders were free to go and settle in for the afternoon. Chattering excitedly, they spilled out into the sunny courtyard. Georgia noticed Serena had hung back and was soon deep in conversation with Henry. She might have imagined it, but she could have sworn they looked towards Georgia as they spoke. Shrugging, she caught up with Jodie, who was heading back to the stables to unload the rest of Jackson’s kit.

  “What was all that about?” Georgia said when she was sure they were out of earshot. “With Serena, I mean. She was really unfriendly with you. And pretty off with me.”

  Jodie glanced around, her face blank. “Oh,” she mumbled. “I’d just keep out of her way if I were you. I certainly will.” Georgia looked at her in surprise. “Serena’s family and mine – well, they go way back,” Jodie explained.

  And with that, Jodie turned quickly back to Jackson, burying her head in his neck.

  “So, tell me all about it.”

  After a long day it was a relief to chat to Dan on her mobile, as Georgia leaned on the door to Lily’s stable, watching the little mare as she quietly ate her supper. Georgia had managed to take Lily for a walk-in-hand to stretch her legs, and allow the palomino to graze. She had settled in really well and was totally at eas
e in the plush surroundings.

  Georgia paused. “It’s OK,” she said. “There’s a nice girl next door to me, but the others, well, they’re a bit… Oh, I don’t know. It doesn’t matter.”

  “Well, we are all really proud of you.” Dan said, not pushing her.

  “So what have you been up to today?” Georgia asked once she had told Dan about Rosefolly.

  “Just playing football with Will,” Dan replied casually. “And I’m just about to help Dad move the cows.”

  “That’s nice,” Georgia said. She missed the normality of Redgrove, particularly after meeting Serena. Still, maybe they had just got off on the wrong foot. Once Lily was in the arena, Georgia could show just how capable they were as a pair, and prove Serena wrong. Saying goodbye to Dan, she put her phone back in her pocket, feeling a lot more positive.

  To Georgia’s disappointment, Serena was just as unfriendly the next morning. When the five young riders sat down to have breakfast, she barely even acknowledged Georgia, Jodie or Ellie, but gave Sebastian a kiss on both cheeks, proclaiming her welcome loudly.

  Sebastian grinned as he sat down opposite Jodie and Georgia, digging into the bacon and eggs with gusto. Then he looked a little closer at Jodie. “Hey,” he said, squinting at her carefully. “Don’t I know you from somewhere? I mean, not from shows.”

  Jodie reddened. “Probably,” she muttered.

  Serena leaned over and answered for her. “Jodie’s mum used to be our groom,” she sneered. “So you’ve probably seen Jodie hanging around. Her mum works at Rosefolly now.”

  Georgia looked at Jodie in surprise. So that was how the families were connected. She had just presumed that with such a beautiful pony, Jodie was from a wealthy competition family, like Serena.

  “So, how’s Jackson?” Serena continued, her voice cold.

  “He’s fine,” Jodie mumbled, looking down at her untouched breakfast.

  “Amazed he got through to this week.” Serena laughed unkindly. “Horrid pony. Completely talentless and impossible to ride.” Even Sebastian looked embarrassed as Serena glared at Jodie. “I mean, who would want a pony like that?”

  Georgia, unable to listen to any more, stopped her. “What is your problem?” she said hotly. Serena was obviously a bully and poor Jodie was her target.

  “My problem?” Serena chuckled, gathering up her belongings. “You should ask her what her problem is. And don’t get involved,” she hissed, shooting Georgia a dark look. “Come on, Seb. I’m going to the stables.”

  With that, the two teenagers sauntered off, but not before Sebastian had shot Jodie a sympathetic grin.

  Once they had left the building Georgia turned to Jodie, who had left her breakfast untouched. “Can you believe that?” Georgia cried. “She’s so rude! Why is she so horrible about your pony?”

  Jumping up, Jodie grabbed her riding hat and pushed her chair back with a screech. “I don’t need you fighting my battles,” she muttered, her eyes ablaze. “Just leave it!”

  And with that, she ran off towards the stables. Awkwardly, Georgia followed her. She tacked Lily up in total silence, and Jodie did the same in the neighbouring stable. She longed to chat to her new friend but Jodie was completely avoiding eye contact. A friendly-looking woman pushing a wheelbarrow paused next to Jackson’s stable and spoke in a low voice to Jodie. Georgia couldn’t hear what was said but from the way the lady pushed Jodie’s hair behind her ears and patted her shoulder, Georgia guessed that it must be Jodie’s mum. She was tall and looked kind, wearing faded jeans and a wax jacket, which reminded Georgia a little bit of Melanie. Jodie’s mum turned to Georgia, smiling.

  “So this must be Lily,” she said, in the same soft voice as Jodie’s. “We’ve all been so excited to have the Olympia champion here at Rosefolly. It’s a shame the yard owners are away – they would have loved to have met her. I hear she’s causing quite a stir on the show circuit!”

  Georgia blushed with pleasure. Jodie’s mum seemed really nice and it was a change to have someone friendly to talk to. But before she could reply, she looked up to see Henry Winters striding across the yard.

  “Amanda,” he barked as he neared Jodie’s mum.

  Lily, used to Redgrove where no one ever raised their voice, flung her head up in alarm and Georgia put her arms round her.

  Henry didn’t look happy. “I told you that Lady Harris was visiting her horse today, and he’s filthy, with stable stains all over his side. It’s just not good enough.”

  Amanda, Jodie’s mum, turned to Henry. “I’m so sorry. He had a bath this morning in the hot wash, but he must have rolled in the stable.”

  “Well, sort it out,” Henry said coldly. “Now.”

  Without another word, Amanda went off to sort the livery horse. Henry turned on his heel and headed towards the outdoor arena, completely ignoring both girls. He was totally awful, Georgia thought, and turned to Jodie, who was leaning on Jackson’s glossy black neck and looking upset.

  “You OK?” Georgia whispered, forgetting Jodie’s earlier outburst.

  Jodie nodded miserably. “Yeah,” she said. “Henry’s just got it in for Mum, like usual. She’s the head groom here, and he’s always really hard on her.”

  Georgia looked at her in surprise. She hadn’t even been at Rosefolly for a day but she could tell the head groom did a great job – the yard was immaculate, and happy, healthy horses filled the clean and airy stables. It had only been a stable stain, and all horses got them when they lay down. “What’s his problem?” Georgia asked curiously.

  “Just yard stuff,” Jodie mumbled, turning back to Jackson and adjusting his bridle. “The owners of Rosefolly, Martha and James, are really nice and they love Mum. But they are in Australia visiting family, and Henry’s been left in charge. For some reason he keeps having a go at Mum.” She lowered her voice, glancing around to check no one was listening. “If you ask me,” she whispered, “he’s letting the power go to his head.” Then, giving Jackson a pat, she opened her stable door. “Come on. Henry hates late students. We don’t want a black mark on the first day.”

  As she warmed up in the vast walled arena, Georgia almost had to pinch herself. All of her horsey heroes had ridden here at some point and now here she was, trotting round on the little palomino pony. Lily was feeling great, and stretched her neck forward as Georgia gave her her head, letting her work long and low, relaxing into her stride. It gave her a chance to assess the other riders while Henry Winters leaned against the fence, talking to the friendlier instructor, Daisy.

  Sebastian’s pony was seriously gorgeous. About fourteen hands, he had rippling muscles and a glossy bay coat, while white bandages on all four legs gave an air of professionalism. Serena was working-in at the far end of the arena. Like Sebastian’s bay, the pony Serena was riding looked like a mini warmblood. A rich liver chestnut with four white socks and a noble white face, the pony was performing a beautiful shoulder-in as Serena sat unmoving in the saddle. Ellie’s pony was a pretty grey mare.

  Alongside Jackson, the other four ponies were highly bred, and Georgia couldn’t help but notice that Lily was the only native type. She was also the only one not wearing white bandages or a sparkly brow band. Even Jodie had put snow-white bandages on Jackson’s slim legs, and the crystals on his bridle shimmered and glinted in the winter sunshine. Lily was wearing her show saddle with the plain brown numnah underneath, and her bridle was simple Havana leather. Georgia was glad she had her new checked breeches on, but still felt very plain next to the other four students. Will had been right – dressage was definitely different to showing!

  Georgia watched the other students closely. To her surprise, Serena wasn’t as elegant in the saddle as she had first appeared. Sure, she was in the correct position and her pony was turned out beautifully, but the whole picture was slightly wrong somehow. Thinking about it, Georgia was reminded of Jemma, Lily’s previous rider. Technically excellent, but totally unsympathetic. Georgia turned her attention to Sebastian. He was a lov
ely rider, his long legs hanging still and quiet as his pony cantered a perfect twenty-metre circle. It was the same with Ellie, the red-haired girl Georgia had met the night before. Georgia looked forward to learning what she could from her fellow riders! And then there was Jodie. Georgia had had the opportunity to watch some amazing riders – but Jodie was in another league. Watching with pleasure, Georgia noticed her feather-light hands and the subtlest of aids she used to encourage Jackson to dance across the arena. With Jodie’s long ponytail bouncing in time to the shiny black pony’s rhythm, the pair were mesmerising.

  Georgia watched Daisy smile with pleasure as she leaned on the fence watching Jackson pass. Henry’s face, however, was as unsmiling and cold as usual, speaking only to Serena as she trotted past him.

  The group assembled in the centre of the arena once everyone had sufficiently warmed up, where they were joined by Henry and Daisy. They were each to ride a five-minute simple dressage test, called out by Daisy as Henry watched. Sebastian was up first and rode a lovely test, perfectly striking off into a balanced canter, his bay pony’s mane flying.

  “Super!” Daisy beamed.

  Henry nodded. “Not bad, could be better,” he said gruffly. “Watch those hands.”

  Sebastian shrugged and joined his place in the line-up. Ellie’s test was as equally pleasing to watch, but Henry was still full of criticism. Ellie’s sunny face dropped as he pulled apart her position and her pony’s stride. She rode meekly back into line, and Georgia wondered how Henry could have rubbished her riding so much, when she had been really very good.

  Georgia was next. Lily trotted beautifully up the centre line as Georgia listened carefully for her next instruction, and she managed a good test. It wasn’t all that different to her showing performance really, and Lily’s floating trot and light canter soon had Daisy beaming again.

  “Lovely!” she enthused. “You’re the first native pony that I’ve taught here at Rosefolly, and what a pony!”