The New Girl

Chapter One

   "Alright, guys. We have a new rider coming today, so let's get ready. Her name is Ella, and she and her horse, Belladonna, are going to be arriving this afternoon," Will said to the group. "I don't get why we're making such a big fuss over this. I mean, it's just a new rider. Not even a famous one," Zoey said to her sister. Chloe nodded her agreement. Bailey rolled his eyes at the twins. "Give it a rest, you two. Apparently this girl is a big shot trainer in Ireland, and her horse probably costs more than both of your wardrobes combined. My parents said we needed to make a good impression on her, and if she can get Horseland some more good publicity, then I'm willing to do a little extra work to make sure she likes it here," he snapped. After Bailey's outburst, the group started getting Horseland ready without complaint. After all, he had a point. Ever since Chloe and Zoey had almost gotten Horseland shut down with their so called 'news', there hadn't been a lot of new riders. As the day wore on, the teens began to feel nervous about the newcomer. "What if she doesn't like it here?" worried Molly. "She will. After all, what's not to like?" Alma replied, though she didn't sound too sure. Sarah sighed. "I just hope this Ella girl isn't like Chloe and Zoey," she said. At that moment, a truck and trailer pulled up. As the group gathered in front of the barn, a girl jumped out of the passenger seat of the truck. She had glossy black hair, and was wearing a blue t-shirt and faded jeans tucked into a pair of boots. She smiled at the teenagers before walking to the back of the trailer. The girl opened the trailer and disappeared inside. Moments later, a black blur shot out of the trailer before coming to a stop, revealing itself to be the girl riding a Friesian horse. The girl was riding without a saddle or bridle, and the horse lacked a halter as well. Will could see why the horse was named Belladonna, meaning 'beautiful lady'. She was a purebred Friesian, with a long, wavy mane and tail. Her coat shone in the sun, and several flowers dotted her mane. The girl hopped off and closed the trailer before walking over to the group, her horse following closely behind."Hi, I'm Ella, and this is Belladonna," she said cheerfully. "I'm Will, and this is Bailey, Sarah, Alma, Molly, Chloe and Zoey. Welcome to Horseland," Will said. "It's lovely to meet you all," Ella said sincerely. Sarah smiled. At least they didn't have to worry about this girl being like the twins. "Would you like me to show you where to put Belladonna?" Bailey asked. Ella nodded. "Yes, please." With that, Bailey led the way to an empty stall. Belladonna walked in without hesitation. "Your horse is really well trained," Alma remarked. "Thank you, I trained her myself," replied Ella. Will offered to give Ella a tour of Horseland, giving Belladonna some time to settle in and get to know the other horses. As the teens walked off, Belladonna looked around. She had been stabled next to a black Arabian mare and across from a Palomino stallion."Hello, I'm Scarlett. What's your name?" the Arabian said. "Belladonna, but my friends call me Bella," came the reply. "Do you know when Epona will return? She usually takes me out to run after a long journey." The other horses looked confused. "Forgive me, Epona is my rider. Though, she prefers Ella when in human form," Belladonna clarified. "What do you mean, when in human form?" asked the Palomino stallion. "Well, Mister?" Bella started. "Jimber," the stallion said. "Well, Jimber, Epona is the Goddess of horses. The way she looks now is her chosen form for when she wishes to blend in with the humans. She can change her form at will as well as communicate with horses," Bella explained. At that moment, the teenagers returned from giving 'Ella' the tour. As they each went to their horses to get ready for the lesson, she smirked. She had overheard Bella explaining who she is to the other horses. "Giving away all my secrets already, Bella?" she teased, speaking quietly enough that the other teens wouldn't hear. "Never, Epona. Simply clearing up any confusion surrounding your identity," Bella snorted. The other horses looked at them in shock, having realized that someone they thought to be human had understood them. Luckily, the actual humans were to busy to notice. As Ella set about brushing Bella, she couldn't help but wonder how the lesson would go. Jumping wasn't an issue for the two, but she knew they wouldn't approve of the fact that she rides without a saddle and bridle. This was sure to be interesting.