Read Online Pony Surprise by Pauline Burgess - Free Book Online Page B

crystal clear, but the face I can see reflected in the water is not a happy one. I see a lonely little girl, and I wish I could do something to make her feel better. Maybe having friends over will cheer her up. Maybe Sophie’s mum will get off her mobile phone long enough to spend some time with her daughter. Just maybe.

Chapter Three

    H ere they come, running and squealing with my saddle and bridle. The kids around here are so noisy sometimes it makes my ears hurt, and they can’t seem to do anything right. Honestly – it takes at least three of them to get my bit into my mouth. And when it comes to tying my girth – please! I have to squeeze my tummy in until I can hardly breathe!
    It must be nearly time for me to retire. I’ve been working here at the Pony Palace for longer than I can remember and if I have to listen to one more ‘Trot on, Rupert’ I think I’ll … well, neigh my head off! And I hate the way they get me mixed up with Parsley just because we’re both chestnut with white-striped faces. Haven’t they noticed her pink and blue browband? The white sock on her hind leg? My funky forelock? Plus there is the little matter of me being a boy!
    â€˜Come on, Rupert. Squeeze that belly in,’ Jamie tells me.
    He’s underneath me reaching for the girth strap. That boy never stops smiling and joking around – he really should try being a bit more serious every so often. And that hair of his needs a good cut. It looks so goofy, flopping all over the place like that.
    â€˜That’s it, Rupert. We’re ready to rock and roll. You going to do some jumps for me today?’
    â€˜Do I have a choice?’ I think to myself with a snort.
    Jamie is in the older ride. He’s been coming here for about two years so Kate moved him up to the third level. He’s really keen on showjumping and keeps going on about something called the Olympics and ‘going for gold.’ Honestly, the boy’s head is in the clouds!

    He leads me towards the outdoor arena where Kate has laid out six sets of jumps. Barney, Tonto and Biscuit are the other ponies joining us today. I make sure to steer well clear of Barney – he’s a right kicker, that one.
    â€˜Hi Jamie. All set?’ Kate asks.
    Jamie beams at her the way he does at everyone.
    â€˜You might need to up your tempo a bit today, Jamie,’ she tells him. ‘You know how Rupert can be stubborn and likes to take things easy – just be firm with him and he’ll do what he’s told. You don’t want to lose time going around the school.’
    â€˜Great,’ I think to myself. ‘Just when I was looking for an easy ride!’
    â€˜How’s your granddad, Jamie?’ Kate asks him gently.
    â€˜Not so good today. Sometimes he feels a little better and he can sit up in bed and have a chat, but over the past few days he’s been very weak. Mum says I should leave him to rest. It’s a pity though – he loves to hear about my lessons.’
    â€˜Your mum’s probably right, Jamie. But let’s do a really good round today without cutting any corners, and then you’ll be able to tell him all about it when he picks up again.’
    She pats him on the arm and goes to sort out one of the other riders. Kate’s nice like that – she always tries to cheer the kids up when they’re down. Jamie’s granddad used to ride apparently, but now he’s got some kind of sickness that makes him feel really tired. I sort of feel sorry for Jamie when he talks about it, and I’m glad that our rides make him feel better, but I’d still rather be in my stable having a nice rest.
    â€˜Come on, Rupert. Walk on,’ he says and squeezes his heels into my side – I stroll forward.
    â€˜No, Rupert, faster. Into trot. Come on!’
    He’s kicking me gently now, but I just can’t summon up the energy.
    â€˜You have to show him who’s