Fern Creek Academy Book 1

Chapter 2: New Prospects

When Hilary got home she arrived to find the latest issue of the 'Young Rider' magazine on her bed, her mum put it there every time the postman dropped it off at the bottom of the drive. Eager to read, she seated herself in a comfy spot underneath the window where the dappled light of the large maple outside provided shade. The first few pages were the usual advertisements and sales, but something on the fourth page caught her eye. It was a large article by Fern Creek Academy. Hilary stared, Fern Creek Academy was the country's most prestigious academy for young riders. It said:

Scholarships Available

at fern creek academy, one of the leading education and riding academies in the world

for more information, and to book a reservation , contact 0756 465 824

Hilary was dumbfounded, if she could get that scholarship, her whole life would be laid out in front of her, her jumping dreams would come true and, best of all, she would be with the animals she loved most of all: Horses.

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But it wasn't all that simple, as Hilary found out. When she asked her Mum if she could apply, Kate Grey firmly shook her head

"Firstly, Hilary, Fern Creek Academy is four hours drive from here, how on earth are we supposed to drive you there and back each day.'

Hilary's hopes plummeted.

"Why aren't you happy here? You've got your horse, and school and us."

Hilary looked up at her mum with pleading eyes,

"Please Mum I want to get away from this village I want girls my age to chat to, who love horses just as much as me, I want to learn to ride well, pleeease." Kate Grey looked indecisive, "I'll have to have a talk with your Dad." she said, "It's a big decision to make Hilary." With that, Kate turned and walked back into the kitchen. Hilary decided to take her mind off what had just been said and lunge Rilby instead.

As Hilary got closer to Rilby's paddock he trotted over, Rilby was a dappled grey hack and was Hilary's only companion, if it weren't for Rilby, Hilary thought, I'd probably have died of boredom by now. Hilary stroked Rilby and let herself breathe in his wonderful horsey smell.

"Oh Rilby, if I ever leave it will be with you and we will have gone to Fern Creek Academy," said Hilary.

Hilary decided to shake off her worries by going out for a trail ride with Rilby, as they walked to the beginning of the path Hilary thought how lucky she was to have such a beautiful and kind horse as Rilby.

The path was quite flat and was filled with the sounds of birds getting ready to sleep, the grass was soft, and the trees made long shadows on the path ahead. When Hilary arrived home, it was nearly dark and the crickets were chirping. There was light spilling out onto the garden from the kitchen. Hilary quietly bedded Rilby down and went up to her bedroom, she grabbed the 'young rider' magazine from her bed and cut out the article that had the scholarship opportunity she then stuck it on the wall as a memento to something she might never get.

Hilary then went downstairs and ate dinner with her parents. At long last she might have a future.

-the image is of Rilby