A Ride to Freedom

by Olivia Tuffin

  “Um,” he said hesitantly. “Is this yours?”

  Maria snatched the item from his hand, holding it out so that everyone could see a shimmering pink dress, crumpled and covered in straw and shavings.

  “Where did you find this?” Maria said in an accusing voice, and Sam shrugged. “It was where all the mucking-out tools are kept,” he said. “I don’t know how it got there.”

  Gabby took the dress. “Thanks for returning it,” she said kindly. “That’s a bit of a mystery…” For a minute she looked worried, as if trying to decide what to do. “How can we shoot this now?” she added almost to herself. “We have to feature this dress in next month’s issue…”

  Suddenly Alice had an idea. She didn’t read glossy magazines very often but when she flicked through them it always made her smile to see photos of models in extraordinary clothes apparently doing normal, everyday things, like walking dogs or gardening. Maybe something similar would work here? She liked Gabby and decided if she could help her, she should.

  “Um, just a thought…” she blurted out before she had second thoughts, “but what about if the model is supposed to be helping with the horses? Then there’d be a few shavings and a bit of dirt on the dress and all around her? It could be made part of the whole thing? Maybe?”

  Gabby paused for a moment and then turned to Alice, eyes sparkling.

  “That’s it!” she cried. “The shoot will be all about a day at the stables – with everything that entails! We’ll use the dress; even if it is a bit crumpled it’s still stunning.” She laughed, clearly relieved. “Remind me of the jobs you do in a yard; it’s been so long since I cared for a pony!”

  “Um…” Alice thought. “Mucking out? Grooming? Filling water buckets? Cleaning tack?”

  Gabby clapped. “Perfect! Anna,” she called to the model, “are you up for a bit of horse-care?”

  The dark-haired girl nodded. “Sure!”

  And that was that. Gabby started to direct the crew – setting up shots that involved the model supposedly mucking out the palomino, grooming and cleaning tack, wearing a selection of designer dresses and sparkling jewels.

  Gabby grinned. “I think these shots are going to be sensational!”

  Holly, who was still watching with Sam, nudged Alice, chuckling. “Well done, Al! They should give you a job!”

  “Er, no.” Alice grinned back. “I’ll stick to my ponies, thanks!”

  And with the shoot in full swing Alice, Sam and Holly turned to leave, but not before Alice saw Maria throw a look of pure hatred at Gabby. It was so venomous that a shiver went down Alice’s spine. What was her problem?

  Leaving the stables, Alice climbed up through the lavender until she reached the meadow. It was nice to be in the peace and quiet after the craziness of the fashion team and their shoot. What a strange world! Sitting down in the shade of a tree, she watched as the Rebel Riders and Finn laughed and joked as they warmed up. Finn was riding a beautiful black pony in his usual relaxed style. Once again, Alice’s eyes were drawn to the leader of the group. Alice thought she must be in her early twenties. She was as striking as the model from the shoot earlier but in a wilder way, her long dark hair flowing behind her as she cantered bareback.

  The group gathered together and moments later Finn set off at a gallop and threw himself off the side of the saddle, stretching back and down towards the ground as his head almost brushed the dusty earth. It was one of the tricks he performed with the Flying Fillies. The Rebel Riders looked impressed.

  “Great!” The leader of the group gave a clap. Her voice was clear and strong. “I can see there’s not much we need to teach you.”

  Finn smiled such a rare, genuine smile that Alice felt her stomach flip. She thought about Seb and his perfect white grin. Somehow it just didn’t seem as sincere.

  Alice gave a start as she realised the woman was trotting towards her on her horse, a gorgeous steel-grey gelding with a mane rippling down to his powerful shoulders. The woman was dressed simply in a linen shirt dress, and her skin was smooth and brown.

  “Hello, I’m Celia.” In one smooth movement she had hopped down from the back of the horse, and then, to Alice’s fascination, the woman gestured towards the ground and the big horse lay down next to her. “And this is Domino,” she added with a grin. “You must be Alice?”

  “Yes, that’s me.” Alice was suddenly aware her voice sounded a bit squeaky. Celia was so cool that it was slightly terrifying!

  “Finn was telling me who he came here with,” Celia continued. “Is your pony that cute little roan?” Alice nodded. “He’s got some spark in him; I like him.”

  “Thank you!” Alice couldn’t stop the grin spreading over her face.

  “I’d better get back to it – I just wanted to come and say hi!” Celia mounted the horse while he was still lying down and clicked her tongue. The horse stretched and then rose to his feet, Celia perfectly balanced on his back.

  For the next hour Alice sat in the dappled sunlight and watched the Rebel Riders. They had a wild energy about them, the horses and riders all equally as striking. Some wore tack, jewelled bridles and intricately embroidered side-saddles, and others, like Celia’s horse, just a simple rope round their shiny necks.

  As the riders performed trick after trick, each one more daring than the last, jumping lavender rows while standing on the horses’ backs, vaulting on at full gallop, Alice thought about the showjumping world, all plaited manes and flashy jackets and sparkling stock pins. This was the polar opposite. It was Finn’s world, and he’d never looked so alive.

  Once all the display horses were warmed down, Finn rode over to Alice. He looked totally relaxed.

  “That was brilliant!” she said, and Finn smiled.

  “Thanks,” he said, shaking back his dark hair, which was damp with sweat.

  “Sasha will be so jealous!” Alice continued, trying not to think about how gorgeous Finn looked, and he gave her a half-smile. “You’ll have to show her what you learn here, and put it all in the Flying Fillies routines!” Alice chattered on, then stopped as a dark look flashed across Finn’s face. “What? What is it, Finn?”

  Finn looked away. “Nothing.”

  Alice frowned. Every time she mentioned the Flying Fillies, Finn clammed up. It was so annoying.

  “What IS up?” she tried again. “Is the yard in trouble?”

  Finn gave her another exasperated look. “The yard’s always in trouble!” he said. “It’s nothing new! We need money and we need it fast.”

  Alice thought quickly, wanting to help her friend. “Well, you’ve got all that space… What about livery? Or training other people’s horses?”

  Finn shook his head. “It wouldn’t work,” he said in an irritated voice. “Can you imagine anyone wanting to let their precious horses live in our tumbledown old yard?”

  “I think it’s beautiful,” Alice said loyally. Rookham Manor still took her breath away, from the honey-coloured stone to the meadows full of wildflowers. She knew the fencing was rotten and the walls were crumbling, but to her it was the most romantic place ever.

  “Yes, but beautiful doesn’t pay the bills,” Finn said darkly. “And anyway, we don’t have time to think of anything. When I say fast, I mean we need the money now.”

  Alice thought about the phone conversation that she’d overheard … and then an idea popped into her head. Finn had said that he desperately needed £1,000 to help save the yard. What if Alice won the showjumping competition? She could give the prize money to Finn! She opened her mouth to blurt this out and then closed it again, needing more time to think through her plan.

  As they headed back down to the yard the silence between them was soon interrupted by a cheerful shout.

  “Alice!”

  It was Seb, sauntering over and looking dashing in stone-coloured breeches and a dark navy polo shirt. “I’ve been looking all over for you. Ready to ride?”

  “Oh! Yes, of course.” Alice had forgotten about her schoo
ling session with Seb. “I’ll just go and get changed and get Secret ready.”

  “Can’t wait.” Seb winked at her, and Alice blushed.

  “See you later, Finn?” She glanced up at him, but his face was blank.

  “OK,” he said. Then, as Seb strolled off towards Clea, Finn frowned. “I saw him ride yesterday. You know, he approaches things very differently to Dad.” He spoke in a low voice. “I mean, I know he does well in the competitions, but is his style really for you? It’s very … cold.”

  “He’s only watching me school,” Alice retorted, feeling irritated. “What’s wrong with that?” She wanted the extra practice, especially now the plan to win the prize money for Finn was buzzing around in her head.

  But Finn just looked at her. “Nothing, I guess.” But his tone suggested otherwise.

  “So, are you and Finn good friends at home?” Seb asked casually as they walked side by side to the arena, Alice leading Secret.

  “Well, yes. I guess. I mean, yeah, we are.” Alice felt a little flustered. It was always hard to explain her relationship with Finn. They had a connection, something special. But when Finn put his defences up, as he was doing at the moment, it was almost impossible to get through to him.

  “He seems … reserved,” Seb said. “Quite moody, no?”

  “Oh, no, not really.” Alice tried to stick up for him. “I suppose a bit, but only if you don’t know him that well.”

  “He’s not full of sunshine, like you.” Seb looked straight at her and once again Alice felt the dreaded blush rise up.

  “He’s fine,” she said quickly. “He just has some things going on at home.”

  “What sort of things?” Seb seemed genuinely interested.

  “Oh,” Alice replied vaguely, thinking about Rookham Manor, “just some financial troubles with his yard. Bills and things.”

  “Horses are expensive,” Seb said after a pause, and Alice nodded. She was sure Seb understood Finn’s money troubles. After all, Seb had to find sponsorship to become a professional rider.

  “Right then.” Seb stood back as Alice swung lightly into Secret’s saddle. “Let’s see you ride!”

  Alice had changed into one of her new sleeveless shirts, and with her long ponytail swinging behind her in rhythm with Secret’s strides, she hoped Seb was impressed with how she and Secret looked together. Alice hoped Seb was impressed with how she looked too. There was something about the way he held her gaze for just longer than was normal that sent shivers down her spine.

  Seb set up a few jumps, and Alice and Secret flew over them. Unlike other ponies who tired after jumping, the more Secret jumped the more alive he became and Alice was soon having to cling on tight.

  “You need more,” Seb said, raising the jumps a few holes. “Give him something to think about.”

  Alice swallowed hard, but nudged Secret on. The height was taller than she was used to, but Secret was more than capable, and she wanted to impress Seb. Sensing her change of mood, Secret started cantering sideways, pulling Alice into the jump. He leapt over it and pulled her on to the next fence.

  Alice felt the familiar sense of losing control, but she remembered Angus’s words about sitting up, not interfering with Secret’s mouth and trusting him. And so she went with him and he settled, leaping each jump with effortless grace. Finally, after several laps of the enormous arena, Secret slowed, and Alice gave him a delighted pat.

  Seb had a quizzical look on his face. “Well,” he said, “he can jump. But why do you let him get away with that? He is in charge and you are just a passenger. He’s rude.”

  Alice frowned. She thought they’d done brilliantly.

  “I don’t let him get away with it! He loves jumping and gets excited. He always has, and he probably always will,” she said crossly. “Things have improved a lot actually.”

  Seb frowned. “You need to do more. Why are you riding him in such a soft bit? He’s taking advantage of you.”

  Alice looked down. Secret was gazing away into the distance. His snaffle bit shone in the evening sun.

  “It’s what I’ve always ridden him in,” she replied. “We’ve been working on my riding and our relationship rather than changing my tack.”

  Seb chuckled and shook his head. “Listen, your pony is talented. I like him. He could be jumping the biggest tracks, if you could just control him a little better.”

  Alice thought about this. Her ambitions hadn’t really stretched beyond the pony club team just yet, but she knew Secret was capable of more.

  “I guess, but he’s young, and he’s got years to improve,” she said.

  “What about the competition?” Seb asked. “You surely want to do well, don’t you? Who knows where it could lead you…”

  Alice nodded. “I actually really want to win,” she blurted out before she could stop herself.

  “Ambition, I like that!” Seb said. “So, listen, I know how this competition will go. I watch it every year. Let’s go for it! We’ll have a few more sessions together. I’ll help you!”

  Alice nodded, feeling pleased to have Seb on her side.

  Holly, Sam and a few other pony clubbers were hanging out in the courtyard later on as Alice finished untacking Secret.

  Sam waved her over and she joined the group.

  “We’re all going to head down to the festival and see what’s going on,” he explained. “Want to come?”

  Alice nodded eagerly. She loved being part of this gang. She’d always been on the edge of groups at school.

  “Sure!” she grinned. “Give me five minutes. I’ll invite Finn as well.”

  “Of course! The more the merrier,” Sam said, nodding. “We’ll wait here for you.”

  Alice sprinted back to the stables to where Finn was reading a book in the shade.

  “Hey,” she said a little breathlessly. “We’re heading down to the festival. Want to come with us?”

  Finn turned down the corner of the page he was reading and shielded the sun from his eyes as he looked up. “No, not really.”

  “Why not?” Alice said in surprise. “It’ll be fun.”

  Finn shrugged. “Just don’t fancy it.” He picked up his book again and deliberately held it up in front of his face to carry on reading. “Have fun.”

  “Suit yourself,” Alice snapped before sprinting back to the others. Honestly – Finn was infuriating!

  The festival, just a five-minute walk from the centre, was teeming with activity. The trade stands were busy, and delicious smells wafted over from the food tents. A Shetland Grand National heat was going on in the main ring to the delight of the cheering crowd. Alice was having so much fun with the others, she’d almost forgotten about Finn. That is, until she and Beth sat down to watch a jousting competition, and her mind wandered back to him as the horses thundered up and down the turf.

  Finn would really enjoy this, she thought, frowning. She decided she would go and find him in a bit. But a few minutes later, watching the first of the showjumping classes, Alice was completely transfixed, and Finn slipped from her mind once more. This was the world she wanted to be part of. It was an adult class and the competition was fast and furious, each rider taking more risks than the last, turning hairpin corners, jumping huge oxers from just one stride out to the delight of the cheering crowd. The sun had dropped and the Ferris wheel was illuminated against a pink evening sky as the winner of the class, a young woman on a gorgeous big bay, cantered around. Clapping until her hands hurt, Alice didn’t think she’d felt as happy in a long time.

  The next morning, Alice bumped into Finn on her way to muck out and told him all about the festival. The pony clubbers were about to go off on a hack together, but they had some free time later on and she hoped she could spend it with Finn.

  “You should come down to the festival today,” she said hopefully. “The medieval jousting yesterday was amazing. And I think they have the Prince Philip Cup games today. You could headhunt the next Flying Fillies member!”

  Sh
e meant it as a joke, but noticed Finn’s eyes darkened when she mentioned the Fillies.

  “Or we could just hang out,” she said, her voice quieter.

  But Finn shrugged. “We’ll see. Depends.” And he headed off without any further conversation.

  Alice stared at his departing back with a growing sense of irritation. Surely he could at least try to get involved, try to have fun? There was no point asking if he wanted to come along on the hack; he’d only say no.

  Her thoughts were interrupted by Gabby coming into the yard, greeting each pony in turn. She seemed to know all their names already.

  “Hello, Secret!” She gave the little roan a pat. “Hello, Alice. I have to say the pictures from yesterday were brilliant! Thank you so much! Now, have you seen Finn?”

  “He’s gone off somewhere,” Alice said, slightly surprised. “Why?”

  “We’ve got a couple of shoots we want to do today with the horse, out in the fields,” Gabby explained. “He was so helpful last time! If you see him, perhaps you could ask him to come and find me?”

  “OK,” Alice agreed. “You must do lots of exciting things in your job,” she said after a pause, watching Gabby pat Secret.

  “Yes, I’m very lucky,” Gabby smiled. “This week is a particularly big week for me. I’ve only just become editor of the magazine, and the photos we’re taking this week will star in a big ‘summer weddings’ feature. It’s important that they are perfect, and so far it’s looking good, with your and Finn’s help!”

  “No problem,” Alice said. “I hope the rest go well!”

  “Fingers crossed!” Gabby said, and then her smile faded as Maria strode up, sunglasses on, dressed in her regular uniform of black. She wrinkled her nose as she approached the stables, and Alice frowned. The smell of hay and horses was heaven to her!

  “Gabby,” she said shortly, completely ignoring Alice. “Dan has been emailing me. He wants to see some more stills, and you haven’t got back to him. I had to tell him I’d come and find you again.”