First published in 2000 by Usborne Publishing Ltd, Usborne House,
83-85 Saffron Hill, London EC1N 8RT, England.
www.usborne.com
Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2003, 2000 Usborne Publishing Ltd. The name Usborne and the devices are the Trade Marks of Usborne Publishing Ltd.
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This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogues are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
Epub ISBN 9781409555056
Kindle ISBN 9781409555063
Batch no. 01492-01
CONTENTS
Maps
1. Sandy Lane Stables
2. They’re off!
3. A strange beginning
4. Graytops horse farm
5. The hard work begins
6. Surprise visitors
7. Old friends
8. Revelations
9. Pointing the finger
10. An unusual offer
11. Stakeout
12. Disagreements
13. Trouble
14. Drastic measures
15. Night-watch
16. Clevedon park
17. A nasty discovery
18. All is revealed
More Sandy Lane Stables books
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1
SANDY LANE STABLES
“I still can’t believe we’re actually going – a three week holiday in America and with all the riding we could possibly want!” Izzy Paterson stood in the middle of the yard at Sandy Lane Stables, a big grin stretching from ear to ear.
“I know, I can hardly believe it myself,” Kate Hardy answered, her white-blonde hair contrasting dramatically with the dark bay coat of the pony she was grooming. “It’s the holiday of a lifetime!”
That was what all the Sandy Lane regulars had said when they’d first heard Nick and Sarah Brooks, the stable owners, talk about the riding holiday they’d arranged as the prize for the Sandy Lane Christmas raffle. And now, here stood Izzy and Kate, on the first day of the summer holidays, with just a week left to go until they’d be boarding the plane.
The holiday of a lifetime...the words rang in Izzy’s ears. Sarah had talked a lot about the place they’d be staying, and it sounded brilliant – the Graytops Horse Farm for racehorses, tucked deep in the rolling countryside. Sarah had known the owners, Doug and Sally Bryant, since childhood and was godmother to their twin daughters, Megan and Courtney. Izzy and Kate were going to live and ride with the family and, in return, the twins would come to Sandy Lane the following summer. Everything was going to be just perfect.
“Oh Izzy, what’s the matter?” Kate couldn’t help but notice the sad look flash across her friend’s face.
“It’s nothing really,” Izzy said, running a hand through her dark curls. “If only-”
“If only what?” Kate looked puzzled.
“If only I didn’t have to leave Midnight behind, that’s all.” Izzy turned away, feeling a bit choked as she looked at the sleek, black horse standing behind her. “I guess you could say it’s the only downside of the trip.”
“Oh Izzy.” Kate didn’t know what to say. “But you’ve known all along that you couldn’t take him with you.”
“I know, I know,” Izzy sighed. “Only I didn’t realize how bad I’d feel when I was actually faced with leaving him.”
“But he’ll be in good hands here at Sandy Lane,” Kate stepped in quickly. “And three weeks will fly by – before you know it, we’ll be back in England and wishing we were still in America. And think of all the stories you’ll have to tell him when you get back.”
“That’s true,” Izzy giggled, instantly feeling better. “And Rosie’s agreed to ride him at the Colcott Show next weekend, so he won’t be missing out on anything.”
“You see?” Kate went on. “It’s going to be all right. You couldn’t not go on this trip. And now look, here’s a sight that should bring a smile to your face.”
Izzy turned and looked across the yard to where Kate was pointing. There was Rosie, coming out of the tack room, a bridle slung over her shoulder and numerous other things gathered in her arms – saddle, crop, riding hat, brushes. Nick and Sarah’s black labrador, Ebony, trailed along behind her, wagging his tail.
“I give her ten seconds before she drops something,” Izzy chuckled, drawing her fleece in tighter around her. It might have been summer, but there was a cool nip in the air that morning.
“Hey, you two, how’s it going?” Rosie called as she walked on up to them. “Now, let me guess what you’re talking about – could it be America perhaps?”
“Got it in one,” Kate grinned.
“Well, I don’t blame you.” Rosie stopped beside them and dumped the saddle down. The brushes slid to the floor. “Oops...” Rosie bent down to pick them up. “You must be pretty excited about this holiday by now. Do you mind if I take over, Izzy?” She nodded in Midnight’s direction.
“No, of course I don’t mind,” Izzy answered. “After all, I’ve got high hopes for you and Midnight this year – you’re going to be carrying off that Colcott Open Jumping trophy for me.”
“Well, I don’t know about that,” Rosie smiled, looking pleased. “But I’ll certainly do my best.” Then she turned back to Kate. “I hear you had another letter from Courtney and Megan this morning. What did they have to say?”
“Well.” Kate pulled an air-mail letter out of her pocket. “Shall I read it out while you’re tacking up?”
“Yes, do,” Rosie said.
Kate took a deep breath. “In the words of Courtney Bryant: Hi you guys, how’s it going in England? It’s been pretty awful at school with our final exams and stuff...”
“Oh, don’t bother with the boring bits,” Izzy jumped in.
“Patience,” Kate said, feigning a cross look as she went on. “The farm is looking great. We’ve been taking Garnet and Prince-”
“That’s their ponies,” Izzy interrupted, leaning over Kate’s shoulder.
“Are you going to let me get on with this, or what?” Kate said indignantly. Izzy poked out her tongue and grinned and quickly Kate buried herself back in the letter. “We’ve been taking Garnet and Prince to the creek to swim, but they don’t really do much more than paddle because Garnet is afraid of the water and Prince won’t do anything by himself.
...It’s really busy on the farm right now – what with all the race meets coming up. Things have been so crazy, but we’ll fill you in on everything when you get here. You’re probably more interested in hearing about all of the riding you’ll be doing than our business, and don’t you worry, there’ll be plenty of that. We’ll have to take turns riding Garnet and Prince, but Mom has been talking to Nick and she seems to think you’ll be up to working some of the racehorses too – well, the less spirited ones anyway.”
“Did you get that?” Izzy joined in excitedly. “We’ll be riding real racehorses.”
“That’s all we’ve got time for now, guys,�
� Kate finished off the letter. “So we’ll see you both on the 2nd. Can’t wait to meet you. Love Courtney and Megan.” Kate looked up expectantly.
“Well, it does all sound wonderful.” Rosie looked wistful. “I’d be feeling really hard done by if it wasn’t for the Colcott Show.”
“Talking of the Colcott Show – look who’s on his way over.” Kate nudged Rosie and the three girls looked across the yard to see Tom Buchanan striding towards them.
“Uh oh, I guess I’d better get a move on.” Rosie went to duck under Izzy’s arm.
“Not so quick.” Izzy grabbed her back. “Tom doesn’t run the stables, you know.”
“Though you’d never guess it these days,” Kate muttered under her breath.
Tom was the star rider at Sandy Lane and had recently taken charge of the jumping practices for the summer shows. It helped take the pressure off Nick and was good practice for Tom as he was training to be a riding instructor.
“Hey you lot...haven’t you got anything better to do than just stand around gossiping?” Tom’s voice echoed around the yard, breaking up the conversation.
“Here we go again,” Kate muttered.
“Jumping practice is in ten minutes, Rosie,” he reminded her.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be there.” Rosie looked at Izzy and raised her eyebrows. “I guess I’d better get a move on.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Izzy said. “In your own time.”
“Oh come on, Izzy,” Kate said plaintively. “Winding Tom up simply isn’t worth it.”
“Did you hear what I said, Rosie?” Tom called back across the yard. “Oh by the way – Izzy... Kate, I’m afraid there isn’t room for you in today’s practice.”
“Oh what?” Izzy groaned.
“I’ve already got ten riders,” Tom went on. “And you know that Nick doesn’t like me taking more than that in a group.”
“But-” Izzy started.
“No buts,” Tom jumped in quickly. “You know the rules – the first ones to sign up get priority.”
“But you must have known we’d want to join in,” Kate wheedled. “I mean, I know we’re not competing at Colcott, but we are regular riders at Sandy Lane.”
“Maybe,” Tom shrugged. “But that doesn’t give you automatic entry to my practices.” And with that, Tom was gone.
“Of all the patronizing, smug...” Izzy was fuming.
“Oh come on, Izzy.” Rosie jumped to Tom’s defence. “Tom is under a lot of pressure at the moment with his instructor’s exams coming up and everything.”
“I suppose so,” Izzy said, though she didn’t look entirely convinced. “But ever since he’s taken up this teaching business he’s been a complete nightmare.”
“You can say that again,” Kate agreed.
“I’m sure he’ll be back to his old self soon enough.” Rosie shrugged her shoulders.
“Maybe.” Izzy nodded and, giving Midnight one final pat, she moved away. “Come on then, Kate.”
The stables were busy as the two girls made their way across the yard – riders were dashing this way and that, and horses were stamping their feet in anticipation of the ride ahead.
“You know, Tom always seems to be having a go at Rosie these days,” Kate finally spoke up. “It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he had a bit of a crush on her.”
“Well, he’s got a funny way of showing it if he does,” Izzy said.
“I know, but boys aren’t exactly the easiest creatures to understand, are they?” Kate wrinkled up her brow. “Take my brother as an example – I never know what Alex is thinking.”
“Well, if you ask, me this holiday couldn’t have come at a better time,” Izzy said, quickly changing the subject. She and Alex had become more than just friends at Christmas, but that had all fizzled out now and she didn’t like talking about him. “If I thought I was going to have to take lessons from Tom all summer, I’d end up going mad.”
Kate nodded. “Three weeks on an American horse farm or jumping practices with the bossiest person in the world – not much of a choice, eh? Now come on, let’s go and see if Nick and Sarah have time to talk about Graytops. Not even Tom’s nagging can get to me right now.”
“Me neither,” Izzy said. “Six more days to go – I don’t know how I’ll get through them.”
“Don’t you worry,” Kate grinned. “We’ll manage.”
2
THEY’RE OFF!
The week actually passed quicker than either Izzy or Kate could have thought possible – what with all the time spent riding at Sandy Lane, and then shopping for their trip. It seemed like no time at all before Saturday was upon them, and they were piling their bags into Izzy’s mother’s car. They were off to the airport. It wasn’t until they were sitting on the plane, though, that either of them felt able to believe they were really going.
Kate leaned back in her seat “Well, checking-in was easier than I thought.”
“Told you so.” Izzy looked nonchalant as she munched her way through a bag of peanuts. “Travelling’s a doddle.”
“That’s all right for you to say,” Kate frowned, opening her pony magazine. “You might have travelled lots, but this is only my third time on a plane.”
Izzy grinned. “Oh Kate, come on, don’t read, let’s chat.”
“We’ve got plenty of time for chatting,” Kate laughed. “We have got three whole weeks together.”
“Hmm, but we’ll be riding racehorses for most of that,” Izzy sighed, putting her hands behind her head and yawning. “You know something? I’ve exhausted myself with all the mucking out and grooming I’ve been doing this week. Nick sure has got a lot of work out of me.”
“Yes, but he is keeping Midnight on at Sandy Lane for free,” Kate reminded her.
“And don’t I know it!” Izzy raised her eyebrows.
“Anyway,” Kate started. “Enough about Sandy Lane; what time do we get to Graytops?”
“About ten o’clock tonight,” Izzy said promptly. “That’s four o’clock in the morning UK time.”
“And it’s a two hour drive from the airport?” Kate questioned her.
“Yes,” Izzy answered impatiently.
“And the Bryants did say they’d meet us?”
“Of course they did, Kate,” Izzy said, beginning to sound impatient. “Stop worrying.”
“All right, all right.” Kate was defensive. “I just wanted to make sure, that’s all. So what do you think Graytops’ll be like?”
“Everything we expect and more,” Izzy sighed. “Paddocks upon paddocks of grassy fields, birds soaring in the bright blue sky, crickets chirping in the night, day after day of riding in the sun, horses kicking up dusty trails...”
“You have got a vivid imagination, Izzy,” Kate laughed.
“Well that’s what happens when you’ve got an author for a dad,” Izzy answered quickly. “Now look – there’s a film about to start.” She pointed at the screen in front of them.
“Oh great!” Kate exclaimed, digging into the seat pocket and grabbing her earphones.
“Wake me up when we get there.” Izzy reclined her seat and shut her eyes.
Kate raised her eyes skyward. “Was there anything else, Madam?”
“Would all passengers from flight AA 123 from London Heathrow proceed to Baggage Claim Zone B?” a voice announced over the intercom.
“That’s us.” Kate nudged Izzy excitedly. “The sooner we get our bags, the sooner we’ll be at Graytops.”
Impatiently, Izzy and Kate hurried through to the baggage hall to where the conveyor belt was going round and round. Suitcases, holdalls, rucksacks, boxes...but none of them seemed to be theirs.
“I hope our bags haven’t got lost,” Kate muttered anxiously.
“Of course they won’t have got lost,” Izzy said calmly.
But when Kate’s bag came out with the next load, and Izzy’s was nowhere to be seen, it was Izzy who began to lose her cool.
“Where can it have gone?” she wailed. “It’
s got everything in it – my jodhs, my favourite baggy black jumper.”
“Oh Izzy,” Kate laughed. “It’ll be here in a minute. Look, isn’t that it over there? The one with the big horse sticker on the side?”
“Yes, that’s it,” Izzy said, feeling relieved as her black holdall came around the corner. She dumped it down on the trolley and spun around. “All right, let’s go.”
The automatic doors swung open, and Izzy and Kate found themselves staring at a sea of faces.
“I feel like royalty,” Izzy whispered.
“I know, embarrassing, isn’t it?” Kate felt nervous as they made their way down the walkway. “Can you see the Bryants?”
“No, I don’t think I can,” Izzy answered as they reached the end. “You wait here and I’ll have a quick look around.”
Two minutes later, Izzy was back at Kate’s side. “I can’t see them anywhere.”
“Maybe they’ve been delayed,” Kate shrugged. “I’m sure they’ll be here in a moment.”
“But what will we do if they don’t come?” Izzy wrinkled up her brow in a worried expression. “Should we call home?”
“No, I don’t think we can do that,” Kate said slowly. “We’ll try and call Graytops. But hang on a minute, who’s that over there?”
Izzy looked in the direction Kate was pointing to where a man stood by himself, holding a sign. The writing on it was small, but now that she looked more closely, she could see that it had their names on it.
“That must be Mr. Bryant – how could we have missed him?” Kate whispered.
“Maybe because we were expecting the whole family to turn up?” Izzy muttered. “Come on, let’s go over.”
Pushing the trolley forward, Kate and Izzy walked across to the man to introduce themselves.
“Mr. Bryant?” Kate said tentatively. “I’m Kate Hardy and this is Izzy Paterson.”
“Oh right, well, first of all – I’m not Mr. Bryant,” the man said. “I’m just your taxi driver.”
Kate and Izzy exchanged surprised glances. “Oh, uh, right, we thought the Bryants were going to be picking us up,” Izzy said.
Riding Holiday Page 1