Fifteen year old Penelope Jones had it all: her horse, mother and trick riding career in L. A.
Until her mother and father die unexpectedly in a car crash and shes sent to live on the little island off the coast of England with her grandfather, Simo...
The next morning, in my pink short sleeved pink v neck collared rib knit shirt, matching jodhpurs, and my Disney Princess Aurora necklace, I wait in the arena with my truck riding instructor, Stacy, while Marcus brings Bella up to me, tacked up in her trick riding gear.
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He smiles at me while handing me my horse's reins, "Here you go, Pippa. Good luck with training. I'll meet you later for jumping practise."
I smile appreciatively as I take the reins and say, "Thank you, Marcus."
The Greenbridge pats Bella's neck before exiting the arena, closing the gate behind him. Once Marcus was gone, I mount my horse.
"Take her for a warm up and stand in the saddle to start," Stacy tells me.
I nod and urge the mare into a walk. After a few minutes, a trot, then a canter. When I complete my warm up, I get on my knees, making sure I was balanced. Then I rise to my feet and hold out my arms, resisting the urge to close my eyes as the wind hits my face.
Bella gallops around the arena as I remain in this position for a few minutes.
"Do the Layout Fender," Stacy instructs. I flip down my horse's side but catch at the horn to prevent myself from hitting the floor and hold out my arm. "Straighten your back and tighten your hand a bit more."
I do as Bella gallops across the arena.
"The Forward Fender," Stacy says. I switch positions so I'm in the same position as before but with my back to Bella's rump. "One Foot Stand."
I pull myself up and put my foot in the safety strap while I grip the horn and hold my right leg out, the wind rushing past my face.
"Keep your hands steady. That's it," Stacy tells me. "Now for the Back Drag." I sling my left leg over the saddle and hand upside down, towards the sandy floor. "Good. You're doing great, Pippa," The redhead compliments. "Show me how you do the Vault."
I climb back up and get on one knee before I hold out my other leg and my arms to my sides, as though I'm kneeling.
I manage to keep my balance as Bella gallops around the arena.
