Poppy and Prince by Kelly McKain Page B

much to say!

    I GOT ON! Thanks to my amazing pony! He’s called Prince, and I already love him to bits.
    When we’d all gathered on the yard, Jody introduced herself together with Sally and Lydia (she’s the nice girl I’ve already met, and we’re supposed to ask her if we need help tacking up and things).

    Then all us riders got to meet each other too.
    There’s a beautiful Indian girl called Amita who’s about 15, and she’s sharing a room with these two friends who’ve come down fromLondon together, called April and Amanda – I think they’re both about 13.

    Then there’s me and Millie and Jennifer…

    â€¦and lastly some younger girls – Sophie and Tess and this girl Lucinda who’s brought her own pony with her, a grey Welsh Section A called Lovely.

    Then it was time to meet our ponies! As Lydia led them out there was a lot of squealing and patting and fussing, which made me just feel more and more excited. Then Sally winked at me and said, “We’ve got the perfect pony for you, Poppy,” and out came my gorgeous Prince, a fairly cobby piebald with a really sweet face.
    Sally handed me the reins, saying, “Prince is patient and honest, he’ll look after you.”

    I made a big fuss of him, patting him and stroking his muzzle. Then I whispered, “I’m very nervous, Prince. I haven’t been on a pony since I had a bad fall. You really will look after me, won’t you?” Prince pushed his nose against my hand and I just knew that meant yes!
    Then suddenly Jennifer was shrieking with excitement, and Sally was telling her to calm down or she’d spook the ponies. She’d got this beautiful chestnut mare called Flame, who is about 14hh, with a lovely blaze. She wasn’t very keen on standing still, and kept trying to barge past the other ponies.
    Sally said to Jennifer, “Flame can be a bit of a handful, but I’m sure you’ll be able to manage her with all your experience.”
    Jennifer looked really proud and said, “No problem!”
    When everyone had got their ponies, Jody explained that they’d been tacked up for us today but from tomorrow we’ll be doing it ourselves. April and Amanda were panicking because at their riding school it’s all done before they arrive, but Sally told them not to worry as we’ll be having a lecture and some practice this afternoon. I offered to help anyonewho was stuck, and Sally said, “That’s very kind of you, Poppy.” Then Jennifer offered too, in a very loud voice, and she looked really cross when Sally just gave her a smile instead of answering. Jennifer’s nice and everything, but I am starting to think she’s one of those people who like to be the centre of attention. Well, that’s fine with me, because I don’t!

    As the others queued up for the mounting block, I dithered about and made sure I was at the back of the line. When it was my turn, I found myself fiddling with Prince’s numnah even though it was perfectly fine. My heart was pounding like hoof beats and I felt really sick. It seemed as if everyone was staring at me and I had to tell myself firmly that they couldn’t be, because only the staff knew about my fall. For a moment I just wanted to drop Prince’s reins, bolt back inside and hide under my duvet. But then I thought back to how determined I’dbeen earlier on. I’d absolutely promised myself I’d mount. Then Prince lowered his head and nuzzled me and that was all the encouragement I needed – I had a gorgeous, kind pony and I was determined to ride him!
    Just then Lydia came over and gave me a big smile. “Up you go, Poppy,” she said cheerfully. “I’m right beside you. I won’t let Prince go anywhere.” She took the reins and I climbed on to the mounting block. I still felt sick and trembly, but I knew I had to try. I took a deep breath and put