Tuesday 20 November
Finally, Sparkle’s cut has healed and I was able to ride her today. The Wintec is so awesome! It’s so comfortable and Sparkle looks perfect with it on her back. It’s so much nicer than the shabby old western saddle I was using. Mom says I have to be very grateful that Ali’s mom loaned it to me though. And I really am! I think I’ll make her a thank you card and take it over to her tomorrow. I think she’ll like that.
The Wintec is so much easier to jump in as well. And today I even managed a 2 foot high jump. I’m so proud of myself and of Sparkle too. She’s such a good pony and I love watching her ears go forward when she goes over the jumps. I think she loves jumping just as much as me! I have to practice keeping my eyes straight ahead though, facing in the direction that I want her to go. Ali was in the paddock this afternoon helping me – it’s so good to have someone telling me what I’m doing wrong. Mom said that I’ll learn so much quicker this way. Mom always picks up the jumps if Sparkle knocks any down. She’s always in the paddock with me when I ride. She helps me to tack up and tightens the girth when it gets loose. (She’ll never forget that again!)
I had the best ride today! After jumping I had a go at barrels, bending and even bounce pony. Sparkle knows exactly what to do. I just have to push her on using my leg aids. She’s pretty fast and I’m becoming so much more confident.
I’m going to keep practicing every afternoon if I can, so I’ll be ready for our gymkhana. We’ll probably have it in a couple of weeks. We have to work out a day when all the girls and the parents are free. Hopefully we’ll be able to have it soon.
Oh and the best news as well – Miss Johnson told me today that I can bring Sparkle to school any day this week. I just have to check when Dad can get some time off work to take her. This is so exciting! I can’t believe I’ll get to take my pony to school for show and tell!
Books for Girls - 4 Great Stories for 8 - 12 Year Olds Page 9