"Come off it," I mutter, loud enough for Aleut to hear but not loud enough for my trainer to. Rotating my ankles ever so slightly beneath my half chaps, paddock boots, and tie-dye socks, my heels bumps against his sides multiple times. The tall dapple gray gelding responds by going from a crazy, high stepping trot to a smooth, collected canter. We canter around the arena once with minimal head tossing before approaching an oxer. I get Aleut ready, counting strides under my breath before lifting out of the saddle as he takes off. If I didn't already know he was energetic today, I know from that jump. He tucks his legs under as if jumping over a five foot jump instead of a four foot and lands roughly, obviously proud of himself. I bounce in the saddle a bit, but my legs are strong enough to keep me from falling onto his neck or over his shoulder. Instead I pull him into a high action trot, then a walk, as I dare to glance at my trainer. Anastasia, better known as Stasi, frowns at me underneath a fiery mane of red hair. She had the curly bunch pulled into a low pony tail so it would fit under her helmet, and twirled the long dressage whip she held in her hand lightly, staring at something in the distance, too far for anyone to see. She was looking into the future, or perhaps the past, comparing many things at once in her own little world. "Umm...Stasi?" I begin slowly, hoping to get a little more in. Suddenly, she looks up, her amber eyes ablaze, like her hair. But it was not a crazy blaze. Stasi is not crazy. Indeed, she is quite rational, firm but fun. She could also yell so loud you'd think she busted a lung, or at least hurt her throat. But she could go on, barking instructions so long you'd think she was a robot, with pre-recorded instructions that were set on repeat. No, her eyes were alight with the burning spirit that can only come along with a lifetime of horses. I am sure that Stasi would have indeed started yelling at me if she didn't want to make a bad impression on the other trainers. Because we aren't at the top-notch barn that my parents co-owned and managed. We were at Nationals.
My sister, Melanie, is here, too. One of the highest ranking contenders and four years older than me, she competes in Dressage atop her tall, pure black mare, De Danser, or Dee for short. With tall stockings adorning her high-stepping legs and a thin, snow white blaze trickling down her regal face like spilled milk, this Oldenburg mare is not one to be underestimated. The dynamic duo had already been to Internationals twice, placing quite well. This year, they are aiming for the blue. Melanie watches me with her bright green eyes from the side of the arena, Dee standing patiently under her better than Aleut ever will. I flash her a forced smile, and she taps her chin with her long Dressage whip, then her heel. Grinning for real, I turn back and ask Aleut to canter again. His long, silver tail floats behind him like a flag as I gently touch his braided mane with my gloved hand. I'm sure that Aleut, the big show off, can tell how beautiful he looks, with his strong muscles rippling under his gleaming coat. Most people possess the desire to run up and pet him, and I don't blame them. His dapple gray coat, the color of ash, darkens into a raven color around his legs, with small dapples here and there like stars. I give his nack a pat, and he arches it even more. "Probably for the ladies," I mutter, and Aleut's ears flick back to listen to me. I turn him back to the oxer and he jumps it accordingly, landing smoothly, and I slow him to a cocky strut. Glancing over, my stromy gray eyes meet Melanie's emerald ones, and she gives me a thumbs up, mouthing "Good luck!" before turning Dee away. I try to quell the smile that threatens to split my tan face, because I know Stasi would make me run a course without stirrups if I became unfocused. I turn Aleut to the bigger jumps that I would be seeing more out on the course slowing him down a bit, he pops over a 4, then turns to a 4'6, black hooves clicking against the rail but nothing else happening otherwise. Finally we turn towards the 5 foot one, and from his surge forward, I can tell Aleut is excited about the prospect of showing off some more. As he takes off, I focus between his pricked ears as he tucks his legs under him, popping over and landing smoothly. Pattng his neck, I look to Stasi for approval. Her amber eyes catch mine, and as she smiles, I do, too.
The white gate stands before me, polished and glinting slightly in the bright lighting. The competitor who is in the arena now, a boy atop a bay mare, takes off from the red dirt. He must of counted strides wrong, because the mare doesn't tuck her front legs in in time and they knock a rail. I blow out my breath as Aleut prances below me, excited to go. As the team canter past, I look at the boy and see that he looks 17, the same age as Melanie. His horse is a good one, well behaved and strong, but due to the striped pole now resting on the ground, I get the impression that the mare is better than she looks, making up for the laziness of the rider. I increase the pressure of the reins slightly, and my Dutch Warmblood gelding stops moving, blowing air and tossing his head. I hear footsteps and turn to see Melanie walking towards me. He honey hair, streaked with blonde highlights, same as mine, is pulled up in a tight bun below her top hat. She gives a thumbs up taps her chin and heels, and blows a kiss towards me. I return the action, and pat Aleut's strong neck. As the bay mare and the boy exit the arena, I study his face and note that I have indeed seen him before, on the first day of competition. Yesterday, I didn't recognize anyone, so I sat awkwardly watching the competition. Today is the third - and last - day of competition, and surprise surprise: I was chosen last to go in. And now, I was next. "Lovely round by Joseph, riding Roximani. Next in the arena, our last finalist, is Abilene, atop..." The announcer trails off as she tries to decifer the Dutch word. "Liefde als verloren," I mutter under my breath. That is Aleut's show name, and it means Love When Lost. Taking one last look at the course, I check myself and my horse. My navy blue show jacket in spotless, same with my white polo and breeches. My boots are polished, and I press my lips together to make sure the lip gloss hasn't worn off. Aleut's dappled coat gleams from the show sheen, his hooves are painted with hoof polish, and I braided his mane into hunter braids. His tendon and bell boots have been cleaned, and I have a set of tack that is usually reserved for shows and special occasions, so they are good as new. The announcer continues on that I am 13, I am from Northern Claifornia, and the likes. Once she stops, they open the ebony gate, and we enter.
Okay. First, canter around the arena once, on left lead. Flying lead change, which Aleut performs much later than when I ask him, right at the beginning of the turn. We turn towards center and canter to the first jump, about half way across the arena. It's an oxer, about 4'6, painted a bright blue with purple flowers and stripes. I close my hands, increasing the contact on Aleut's mouth, slowing him down a bit. As we approach it, he takes off and I get out of the saddle, pushing my arms forward along his neck so he may have his head. He stretches his neck out a lot more than he usually does, and I'm sure that the audience thinks he is already straining. But this is simply Aleut's way of saying "I'm just getting started." His hooves churn the red dirt, sending up small clouds of dust behind us as we canter to the next jump. This one is a fan jump, higher than the oxer at what looks like 5 feet or so. It is painted blue, green, red, orange, and purple, with white wings and flags hanging from the pole nearest the ground. Aleut eyes it carefully, then begins to go to the side, before the poles fan out. I put more pressure on the right rein, and although he fights me on it for a moment, he gives in and turns toward center. As we take off, the flags snap suddenly and Aleut's head jerks up. His back hoof hits the top rail with a loud THUNK! I hold my breath as I strain to hear it hit the ground, hear the reaction of the crowd, but we are travelling away too fast, cantering to the end of the arena. This is my biggest problem, trying to figure out if I made a fault by looking back, losing focus. That usually results to more faults, so I force myself to keep my eyes forward. I ask for another flying lead change and focus on the next jump, right beyond the turn. This one is a hogback oxer, where the center bar is higher than the others. Narrowing my eyes, I see that it is probably four feet at the first and last poles, and probably around 4'6 at the top one. These ones where especially hard for Aleut, probably because he is so focused on the lower bar he doesn't know there is a higher one. As we approach, I loosen my grip and give Aleut more speed so that he will be able to tell I want him to jump high. His stride lengthens, and he tosses his head, requesting more rein. I keep him under control, and he pops over the oxer, no problem. Next is a combination, both low but close together. Aleut leaps the first one, but comes down oddly and stumbles. Catching my breath, I manage to pull him up just in time to barely clear the second part of the combo. Oxer, vertical, and two liverpools, back to back. All done without a problem. But then, there was the wall.
The wall was painted a light brown color, surrounded by fake plants, and was much taller than the other jumps. It had to be around 5'5 or more, and I'm sure it was put there to see if you could pace your horse. If you had just let the horse gallop through it all, you'd be in for a big surprise. An exhausted horse could never clear this. I study the dimensions of the jump from the other side of the arena. It's not wide, but it sure is tall. If we clear this, it will most likely be the highest I've ever jumped. I can tell Aleut's noticed it, too, and he snorts loudly, as if saying "Aren't those things supposed to stop me?" I begin to direct him towards the jump along the rail, then sharply turned him towards the center. He surges forward with newfound strength, ears flickering forward and back. I can feel the strong horse beneath me gather himself up, like a cat ready to spring. 10 strides, now 6, now 3... I lift out of the saddle, thrusting my arms forward, and Aleut launches himself up. I hear the collective intake of breath from the crowd, and I do the same, pressing my lips together. Aleut tucks his legs beneath him, I can feel him tense as they skim the top, we are up and over, and he touches down and takes off like a madman towards the finish. The roar in my ears is deafening, or perhaps it is the crowd. I look around at all the faces, clapping and grinning, some even standing. I don't look at the time, just look forward as we walk through the gate. Leaning down to hug Aleut's neck, he nudges my toe, and even though I don't know if I won, I know it was enough, that we are going to Worlds.
Cantering around the arena is pure bliss. The multicolored ribbon flutters from Aleut's bridle, and he picks up his feet, raises his tail, and goes into full time show-off mode. I smile and wave, slightly ahead of the other two competitors, who both look just as happy as I do. After a lap around the ring, I turn Aleut to the center and gracefully (or so I think) accept the golden trophy and flowers. As we exit, I see my mother and father, Melanie, and Stasi, all beaming up at me. "We are so proud of you," my father says softly, and my mother nods in agreement. Melanie reaches up to hug me, and gives me a kiss on the cheek, and Stasi...Was crying. "Um, Stasi? Are you gonna be okay?" I say lightly, smiling at her. She wipes at her eyes and gives me a joyful smile. "I just... Aleut was amazing. You were amazing. Good job, both of you." She gives my leg a squeeze, and walks off. This makes my heart swell with pride, because Stasi doesn't offer praise that often. And now, she was crying? I pinch myself beneath my breeches to check if this was all a dream. Dismounting, I notice my sister is clutching an identical trophy to mine, and I smile and give her a high five, or rather I punch her hand, which is the best I can do due the the bouquet and trophy in one hand, Aleut's reins in the other. "Mom, Dad, can you take my trophy back to the hotel? I'm going to care for Aleut." They agree, hug me, and kiss the top of my helmet before departing. Melanie runs off ahead of me to tend to Dee, and I watch my #1 fan go. Giving Aleut's head a kiss, I lead him away from an ending and towards a new beginning.
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Thank you for reading my first entry into a story contest! If you can't tell already, I usually do not do first person, but hopefully you enjoyed it!
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Hope you guys like it so far. I think it went slow at first, but I sped it up a little near the end. I'll clear up everything about Emmy's father in the next one. Thanks for reading!
<3 IotaNine
IotaNine & Kal El
2012-10-02 20:58:57
Something to Remember Me By
by gabby33384
She'd always wanted a pony, and he knew it. He'd known it ever since the moment she could talk. However, as much as it pained him to listen to his little girl plead each year for a pony, he couldn't buy one for her. He was a ship officer, always traveling on the sea, and therefore he never had time to get her a pony. But this year, he knew he had to buy her a pony. He had to make up for the fact that he wouldn't be able to attend her birthday this year, and what better way than to give her the thing she'd always wanted?
So he searched the entire countryside of England, looking for the most bonny, happy pony he could find. Finally one of his colleagues told him of a friend who had a son who'd outgrown their pony, and the deal was made. Today he was finally going to give his daughter her present! He knew it was a day early, but he had no choice as he was leaving today! He hoped his wife Ada wouldn't be late, as First Officer on the ship he couldn't afford to be late boarding!
When he reached the dock he searched all over for his colleague, who'd promised to meet him with the pony. When he finally caught sight of him he smiled and walked over to him, shaking his hand "Thank you Mr. Lightoller, I don't know how I'll repay you for this kindness". The second officer smiled and patted the pony's neck "Ah, it wasn't any trouble. Sunflower here never causes problems". With a final few words Mr. Lightoller went off and boarded the ship, leaving him standing on the dock with the little pony. He was a very handsome little one, with a sandy colored coat and a white mane and tail. He patted his neck and the pony snorted on his pant leg, causing him to chuckle.
Suddenly he caught sight of his wife and daughter heading towards him through the crowd. How was he supposed to hide the pony? He turned and held his hand out, trying to be authoritative "Stay!" he told the pony. Sunflower hardly batted an eye at him, so he turned and went over to his little girl, and she ran to him, jumping into his arms "Daddy!" she said excitedly. He smiled and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her a kiss on the top of the head "Ah Lassie, I've got a special surprise for you" he told her. She smiled a big toothy grin "What kind of surprise Daddy? Do I get to ride on the big ship with you?" she asked.
He shook his head "No, I'm sorry. Not this time. But I have something even better than that! But you have to close your eyes!". She put her hands over her eyes and he gently took her arm "No peaking" he told her. She giggled "I'm not Daddy!" she replied. He led her over and had an internal sigh of relief when the pony was still standing in the exact spot he'd left it. Finally he said "Alright, open your eyes". She took her hands away from her eyes and her entire face lit up like a candle "Daddy! Is that for me?" she asked.
"Yes Lassie, he's yours. I know you've always wanted a pony for your own. So to make up for the fact I can't be with you on your birthday, I finally got you one!" he explained. She looked at the pony with wide blue eyes "He's so pretty!" she said cheerfully. He took her hand "Would you like to pet him?" he asked, she nodded and he led her over to the pony, letting her reach up and pet his nose. She laughs as he nudged her hand "Daddy I love him!" she said happily. He rested his free hand on top of the pony's neck and smiled, looking down at his daughter as she fawned over the little pony. He felt very proud of himself for making her so happy.
Finally she looked up at him "Daddy I love him, but I don't know how to ride him" she told him. He knelt down to her level and took her hands in his "Lassie, I promise you when I get back from New York, I'll teach ya how to ride the pony. But you have to promise to be a very very good girl until then" he told her. She suddenly got a little teary eyed and his heart broke slightly "Will you be gone for very long?" she asked. He shook his head "No, a few weeks. It's just the maiden voyage, I'm sure it will go by very quickly" he replied.
She smiled slightly and blinked back some tears "I'm glad you won't be gone long. I'll miss you Daddy" she said. He kissed her cheek and wiped her tears away "Don't worry, whenever you miss me just go out to the stable and take care of Sunflower. You'll feel better, he'll make you think of me. Right?" he asks. She nodded and echoed "Right". Suddenly the ship's whistle blew and he gave his daughter a final hug before standing up. He took Sunflower's reins and handed them to his little girl "I trust you'll get him home safely?" he asked. She nodded and saluted him "Yes sir!" she replied. He ruffled her hair "Good. Now remember to be a good little girl for Mommy!" he told her. She nodded and stood by Sunflower "I will!" she promised.
He went over to his wife and kissed her, saying his final goodbyes to her before walking up the ramp and boarding the ship. The ramps were all pulled away and everyone on shore waved as the big liner pulled away from the docks. He stood for a moment and waved to his wife and daughter on shore before turning and reporting to the bridge. That was the last time he ever saw his family. Four days later in the middle of the night their ship hit an iceberg. He'd tried his very best to get the big ship around it, but it was too big and couldn't make the turn. He loaded as many lifeboats as he could, but there weren't enough for everyone.
Back home in England, his little girl waited patiently for her father to come home. Every day she would go outside to her pony and brush him until his coat shined. After a few days she wondered why her mother was so sad, especially since she was behaving so good just like she'd promised her Daddy. Finally her Mother told her the truth, and she went into the stable and cried on her pony's shoulder until there were no more tears. Finally she sniffled, but decided even though her Daddy wasn't there to teach her, she'd learn to ride anyway.
So she tacked up Sunflower as best she could, and led him outside to the stone wall next to their house. She climbed up onto her pony's back, but before she could get anywhere her Mommy ran out of the house and ordered her down. Frustrated, yet determined, she decided she would do it at night when her mother was sleeping. So for many months after her father's death, she snuck out into the stables late at night. Through trial and error she learned how to tack Sunflower, and eventually how to ride him. By her sixth birthday the next year, she could jump Sunflower over small fences she made in the backyard.
Years passed, and with each year she grew closer and closer to Sunflower. Riding him made her remember her Daddy, and made her less sad over the fact she would never see him again. When she outgrew Sunflower, she trained him to pull a small carriage instead, and then bought a much larger horse. The bigger horse was a big dark brown thoroughbred, whom she named 'Will' after her Daddy.
Riding a bigger horse, she became an even better rider. Eventually she managed to get herself to the Olympics, and she became the first woman to win a metal, winning a bronze metal in jumping for England. After she won the metal, she decided to settle down and have an entire farm of horses. She wanted to breed thoroughbreds, and so she did. The first foal born was a coal black colt with 4 white socks and a stripe down his face. He was very handsome, but she couldn't bring herself to love him. The same night the black colt was born, her dear Sunflower died of old age in his stall.
She decided there was only 1 name suitable for the little black colt. She named him after the ship that had claimed her father's life all those years ago, 'Titanic'.
gabby33384 & Sparks
2012-10-10 23:09:27
The Hay Rides
by PennyLady
Margaret looking up hopefully at the gates of Windy Crest Farm. It was October, that time again, and a big blue banner, the same she was every fall, was hanging on the wooden entry gates to the hundred acre farm.
She read with her ever so ecstatic tone, "Coming Soon, Pumpkin Hay Rides".
Yes, hay rides. Not the kind you get on the field trips in 1rst grade, the tractor pulled wagon, but real hayrides, pulled by two big Belgian mares with shiny palomino coats the same color as the straw that decked the wagon. Mr. Brown would be sitting up front, reins in hands, starting at a walk down a breezy forest path before coming into a gentle lope as they cornered the cobblestone road that led up to the barn again.
Every year, Margaret slipped into the farm, buzzing with excitement as she handed Mr. Brown her 2 dollars she had saved from not getting lunch in the school day for an hour of fun, riding on the wagon. Margaret sometimes dreamed of hopping off the wagon when Mr. Brown called it a night and helping him untack the mares and walk them down. How much she'd wish she could call those mares hers, how much she'd wish she could call any horse hers.But alas, upon asking that same trivial question every day of every year, not once did the answer from her parents differ in tone. "No Margaret, you can't have a horse, no Margaret, it's not because of that C you got on that math test, No Margaret, I'd like for you to pull it up but we're still not getting you a horse. No Margaret, we're not going to tell you why we're refusing you of something you need. No Margaret, you wouldn't understand."
Margaret turned on her heel and headed down the road to her house. You see, she lived just a ways, perhaps a mile, away from the farm, just a mile down that churning country road, but a mile away from horses seemed so far, seeing as though they were beyond her limits.
The next day, the bus dropped her off at the mouth of her street. She walked down it, turned down the driveway to the farm, where she saw the wooden gates were wide open. Her heart began to drum with excitement as she broke into a sprint down the way, handing her money to Mr. Brown as everyone who showed up for the first day boarded the wagon. The wagon was wooden an about 10 feet long, looking even bigger because of the fact only 6 or 7 others showed up to ride. Mr. Brown tapped the long driving whip against the horse's sides. Margaret flew away for a moment as the ride began.
Her pale hands clutched the side of the wagon and it wiggled two and fro. Other people were taking pictures or talking, but not Margaret. She was savoring every moment. When the ride ended and Mr. Brown parked right beside the barn, all of the passengers got out. But not Margaret.
Mr. Brown hopped down from the wagon and saw Margaret still on.
"The ride's over little lady."
"Wh-, wah?" she had been too caught up in the moment she had failed to recognize when it had ended.
"Oh," she hopped down from the wagon too, bringing herself face-to-face with Mr.Brown.
"Oh, I know, I'm not here for that."
Mr. Brown looked confused.
"Then what are you here for?"
"Do you think you need any help with the horses? Ya see, I have a mighty fancy for them, but my parents refuse to get me one. I won't require pay or anything, getting to work with these animals is enough for me."
"Hmm," Mr. Brown looked around. "I suppose I could. Hey, maybe after you start coming often enough, you can drive the hayrides."
"Really? Great! I'll start tomorrow!"
With that, Margaret ran home.
PennyLady & Roxi
2012-10-11 13:25:33
Jigsaw And The Night-Mare.
By Northern Soul
"Come on already!" moaned Ellie. Autumn danced underneath her, crab-stepping and tossing her chestnut mane. "Im coming!" I replied hastily.Jigsaw was walking swiftly towards Autumn and Ellie as I ran the silver stirrups down the long, brown stirrup leathers. I halted him, lifted up the saddle flap and tightened the girth two holes around Jigsaws slightly plump piebald belly. He nuzzled my leg as if to say "Hey! Not so tight, that hurts!". I giggled and scratched him affectionately behind his ears, he closed his eyes and snorted. Forgiven. "Too many carrots eh boy?" I giggled. "Come on!!" complained Ellie. "Ok!Ok!" I replied. I put my foot in the stirrup and swung my other leg over Jigsaw's back. Shortened my reins, and squeezed him into a walk. Autumn fell into a walk beside me and Jigsaw. "My Autumns a fit jumping machine" giggled Ellie. Her mare tossed her head in agreement. "Jigsaws more like a carrot munching machine!" I giggled at Jigsaw. We turned down a path and followed a white post and rail fence down to the open fields. We urged them into a trot down the path that led to the open fields. I looked around as the golden leaves swirled and danced in the icy autumn breeze. I shivered. "You cold?" asked Ellie.
"Yeah, you?" I questioned.
"Well, I cant feel my face... So yeah!" She giggled. We kept on giggling and chatting until we reached a small hill. "Its even colder up here!" complained Ellie. I laughed. Swiftly, Autumn and Jigsaw raised their heads. I exchanged a brief glance with Ellie and shrugged. Autumn was looking out at the forest below. It was dark. Jigsaw shuddered and looked at the forest as if to say "In their? You're kidding right?". "I know its dark..." I said
"And spooky..." finished Ellie.
"Ellie, really, not helping." I dead panned.
Ellie kicked Autumn on and she gingerly, placed one hoof infront of the other until we reached the bottom of the hill. Jigsaw shuddered again. "Shhh, its ok boy" I comforted him. The forest was vast, the trees looked eager to escape the darkness of the forest. They blew in the steadily increasing wind. I checked my watch, "6:45pm" I exclaimed to Ellie. "Reckon we can make it through there before seven?" I questioned.
"Maybe, if we're quick" she replied. So, I squeezed Jigsaw into a trot and entered the forest. Tension was rising, Jigsaw and Autumn were snatching at the bit nervously, waiting for the opportunity to bolt straight out of the forest. "Shh!" I broke the tension. "You hear something?" I questioned. This "good idea" was swiftly turning into a very, very bad idea. A twig snapped and Autumn swished her tail anxiously. Jigsaw stepped carefully, as if he expected the ground to swallow him up and eat him if he trod too hard. "Urm, can we, urm, g-go?" asked Ellie. Jigsaw stopped dead. Raised his head and stood rooted to the spot. A cold icy shiver ran through my spine, chilling my bones. There was no sound... I got goosebumps along my neck and my cheek. And now the once friendly trees, seemed like thin, scary people waving their arms around trying to rip me off the saddle. Jigsaw started backing up nervously. "K-k-kim, w-whats t-t-that?" Ellie whispered. "I-I dont know". I started to turn Jigsaw around, but he wouldnt move. "Jigsaw! Stop messing around!" I pleaded. I peered into the mist to see what he was looking at. There on the path, stood a black horse. "Oh my god!" shrieked Ellie. "Leg it!". But Jigsaw wouldnt move. The black horse stepped forward into the moonlight with a tall rider in a ripped cloak. I screamed. The horse flattened its ears back and opened its mouth to shrieked. It rose on its hocks, in a full rear, dislodging the hood that had once covered its riders face. But there was noone in the cloak, yet it sat on the horse, like it was possessed. The horses cannon bones were visible and you could see the bone in its face, no fur hid the structure. "Jigsaw! Now!" I screamed. I kicked him on and turned him to face the direction that Autumn and Ellie were headed. I stood up in my stirrups as Jigsaw powered up the hill, over taking Ellie and her rangy Thoroughbred. "Come on!" I yelled. I turned around to see if the hooded figure and the horse were following, they were. In hot pursuit, only a couple of strides behind. We turned into the path which led to the stables, but the gate was closed. Autumn flew over the five bar gate, but Jigsaw, not expecting it, slammed on the breaks and I clung onto his mane to stay on. He backed up against the fence, until the gate was creaking under pressure. I scrambled for a torch, my fingers were numb. The horse came closer and closer and he reached a hand out to touch Jigsaw. Found it! I turned on my torch and shone it at the man and his horse. The horse reared and galloped off with its rider, slowly turning to mist as they galloped away. "Ellie! Kim!" yelled Aidan. "What are you doing! And who was that?" he questioned. I sunk down in the saddle and everything went black.
"Kim, Kim," my mum was gently shaking my shoulders and bringing me round. "Kim, are you ok?" she questioned concern filling my eyes.
"There- there's something in the woods"
"You mean trees" joked Johnny.
"Button it John. There was something there" Ellie protested.
"What do you mean?" asked Tom Avery.
"It was, a horse, a black horse, and" I said
"And a rider" Ellie cut in.
"Thats not unusual girls, they were probably trespassing on our land" Tom Avery replied
"No" I was now thoroughly awake, and conscious "unless its some sort of Halloween prank or something" I argued.
"What?" Johnny questioned.
"They were wearing a black ripped cloak, and the horse had its bones exposed on its face and legs" I said "I could see his cannon bones and ribs".
"You're sure?" asked my Mum.
"Sure" replied Ellie.
The bright morning light flooded through the thin lilac curtains and my eyes fluttered to life. I stretched my legs and rubbed my eyes. I looked at my clock. 6:00am. Perfect. I fell out of bed and crawled over to my wardrobe. I yanked my jodhpurs off the hanger and hopped around while putting on my blue polo shirt. I dragged a brush through my dark hair and washed my face. "Morning love" said Mrs Robinson sleepily. I sat down at the table and cut into my pancake with my knife. I looked at the kitchen clock 6:15am. "I had a really weird dream Mum" I exclaimed, mid-pancake-munching.
"What was it about?" she asked
"I dreamt me and Ellie went hacking in the woods and we got chased by the horse of death and its rider" I replied bluntly.
"Nice dream" she laughed.
I laughed too and got up from the table to go to the stables.
"Going to the stables?" she questioned.
"No, Narnia" I giggled.
I sprinted to the stables to see Jigsaw. Jumping over puddles and arriving at his stable door panting for breath. He greeted me with a soft neigh. I saw Ellie cantering past in the main arena and she smiled at me briefly. "Hey boy" I replied softly, sliding back the bolt on the stable door and stepping inside. Jigsaw munched on his hay net then lifted his head to look at me. "Love you Jigsaw" I smiled. He rubbed his head against me nearly knocking me over as if to say "Hey, Kim, I love you too".
Northern Soul & Houdini
2012-10-18 14:06:09
NOT AGAIN!
By:Dragon Girl
Lizzie was fuming! This was the 25th night that her pony, Snow Bell, had found her way into her room and slept. Lizzie had tried to get the pony to stop, but because she asked during the day, Snow Bell would not listen. Plus, Lizzie was to tired at nigt to try to coax the pony into sleeping in her stall. But all that was about to change. Well, sorta change. "Get out of my room!" screeched Lizzie. Snow Bell looked shocked. "Don't you like sharing a room with me? Lizzie, honestly, please try to understand. I am not going to live in a stinky barn. Besides, your rug and carpets are so soft..." Lizzie felt like running out of the room screaming. "Snow Bell, this is my room. You belong in your stall. Now I suggest that you get a move on!" Now Snow Bell was infurriated. "Lizzie, I have every right to be here. If you do not enjoy my company, so be it." Then Lizzie fell into a deep sleep. When she woke up, she found herself in a stall. She ran to the door, but it was locked. She attempted to unlock it by slipping her hand through the bars, but instead of hands, she had hooves! In fact, she was a ponycorn! "Let me out!" she called. Snow Bell emerged from the shadows. "I see you are getting along fine, Lizzie. By the way, you need to meet someone.." A large horse with butterfly wings stepped up. "Welcome to Icemoon, Lizzie. This is your home now."
Dragon Girl & Frodo
2012-10-26 22:56:03
Midnight Mustang
ilovemustangs123
"I was there I saw him with my own eyes! He was an appalosa mustang just standing in the field!" I yelled at the top of my lungs as i ran through the door y blond hair flowing and long legs leaping. "You saw what?" My little bro manny asked." I don't think so" my father yelled.I fine you guys dont believe me then ill go get him myself. so i set off i packed my back pack with flashlights batteries food water a rope a halter and then i tacked up my pony starlight and i was off. Well this was the next morning. I rode in the trails the fields and the arena and never saw my mustang. I went back to my barn and un tacked disappointed a then just decided to go sit in he field and wait. I kept checking the time and it was getting dark it was about 11:00 when i saw him last so i decided to wait in the field until then. It seemed like a good night so i went got some food and a sleeping bag and ten to camp out there. By the time i was done it was about ten so my watch began. It was exactly 12:00 when i saw my mustang. The weird thing was that he seemed tame cause i didn't even have o lasso him i just put the halter on him and led him to the barn.
ilovemustangs123 & Stormy
2012-10-28 18:45:07
missing horse
By flameprincess221
The girl walked through the barn her horse's stall was open and then it was empty...she dropped to her knee's and cried and as she turned her horse was right behind her.
THE END
flameprincess221 & Flambo
2012-10-30 01:37:20
Title: England's Jumps
By: Horsesforever12
Prancer cantered gently towards the wood jump. Kelly transferred her weight to the middle of the black leather saddle she was sitting in. gripping the reigns, she collected her height; sitting high on her skewbald American Warmblood mare. her blond hair bounced behind her. Prancer's hooves left the ground and struck the ground again behind the jump. "You're doing well," said Mr.Green, Kelly's riding instructor.
Kelly Jackson was born in a fairly rich family, in which it seemed money could buy everything. but it couldn't always buy happiness, and Kelly found her happiness with the most influential, magical, and majestic creature on earth: horses. she began riding a the Blue Lake Riding Stables, and now she was in England...competing in a three-day event that including jumping, dressage, and cross-country. but she was not alone...her three friends, Tilly and Elina, were there too.
Tilly was Kelly's twin sister, but they were great friends.
"You are so much better than me! I trotted on the wrong diagonal when I went over the jump." Elina smiled, her dimples making her face look ever so pretty under her dark brown hair. Her horse, a Arabian palomino mare named Susan, nodded her head in agreement. Tilly's horse, a gray spotted appaloosa Quarter horse/Thoroughbred mix gelding named Galaxy, nickered in a almost mocking way. Kelly laughed. "Our horses seem to each think their the best," she said. "I'm nervous about the competition," said Elina. "Are you kidding me? You're the best rider out of all of us. You're so collected and well-dressed, not forgetting a great equestrian, rider, and you're knowledge of horses is amazing! You're are hardest competitor," said Tilly, with Kelly nodding in agreement. "Thanks," said Elina, her brown eyes sparkling in a sly way. "Well, to keep my mind of the competition, I've decided to check out some of the boys here," said Elina. "O-o-o-o," said Kelly. "But what about their English accents?" "I think accents are cute," said Tilly. "Me to," said Elina. "Well, just remember, we have to keep practicing for the competition." Kelly said, walking Prancer over to the gate of the corral.
--------------------------------------------------to be continued :)
This is Club Pony Pals, the official Pony Pals game and virtual horse world. Here you can adopt, ride and care for the pony you always wanted. Our site is based on the Scholastic books about three girls by Jeanne Betancourt.
