SANDY LANE STABLES, BOOK 5 - DREAM PONY

CHAPTER 7 DREAM JUMPER

There were a lot more photos after that. By the time Jasper was satisfied that the newspaper had taken enough, Skylark was twitching with impatience and Jess felt as though her smile was stuck to her face. "Thank goodness that's over," Jess's mother whispered in her ear when at last the final picture had been taken and they had waved Penny off. "Most of those photos won't end up in the paper at all, but Jasper Carlisle was very insistent wasn't he?" "I didn't realize that Vrai Vert Cosmetics and Rychester Stables were owned by the same person." Jess whispered back as she watched Jasper disappear into the office. "Oh, Jasper Carlisle's quite well-known around here," her mother said. "He's a renowned business man, but there's no reason why you should have known that. Still, he seems keen on animals doesn't he? This

lovely stable, and his cosmetics are very natural - no animal testing I believe. Maybe you'll be able to get me some free samples, Jess? I love their Mango Miracle Shampoo." Her mother smiled at her. "Honestly Mum!" Jess groaned. "I've got more important things to think about. Like getting Skylark settled for starters." "Yes, I suppose I should leave you with your pony for a while," her mother said, glancing at her watch. "Will two hours be long enough? I'll pick you up then." "Thanks Mum, that would be perfect," Jess replied quickly. Seeing Mrs. Adams about to leave, Amy hurried across to Jess. "Shall I take you over to Skylark's stable now? I'll show you where you can keep her tack and everything and explain a bit about the routine here," she offered. "Than maybe you could ride her for a little while, Jess. How about trying her in the indoor school? It's warm and quiet and you can get used to her places in there. And she can get used to you." "Oh yes!" Jess's eyes shone with delight. In all the excitement of Skylark's arrival, she had almost forgotten that she could actually ride her... that she was going to be able to ride her whenever she wanted. She couldn't wait to see if the pony was as perfect as she looked. Half an hour later, tacked and mounted, Skylark circled the indoor school. Jess pushed her gently through her paces, from a walk to a rising trot to a collected canter. To her delight, the pony was responsive and alert. Her rhythm was fluid and she even changed pace effortlessly. She really was a dream

to ride. "She looks good, Jess," Amy called from the side of the school. "You've really got a lovely rhythm there." "It's all Skylark," Jess said. "She knows just what to do." "You're a pretty good rider too, Jess. You must remember it's not just the horse," a Male voice boomed across the school. "There's no room for modest riders in my stables." Jess brought Skylark to a halt and looked around to see who had spoken. There stood Jasper Carlisle, leaning against the rail and watching her closely. Jess blushed with pride. With Skylark going so well, Jasper must think she was a really good rider. Had Nick ever paid her a compliment like that? If he had, she couldn't remember it. Jasper went on. "You might think about using a stick on her. She's a bit slow around the corners. Still, this pony looks like she's got spirit. Why don't you try her over a few jumps. See how she goes?" "I'll put the poles out," Amy volunteered. "Poles?" Jasper laughed. "That's far too tame. I bet this pony can really jump. Try her on the four footers in the outdoor field." Did Jasper really mean four foot jumps? Jess tingled nervously. "Hang on a minute." Amy's voice was steady but concerned. "Jess has only just got this pony, Jasper. She's not really familiar with her. Besides, Skylark's probably tired with everything that's happened today. She really needs rest. And the ground outside is very hard still..." Jess heard Amy's words and knew she was right,

but now Jasper was talking again. "Nonsense, she'll be fine," he said. "And if Jess is willing, then I say let her jump. I'm sure she can get the pony round the course." Jess looked from one face to the other. "We could just try one," she volunteered, anxious to please. Amy gave a deep sigh. "Don't feel you have to do everything today Jess. It's exciting having a new pony, but she'll still be here tomorrow." "Come on," Jasper said. "Follow me to the outdoor school." Quickly, Jasper led the way out of the covered arena and into a white fenced enclosure. A course of ten huge jumps stood in the afternoon light. Skylark shifted and danced on the spot. Jess looked at Amy's quietly troubled face. I can't back out now, Jess thought to herself. "Come on Jess, you don't need to do the whole course. Just take her over the parallel bars and the brush. Let's see what this little beauty can do," Jasper was calling now. Jess turned Skylark determinedly towards the first parallel and shortened the reins. Skylark's step was light and quick as Jess leaned forward in the saddle and urged her on. Now they were approaching the first parallel, steady, not too fast. Skylark's hooves thudded over the ground and Jess counted her point of take-off. One, two, three and they were soaring through the next parallel. They sailed over that with inches to spare and Jess couldn't help grinning madly. Jasper was right - Skylark was a superb jumper. What's more,

she really seemed to be enjoying herself, flickering her tail playfully and giving little dancing, kicking steps. Jess was enjoying herself too. The feeling was marvellous. Now they only had the brush left. Jess turned Skylark swiftly and they pounded towards it. Within seconds they were suspended in mid-air and Jess's spirits soared with delight. After that everything seemed to happen in slow-motion. Skylark's forelegs met the ground and hit a patch of frozen ground directly at landing point. There was nothing to grip on to and her legs splayed out in front of her while her hind legs followed. Jess didn't know much after that - just that she was thrown to the ground and Skylark lay a little way ahead of her, lifeless where she had fallen. "No..." someone was realized the voice was her own. "Oh no!" Amy cried simultaneously and both girls rushed over to where the horse lay. As Jess drew nearer she saw that Skylark's flanks were heaving and she was panting heavily. Suddenly, with a supreme effort, the little grey pony raised her head and stumbled her way up to a standing position. "Skylark," Jess cried. "Stand back." Jasper's voice was stern, but he looked worried. "She just seems a bit winded that's all," he said briefly. "Probably knocked her knees. Amy, bring her back to her saddle and get her untacked." "No... I want to do it!" Jess cried in anguish. Jasper put his hands up in surprise. "Fair enough," he said. "Amy, call the vet, just to be on the safe side. I want this pony seen quickly. Her picture and

Rychester will be all over the Daily Advertiser tomorrow. We can't let anything happen to her." And with that, he marched off. Jess was only dimly aware of this conversation, she was so worried about Skylark. She could kick herself for having been so stupid. "She'll be fine." Amy's voice was soothing. "Come on, let's get Skylark to her stable."