A Twinkle of Hooves Read online

  He would hurt himself if he fell! Steph thought fast. Grabbing a twiggy branch from the ground, she dashed beneath his flailing hooves and hooked the plastic bag with the twig.

  ‘Yes!’ she cried, as she pulled it free, bundled it up and stuffed it into her jeans pocket.

  But as Steph took a step back, she stumbled and felt herself falling.

  ‘Oh!’ She tumbled over and over down the slope. One of her arms hit a large stone and pain lanced through her.

  Biting her lip, Steph struggled to her feet, quickly climbed back up and then staggered over to sit on a fallen log. To her relief, Comet seemed unharmed.

  The magic pony’s sides heaved as he gradually calmed down. He looked round for Steph and walked over to where she sat. Leaning down he gently snuffled her shoulder, surrounding her with sweet hay-scented breath.

  ‘Thank you, Steph. You were very brave to help me.’

  ‘I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you. I thought you were going to tumble down that bank,’ she said. ‘Oh!’ she gasped, holding her numb arm. Now that the excitement was over, it was beginning to throb painfully.

  ‘You are hurt!’ Comet said. ‘I will help you.’

  He blew out another warm breath. This time it twinkled with a million tiny violet stars. The sparkly healing mist swirled round Steph’s arm for a few moments before it sank into it and disappeared. She felt the pain in her numb arm increase a little before suddenly draining away like water gurgling down a plughole.

  ‘Oh, thank you, Comet. I feel fine now!’ she said, stroking the broad white stripe on his nose.

  ‘Good,’ he snorted affectionately. ‘I am glad to be able to take care of you. And I will always do so while I am here.’

  Steph looked up at him adoringly. ‘I hope you’ll live here with me forever. And there’s room for Destiny too. You could both stay.’

  ‘That is not possible,’ Comet neighed softly. ‘We must return to our family on Rainbow Mist Island. Do you understand this, Steph?’

  Steph nodded slowly, feeling her chest tighten with sadness.

  She realized how fond of him she’d become. Comet had gradually filled the space left in her heart by Fleur. The thought of one day losing him was too painful to think about. She decided not to dwell on that now and, instead, to enjoy every single moment she could.

  Comet whickered and reached out to nudge her arm gently. ‘Climb on to me again, Steph,’

  She mounted and he sprang forward. The journey home was even faster. Time seemed almost to stand still and then Steph was beside the magic pony again in the stable. ‘I’ll come out and see you later,’ she promised, before hurrying into the house.

  She was tipping breakfast cereal into a bowl in the kitchen when she heard her mum coming down the stairs.

  ‘Hello, love!’ Mrs Danes said, blinking in surprise as she padded over to fill the kettle. ‘What’s got you up so early?’

  You’d never believe me, even if I could tell you! Steph thought, biting back a secret grin. ‘Oh, nothing really. I just couldn’t lie in on such a lovely day!’ she said casually.

  Chapter

  SIX

  Steph set out early on Comet to ride over to see Ellie at the old vicarage the following day. Comet’s magic made sure that they were invisible to everyone for the whole ride.

  As Steph had promised him, they took the opportunity to check out the village streets for signs of Destiny, but there was still no trace of Comet’s twin sister. Steph dismounted at the back of the quiet churchyard and then Comet walked invisibly beside her as she called for Ellie.

  Mrs Browning opened the door. ‘Hello, you must be Steph. Nice to meet you.’

  ‘Hello, Mrs Browning,’ Steph said politely.

  ‘Ellie told me that you’ve just had to sell your old pony. That’s a shame.’

  ‘I know. I really miss her,’ Steph told Ellie’s mum, feeling a lump rise in her throat. ‘I had Fleur for three years, but she’s gone to a really good home.’ She took a deep breath and quickly changed the subject. ‘Ellie seems thrilled with Turpin. He’s a gorgeous pony.’

  ‘Yes, he is. Ellie loves him to bits. I’m not sure that she’s quite got to grips with all that looking after him involves yet, though. I expect most girls are like that with their first ponies.’

  ‘I guess some are,’ Steph agreed. ‘I always loved everything about looking after ponies and horses. I want to work with them when I grow up.’

  ‘Good for you. Perhaps you can give Ellie a few tips. She’s with Turpin now. I’ll open the side gate, so you can walk down the garden to the stable.’ Mrs Browning came outside and Steph followed her.

  The back garden was enormous, with tennis courts, a summer house and swimming pool. The stable was at the bottom. It was an impressive red-brick building beside a large paddock.

  ‘Wow! Just look at this place,’ Steph whispered to Comet, her eyes widening.

  Comet glanced around. ‘It is very nice here. But I like my stable at the place where you live.’

  ‘I’m glad because I love having you living with me!’ Steph threw him an adoring look.

  ‘Hi, Steph!’ Ellie appeared at the stable door. She wore a blue T-shirt with a designer pony logo, smart jodhpurs and boots. ‘Come on in.’

  Inside the stable, Steph caught her breath. There was room here for two ponies. Another doorway led to a tack room and feed store, with a counter and a deep sink. There was even a toilet cubicle with a washbasin.

  Steph shaped her lips into a silent whistle. ‘This is like a palace!’ It would be a dream to keep a pony in a place like this.

  Ellie smiled. ‘I know. I’m really lucky to have it. Mum says that Dad got a bit carried away when he had it built.’

  Steph laughed.

  She hoped again that they might become good friends. It would be fun for her and Comet to spend time with Ellie and Turpin.

  Turpin was in one of the stalls. His ears twitched inquisitively and he turned his supple neck to look at them.

  ‘Hello, beautiful,’ Steph said. He really was a good-looking pony. She loved Arabs; they had such elegant heads and big soft eyes.

  As she went closer to pat him, she frowned. There were traces of dried mud on his legs and bits of twig and grass in his tail. His bay coat was a bit dull too.

  Steph’s fingers itched for her grooming kit. She would love to be let loose on Turpin. She imagined untangling his mane and tail and spraying conditioner on them, before brushing his entire coffee-coloured coat until it was smooth and glossy.

  ‘Oh, Turpin,’ Ellie scolded gently. ‘You haven’t touched your new hay net. You’re not feeling all moody, are you?’

  Steph glanced into the stall and immediately saw that the hay net had been hung up too high and Turpin was straining to reach it.

  ‘You need to bring the net down a bit, so he can get to it more easily,’ she said without thinking. ‘Ponies can get grass seeds in their eyes with the net above them.’

  Ellie reddened. ‘I knew that,’ she snapped, going into the stall to adjust it.

  Steph bit her lip. She remembered what Mrs Browning had said about Ellie not being all that used to the hard work of looking after a pony. Maybe it would be best to go easy with the advice.

  But she couldn’t help noticing a heap of bridles lying in a tangle on the floor. Two expensive horse blankets had been dumped in a corner, despite the blanket box standing open.

  Comet blew air from his nostrils and wrinkled his lips at the slight tang of soiled straw.

  ‘Yes, I can smell it too,’ Steph whispered to him. ‘I don’t think Ellie realizes that you have to do regular poo picking.’ She turned to Ellie. ‘Where do you keep your fork and skip? I’ll give you a hand to pick up those fresh droppings. It’s a bit boring having to do it all the time, isn’t it? But it’s one of those things you can’t get out of.’ She rolled her eyes, as if she found it a chore too.

  ‘Tell me about it!’ Ellie said with feeling as she led Turpin ou
t of his stall.

  ‘I didn’t realize how much hard work it was to look after your own pony. Mum and Dad say that Turpin’s my responsibility, so I have to learn to do it by myself,’ she sighed. ‘Anyway, leave those droppings for now. I’ll clean them up later before I get Turpin in for the night. Let’s go and have some fun with him. Aren’t you dying to ride him?’

  ‘You bet!’ Steph said, deciding not to nag about cleaning up, in case Ellie got annoyed again. Anyway, she was really keen to try out her new friend’s Arab pony.

  Ellie put Turpin into the paddock and Steph and Comet followed them in.

  The magic pony immediately cantered across the grass and then lay down. Snorting happily, Comet rolled on to his back, all four legs waving in the air.

  Steph hid a smile, pleased that Comet was enjoying himself.

  With an eager nicker, Turpin trotted over and sniffed Comet curiously. Comet got to his feet and shook himself, his dark mane flying outwards. He reached out and snuffled Turpin’s neck.

  Steph watched delightedly as the ponies got acquainted. Maybe Comet wouldn’t miss Destiny so much if he made a new pony friend.

  Kicking up their heels, Turpin and Comet cantered down to the bottom of the paddock and then stood side by side, cropping the grass.

  Ellie frowned. ‘He’s never gone rushing off like that before. Come here, Turpin! Come on, boy!’ she encouraged.

  Turpin twitched his ears. He looked towards Ellie and then lowered his head again.

  Ellie sighed and began stomping towards him. Turpin eyed her. He waited until she got within a couple of metres and then danced away with his tail jinked up in the air.

  Ellie stopped, waiting until her pony began to crop the grass again before advancing. The same thing happened. Turpin stayed where he was until Ellie was almost within reaching distance, then flicked his tail up and shot away again.

  Steph laughed, guessing that this could go on for some time.

  ‘Hey! It’s not funny!’ Ellie cried, annoyed. ‘Dumb pony! What’s wrong with him today?’

  ‘He’s just being cheeky!’ Steph said. And showing off in front of Comet! ‘I could show you a trick to get him to come to you, if you like.’

  Ellie looked intrigued. ‘Go on then.’

  Steph moved forward a few paces. She waved her arms in the air to get Turpin’s attention. When he looked at her, she turned her back. Crouching down, she pretended to be looking at something in the grass.

  ‘Wow! Look at this,’ she said enthusiastically.

  ‘What’s there? I can’t see anything,’ Ellie said.

  ‘That’s because there’s nothing there! But Turpin doesn’t know that. He won’t be able to resist coming over to see what I’m doing,’ Steph explained, chancing a furtive look over her shoulder.

  She saw Turpin’s ears twitch forward. He snorted softly and took a few steps forward.

  ‘It’s working!’ Ellie whispered as the little Arab pony kept coming.

  Steph waited until Turpin stopped and stretched his neck towards her. Very slowly, she reached up and took hold of his head collar, at the same time rising smoothly to her feet.

  ‘Clever boy,’ she praised, rubbing his satiny cheek.

  Ellie looked impressed. ‘That’s a neat trick. I’d never have thought of that. How come you know so much about ponies?’

  Steph was glad that Ellie seemed to have calmed down a bit with her. ‘I love learning new stuff. I’m weird like that!’ she joked modestly. ‘Is it OK if we ride Turpin now?’

  ‘Sure. Go for it. You first,’ Ellie said generously.

  Steph swung herself up. The Arab pony was just the right size for her. She settled herself comfortably, urging Turpin into a trot and then a canter. He had a smooth, even stride and was alert and responsive to her commands.

  ‘Turpin’s a dream to ride. He’s exactly the sort of pony I’d like next,’ she said to Ellie as she dismounted. ‘He’s so sweet-natured and intelligent. Are you going to show him?’

  ‘I might. I haven’t decided yet,’ Ellie said evasively.

  Steph widened her eyes. ‘Oh, you totally have to! He’s a real winner!’ she enthused.

  ‘I think so too!’ Ellie said, smiling, but then she wrinkled her nose. ‘But it’s a bit of a sore point at the moment. My parents won’t let me enter any competitions until I’m better at looking after Turpin. Can you believe that?’

  Steph wisely said nothing.

  From the little she’d already seen, she thought Ellie had some way to go before her parents felt that she was a competent pony owner. But she didn’t want to say so, in case Ellie went all moody with her again.

  Ellie had mounted Turpin and was riding him round the paddock. Steph watched, impressed. There was nothing wrong with Ellie’s riding skills. She was confident, perfectly in control and sensitive to her mount.

  Ellie’s face was glowing as she cantered back to where Steph was waiting.

  ‘Isn’t he incredible?’ she said, leaning over to pat her pony’s neck.

  ‘He certainly is,’ Steph agreed admiringly.

  Then it was her turn to ride Turpin again.

  At the end of the afternoon, Steph was feeling relaxed and full of the afterglow of a few hours of enjoyable riding. As Ellie went to lead her pony back to his stable, she made a suggestion.

  ‘Why don’t we leave both ponies in the paddock and I’ll help you do Turpin’s bedding and tidy things up?’

  A puzzled look crossed Ellie’s face. ‘Ponies? There’s only one in the paddock! Unless one of them is invisible!’

  ‘Oh yeah! Silly me!’ Steph said quickly, glancing at Comet, who was cheekily flicking one ear towards her. ‘It must be wishful thinking. I guess I’m still missing Fleur! So, about blitzing Turpin’s bedding…’

  Ellie sighed deeply. ‘Don’t you start bossing me about too! It’s bad enough having Mum and Dad going on at me!’ she grumbled.

  ‘I wasn’t… I wouldn’t…!’ Steph countered, feeling herself starting to get annoyed at last. She’d done all she could to be friendly, but Ellie seemed determined to take everything the wrong way. ‘I guess I’ll be going then. See you.’ she called out shortly, as she walked away.

  There was no answer from Ellie.

  Chapter

  SEVEN

  ‘How did you get on with Ellie?’ Steph’s dad asked that evening as they sat round the table having supper.

  ‘We had a… um… good time,’ Steph said. She was already regretting leaving the vicarage so abruptly. ‘I enjoyed riding Turpin. He’s a real sweetheart. I think we’re going to meet up again tomorrow afternoon at the spinney behind her house.’ At least I hope we are, she thought, unless Ellie is still moody with me.

  ‘Lucky you. I’m glad you’ve found a new friend with a pony. Especially one who lives nearby,’ her mum commented.

  They finished eating and Steph helped clear away the dishes. There were some bits of apple and carrot left over from the salad. Without thinking, she slipped them into her pocket for Comet.

  Her dad raised his eyebrows at her in surprise.

  I… um… might feel like a snack later,’ Steph said hurriedly. ‘At least it’s better than nibbling chocs and crisps.’

  ‘Maybe I should follow your lead,’ her dad said with feeling, patting his round tummy.

  Mrs Danes laughed. ‘Well, it wouldn’t hurt you. Just kidding!’ she said as her husband pulled a mournful face. She looked at Steph. ‘I know you’re still missing Fleur, but I wondered whether we should start looking for a bigger and more challenging pony for you. What do you say?’

  Steph thought carefully about this. Was she ready yet to look for another pony to take the little chestnut’s place? Did she even want a brand-new pony to look after and love, now that she had Comet in her life?

  But Steph knew that Comet was also a Lightning Horse who lived in another world and could never belong to her – not like a pony of her own.

  She came to a decision. ‘OK, but if I have a
new pony, I’d like one just like Turpin. Everything about him is lovely.’

  ‘I got a brief glimpse of Ellie on the front drive. That little Arab’s a stunner, all right,’ her dad agreed. ‘I can see why you’re so taken with him. But I’m not sure we can afford a pony of his breeding just now.’

  ‘Fine. I don’t mind waiting,’ Steph said helpfully. Perfect! she thought. It would probably give her time to get used to the idea of riding a new pony.

  Her mum looked surprised. ‘Are you sure? It might take us a while to save up.’

  ‘No problem! I can always go to the riding school. They have some lovely ponies,’ Steph replied.

  ‘And maybe Ellie will let you ride Turpin now and then,’ her dad put in.

  Steph said nothing. She wasn’t so sure about that. She and Ellie weren’t exactly getting on at the moment.

  But her parents seemed happy with their decision. So it was settled.

  Once her mum had gone out to her monthly book group and her dad was tinkering about in the garden shed, Steph slipped outside to give Comet his treats.

  He crunched up the apple and carrots with his strong teeth. ‘Delicious! Thank you, Steph.’

  ‘You’re welcome.’ She threaded his thick black mane through her fingers, stroking it flat as she told him about the conversation with her mum and dad. ‘I hope we get to meet up with Ellie and Turpin again, don’t you?’ she said wistfully.

  Comet nodded, chewing.

  ‘Ellie might not want to be friends with me now. She just thinks I boss her around, like her parents. But I only wanted to help. There’s lots to learn about when you get your first pony.’ She sighed. ‘I wish I knew how to make her like me again.’

  ‘You will find a way, Steph,’ Comet neighed confidently.

  Steph leaned forward as Comet cantered along. Her fingers tingled slightly as his warm magic swirled around her again. They were on their way to meet Ellie and Turpin at the spinney – hopefully.

  Despite worrying about whether Ellie would turn up, Steph felt a burst of pure shining happiness. Riding the magic pony was so wonderful. She knew she’d never get bored of it.