“What happened to her pony?” Alice asked curiously, thinking back to the way Devon’s eyes had clouded over when she’d handed her the bracelet.
“Well, he was injured, in a horsebox, as I recall,” Emily replied. “I remember the report in Horse & Hound. He had to be put down.” She shook her head. “Poor Devon. He was quite a pony, The Talisman, just on the verge of the big time. I’m glad she managed to make it anyway. Awful for her, losing her pony, then getting dropped by her sponsors like that.”
No wonder Devon had looked so upset when she thought about her old pony, Alice thought. She knew just how hard it was to lose a pony you loved. Then she thought back to her odd encounter with Leah in the park, and the obvious tension between her and Kite’s owner, who must have been the same man who’d owned Devon’s pony, The Talisman.
But as Secret stretched out luxuriously, Alice shrugged. She was jumping against Leah on Sunday, so perhaps best to stay away.
The next day Alice was planning to spend the day with Secret and then return to Olympia for the evening performance. Waking early, the city buzzing behind her window, Alice called her mum, as she’d promised to each morning.
“Alice!” Her mum sounded pleased. “How was yesterday?”
Alice told her all about the ride, and the wonderful afternoon at Olympia.
As she rang off, her phone pinged with a new message. Finn.
Got some time free this morning, the text read. Fancy an adventure?
Intrigued, Alice messaged back.
What sort of adventure?
Her phone pinged again almost immediately.
Meet me at the Natural History Museum at 10, Finn’s reply read. And wear something warm.
Alice checked her map, deciding she’d go there straight after seeing Secret. Opening her suitcase, she pulled out a pair of jeans and her thickest, warmest jumper before quickly dressing and heading down to the yard. It was even colder than the day before and a heavy mist hung low over the park, a hard frost making everything glitter and sparkle.
Leah arrived at the stables as the same time as Alice, stamping her feet and blowing on to her hands as they waited for Clare to unlock the gates.
“Hey,” Alice said in a friendly voice, and Leah gave a half-smile in response.
“Morning.”
Thinking the other girl seemed slightly nicer today, Alice continued to chat as they made their way over to their stables.
“How is Kite settling in?” she asked as they each set to work on mucking out.
Leah frowned. “He’s nervy by nature,” she said. “But he’s been on edge since getting here, worse than normal.”
“Oh,” Alice said, looking at Secret, who was dreamily tucking into his breakfast, eyes closed. “Maybe it’s the big occasion coming up.” She gulped. It was a big occasion for her as well. She quickly changed the subject as she felt her tummy start to flutter.
“Maybe,” Leah said, but she sounded unconvinced.
“Are you riding today?” Alice asked, and Leah nodded.
“I’ve got a lesson with my trainer this morning,” she said. “And then I’ve got to go over to Olympia. Nick – he’s the one who sorts my sponsorship – wants me on the stand for a bit.”
“Ooh,” Alice said, her eyes widening. “That’s cool! I saw Charlotte Dujardin on her sponsor’s stand yesterday. The queue was miles long! Is it really exciting? You must feel like a star!”
Leah paused, and her face clouded over for a second. “I guess,” she said quietly.
Fluffing up the banks of the shavings bed as Secret licked out his feed bucket, Alice paused, leaning on her fork. She hoped Leah would see that she wasn’t in any way snobby, just really interested in her riding career.
“I met Devon Jenkins yesterday,” she said. “Her horse is stabled next to my friend’s pony. She was so nice!”
Leah’s eyes widened as she looked around her, almost as if to check no one was listening in.
“I’m not allowed to talk about Devon,” she said in a low voice. “Nick says she went off the rails after her pony was put down, refused to go to any events or try out any more ponies so they had to get rid of her. He said she twisted the story and made them look like the bad guys. Please don’t mention her to me again.”
Alice couldn’t stop thinking about Devon and The Talisman as she made her way to meet Finn. However, she was soon distracted as she hopped off the bus outside the Natural History Museum.
Looking up, she stood in awe for a minute as she gazed at the huge building, and the Christmas tree in the centre of the ice rink. It suddenly dawned on her that Finn was taking her ice skating, and she inwardly groaned. She’d never been before, and despite her natural balance on her horse, her long legs meant she could be a little uncoordinated in other sports. She was a terrible runner and hockey player at school, tripping over her own feet far too many times. And Finn would probably be amazing. She rolled her eyes at the thought. Finn appeared with a big grin on his face, clutching two tickets.
“Ready?” He chuckled at the expression on Alice’s face.
“Not funny,” Alice huffed. “I’ve never been skating before. I’m going to be terrible!”
Finn shook his head. “You’ll be fine!” he said. “I’ve never been before either. Some of the guys from the Rebel Riders came the other night and said how fun it was so I thought we should give it a go. Come on!”
And so a short time later, the ice-skating boots heavy and unwieldy on her feet, Alice wobbled her way out on to the rink, clutching the side unsteadily. A girl whizzed past and, gritting her teeth, Alice carefully pushed herself away from the side and tried to copy her. For one awful moment she felt herself topple, but steadied herself, pushing her feet forward, until suddenly she was gliding.
“Hey!” she called triumphantly behind her to Finn. “I can do it!”
But turning, she had to suppress her giggles as she saw Finn clutching on to the side, his feet slipping wildly all over the place. Turning a wide, smooth circle, Alice skated easily back to him.
“Want a hand?” she grinned.
The hour wasn’t long enough. Alice got better and better, gliding around, attempting some spins, the power and the exhilaration almost as good as riding Secret. Finn had eventually wobbled around the Christmas tree before Alice took his hand and together they circled the rink.
“Think I’ll stick with horses!” At least Finn was laughing about being so rubbish, Alice thought, as they clutched a hot chocolate in the café later.
“Probably for the best.” She grinned, and he prodded her arm playfully in response. It was really nice, Alice thought, just hanging out with him. They’d shared a kiss in France, but since then had just enjoyed each other’s company, without any awkwardness or unanswered questions.
Finn smiled and checked his watch. “I don’t have to be back at Olympia until half two,” he said. “Let’s go back to the stables. I want to see how Secret is getting on in the big city!”
Alice was still rosy-cheeked and buzzing from ice skating as she skipped through the yard gates a little later.
“Finn!” Clare greeted them with a big smile. “How is it going at Olympia?”
“Brilliant, thanks,” Finn replied. “Just having a break and seeing how Secret’s getting on.”
“Oh, we’ll miss him when he goes!” Clare laughed. “He’s wonderful. Alice, are you riding now?” Alice nodded as Clare continued. “Finn, do you want to join her? You can ride Mr Perkins.”
“Sure,” Finn said. “Thanks, Clare.”
“Honestly.” Alice raised an eyebrow as Clare moved on to her next task. “Is there anyone you meet who doesn’t allow you to ride their horses?”
Finn laughed. “No,” he said. “But aren’t you glad? It’ll be cool to ride together round Hyde Park.”
And Alice had to agree, it was. It was more than cool, in fact. It was downright amazing!
Mr Perkins was a gorgeous bay ex-show horse with the softest brown eyes. Soon
Alice and Finn were riding out side by side, Secret’s jaunty walk matching the long, relaxed strides of Mr Perkins. The park was busier than the day before as it was later in the morning, but Secret was taking it all in his stride. They rode in contented silence, or chatting away, both at their most comfortable together in the saddle.
The route they followed took them through some huge and ancient beech tree woods. Frost still clung to the shady patches and the ponies’ breath hung in the air. It had been a little while since the hot chocolate at the skating rink, and as they passed a pretty wooden cabin, Alice thought it was definitely time for another hot drink.
Jumping down, Alice passed her reins over to Finn and paid for a hot chocolate, enjoying the moment as she took back Secret’s reins and sipped her drink, relishing their little oasis in the bustling city. It was perfect until Secret gave her a sharp nudge and she tipped the drink over her arm.
“Oh, Secret!” Clumsily, Alice tried to save the rest of her hot chocolate as Finn chuckled. But suddenly Secret was free, Alice’s hands having let go of the reins for a second. She made a grab for him but it was too late. Secret had already seen something in the distance that looked far more exciting…
Nudging Mr Perkins with urgency, Finn set off after Secret at a brisk trot as Alice ran behind, still clutching her cup, her heart beating in her chest and sweat prickling down her back, despite the icy chill. It was one thing Secret getting loose at a show, like he had done all that time ago, but this was far more serious. They were right in the middle of London, with traffic surrounding the park on all sides.
Alice’s panic grew as she kept running, the sleek brown back of Mr Perkins in front of her getting smaller as Finn tried to catch up with Secret. Joggers paused as they surveyed the strange scene, a red pony cantering loose followed by a big horse … followed by a red-faced Alice. Luckily Secret was sticking to the horse track, so no one was having to dive out of his way, but if Secret darted out he could easily escape into the streets, where he could cause a serious accident, or even be killed.
Then Alice became aware of an unexpected sound: laughter. A large group of tourists were pointing and smiling, cameras clicking as they jostled for a better view. Finn had stopped Mr Perkins up ahead and seemed completely speechless. In front of them were six huge horses, dwarfing even Mr Perkins, riding two by two and in complete sync. Their double bridles gleamed, and their riders wore smart black breeches and bright-yellow jackets. The only thing out of place was a small red pony trotting proudly between them, reins clutched by the rider on the lead horse. It was Secret, and he was with the mounted police!
For a few seconds, time stood still. The laughter from the tourists had grown louder, and now quite a crowd had gathered as the police riders neared Alice, who stood frozen to the spot. If ponies could smile, then Secret would have the biggest grin on his face, she thought. He looked so proud, barely reaching the police horses’ saddles, but still matching them stride for stride.
“Is this your pony?” A kindly-looking older man with twinkling blue eyes stopped in front of Alice, as Secret stopped smartly as well, almost as if in salute. Reaching up, the little red gelding gave the big bay next to him an affectionate nibble on his neck as the horse, ever the professional, tried to ignore him.
“Y … yes…” Alice could barely stammer. What if they arrested her? Was that possible? Public disorder or something. Did they arrest ponies?
“Well now,” the policeman smiled. “He knows his own mind, this one. He came straight for us!”
“I’m so sorry,” Alice mumbled. “Thanks so much for bringing him back.”
“It’s all right.” The policewoman on the other side, a younger lady with blonde hair tied neatly in a bun, smiled. “We do all sorts in our job. Catching little roan ponies is not the everyday, though!”
“Where are you heading?” the policeman asked.
“Back to the Hyde Park stables,” Alice said, feeling a wave of relief that they weren’t cross or, indeed, about to arrest her. Finn rode up on Mr Perkins as Alice patted Secret before swinging back up into the saddle.
“Ah, yes, Clare’s place.” The policeman nodded. “We’re heading that way. We’ll escort you there! I’m Officer Hill, and this is my colleague Officer Fairbanks. But you can call us Edward and Rosie.”
And so they headed off, quite the sight – six beautiful police horses, a large show horse and little Secret, who jogged next to the lead police horses, clearly delighted with himself at having caused this adventure.
“What brings you to Hyde Park?” Rosie asked. “I’ve not seen your pony before. We get to know who’s who at Clare’s.”
“Olympia,” Alice said with a note of pride. “Both me and Finn are riding there.” She gestured at Finn. “Finn is in a display team and I’m showjumping on Sunday.”
Sunday… Alice realised with a jolt. So close now. Her time in London was flying by.
“Marvellous.” Edward smiled. “Your pony might be cheeky but he must be talented! You’ll see our colleagues doing their display at Olympia. We’re all going to watch them at the weekend so I’ll look out for your class, and your display.” He nodded at Finn.
First the whole pony club branch, Alice thought, now the mounted police! The pressure was truly on…
“OK,” she croaked. “I’m jumping in the Pony Club Christmas Tree Stakes.”
They soon reached Clare’s yard, and just as Alice and Finn were about to peel off, a familiar skewbald pony clattered by, clad in a scarlet exercise rug. Despite just having had a lesson, the handsome pony looked as highly strung as ever. Alice wasn’t sure if she was imagining things but as Leah rode past she swore she saw a look pass between Rosie and Edward.
“Hadley, Ed—” she heard Rosie say, but couldn’t catch the rest of it. And then Leah and Kite were out of sight and the mounted police were waving goodbye, promising to watch Alice on Sunday.
Once Alice had made sure Secret was settled back in his stable she fastened his special clip to the bolt. She couldn’t risk him getting loose twice in one day!
It wasn’t long before Alice was back on the bus to Olympia after a quick change of clothes at Emily’s house. She thought excitedly about the evening ahead. There was Finn’s display to watch, of course, but also the first of the big showjumping classes. Reaching the show, Alice decided that as the Rebel Riders were not on for a bit, she’d head into the shopping area and grab something to eat.
As she passed by the trade stands, her eyes were drawn to a familiar red and gold logo. Hadley Feeds. Leah was standing there looking fed up. There was a man next to her chatting animatedly with someone, the man Alice recognised from Leah’s photo shoot in the park. It was Nick, the sponsor Leah had told her about. He was far more charming today than he had been then.
“Yes, we’re a big believer in opportunities for young riders, especially those who wouldn’t have got the chance otherwise,” Nick was saying, his oily tones smooth and pleasant-sounding. “Like Leah here. She’d never be able to afford a pony. And now she has Red Kite B.”
But something about him made Alice’s skin crawl. He just seemed so insincere, and she hadn’t forgotten the way he’d snapped at Leah to smile, or his threatening tone.
The man he was speaking to was obviously some sort of journalist, in his early twenties at most.
“Ah, yes. One of your most famous prodigies is doing very well now, isn’t she?” he said, consulting his notepad. “Devon Jenkins is jumping here all this week. Do you regret the way things ended with her?”
“Of course, I regret how Devon took it all so badly,” Nick said, his voice sounding slightly snappier. “But I’m a businessman; ponies are sold now and again.”
The journalist frowned. “I thought The Talisman died?” He looked down at his notes again. “An accident in the lorry?”
Nick barely missed a beat but Alice noticed a look of panic cross his face before the smile reappeared. It had happened so fast, she wondered if she’d imagined it.
“Yes, of course,” he said smoothly. “Devon’s main pony, The Talisman, was put down. It was tragic, of course. She had the ride on a couple of other ponies and I was buying and selling, just like any other owner at the time. We were all devastated by The Talisman’s death. But Devon refused to ride for us any more. I tried to explain that sometimes these things happen in the horse world, but she was young, she didn’t really understand. Now,” he seemed to shrug off any further mention of Devon, “can we get back to talking about our stars of today? Now it’s all about Leah and Red Kite B…”
“Hey, Alice!”
A familiar, sweet voice welcomed Alice as she waited for Finn after another brilliant Rebel Riders show. Devon Jenkins was walking her mare around, a dark-blue rug keeping the fine bay horse warm. Devon was wearing a cobalt-blue show jacket, and Alice noticed the sparkle of her little talisman on her wrist.
“If I do well tonight it’s thanks to you!” Devon grinned, holding up her arm so the charm bracelet dangled down. “Are you excited about Sunday?”
“I can’t wait,” Alice said truthfully, although even the mere mention of the word “Sunday” was enough to make the butterflies in her tummy jangle and crash around!
Then Alice noticed Devon visibly stiffen as a figure entered the warm-up arena, kissing a nearby woman on both cheeks, laughing uproariously with a couple of men. It was Nick.
“Ugh,” Devon hissed. “Why is it I can never avoid him?”
“He sponsors someone I know a bit,” Alice said. “Leah Edwards – she rides a gorgeous pony called Kite.”
Devon shook her head, disgust all over her face. “Yeah, I’ve seen,” she snorted. “Déjà vu.”
Alice frowned. Although she and Leah hadn’t got off to a great start, she remembered her trapped expression on the day of the photo shoot. And with the policewoman’s comment about Hadley Feeds, and now Devon’s response to the sponsor, she was starting to wonder if there was something dodgy about them.
A Dream Come True Page 4