Poppy and Prince (9 page)

Suddenly it wasn’t just a little gymkhana game – I really wanted to win. I stayed as focussed and determined in each round as I would have been in a novice-class show jumping competition.
Tess was first to be knocked out, on Tiny, followed by Sophie and April. Jennifer rushed the third round and brought the pole down. After a couple more rounds only me, Millie and Amita were still in. We were all amazed when Amita made a bad approach and sent the top pole flying! That only left me and Millie!

As Sally was putting the pole back up, Millie grinned at me. “So it’s down to us two again,” she said. “You beat me last time, in the show jumping. But you won’t beat me at this!”

I gave her a big grin back. “Wanna bet?”

We both cleared the next round and the poles went up again to almost a metre. It was really tense and the spectators were all cheering us on – I could hear Dad bellowing, “Come on, Poppy!” Tally’s smaller than Prince but he’s also got a bolder jump, so it was fairly even in the pony stakes. It was all down to our skill – and nerve.

I was up first. I picked up canter and then came straight at the middle of the jump, using the manège fence as a guide. I kept a steady, even pace and then spurred Prince on at the last minute, encouraging him to give it that bit extra. And, of course, being Prince, he did … and we cleared it!

Looking grim and determined, Millie pulled Tally round and belted at the jump. She took off well but Tally left a leg slightly behind on the landing and knocked the pole! I stared at the fallen pole and it took a moment to sink in.

Mum, Dad and Luke all went completely wild, even though Luke is normally too busy being cool to look excited about anything! Millie rode over to say well done and when we leaned across to shake hands, she added, “It’ll be third time lucky for me, you’ll see. Next time I’m up against you, watch out!”

I grinned. “So there’ll be a next time?”

“I hope so,” she said. “If you start competing in shows again.”

I smiled at her then, because I knew I would.

Then it was time to go home, and I know this sounds strange, but it was really sad saying goodbye to Jennifer. She lives in Manchester so I probably won’t see her again. But I didn’t mind saying goodbye to Millie because I know I’ll be meeting up with her at an event very soon – and beating her, if I have my way!

Sunnyside isn’t that far away, so I might even be able to visit Prince sometimes too. I told him that when I said goodbye and it cheered him up a tiny bit (although he was still really sad about me going home). I stroked his ears and ruffled his mane and whispered, “I’ve got my confidence back and it’s all thanks to you, Prince. You’re the kindest, most patient pony I’ve ever met and I’ll never forget you!”

I never, ever thought I would say this, but Jennifer was right – about one thing, anyway. I AM ready for some new challenges. I really believed I could only ride Prince, but I managed fine on Flame. And now I can’t wait to get back to my local stables and start learning new things and riding different ponies, even Pepper! And although I’ll really miss Prince, I’m glad he’s still at Sunnyside, ready and waiting for the next person who needs him.