Read Chapters

1.Pal has Gone.See below
2.Harsh Ways.Read it Now
3.Still Floor.Read it Now
4.Keep it Silent.Read it Now
5.Out or Shot.Read it Now
6.Does Anyone Want To Risk Their Life?!Read it Now
7.My Choice.Read it Now
8.Who?!Read it Now
9.Hi! I have a horse!Read it Now
10.Tammie & Trinity!Read it Now
11.Unlock Your Horse's Talent.Read it Now
12.Say Hello To Trinity!Read it Now
13.And She Goes Clear!Read it Now
14.Ousland Stables.Read it Now
15.I'm Part of a Herd!!Read it Now
16.Ridden & Hacked.Read it Now
17.Saturday.Read it Now
18.Off We Go!Read it Now
19.Splashing Time!Read it Now
20.Pick Someone Special.Read it Now
21.XC!!Read it Now
22.Show Day!Read it Now
23.Emily & Mushie.Read it Now

Pal has Gone.
 
The trees rustled restlessly, as a blue ford turned into Ousland Stables. As the vehicle ground to a halt, a young girl leapt out, taking a green bag with her. She wished her mum goodbye, closed the door, and then made her way up the drive.

There were many people bustling about the front yard. She would get sucked in instantly. Immediately, she placed her bag down, and went round the yard to another stable block. There were her three horses. Well, she didn’t own them. They were her responsibility.

Soraya set to work. They needed mucking out, feeding, grooming. If only she could ride them. Of course, there were many reasons why she couldn’t. The main one was because she was only 13. To ride out at these stables, you had to be about 16 or so.

Ousland Stables wasn’t a riding school. Neither was it a livery yard. In fact, it was situated in the Headquarters of Horse Racing. Well, the town. So, you can probably assume what it was. Oldfield, the town, had a numerous amount of racing yards and studs within. On Saturdays when you were driving in, you had to stop for strings of Thoroughbreds to cross the road. It was amazing to watch.

In a matter of time, the three stables were spotless and there were feed buckets in each. The next task was to collect her horses in. One the way to find them, though, she was paused by the Manager, Sam.

“I’m sorry I didn’t catch you earlier.” He started. “Pal has left the yard, though. I’m very sorry. In his place, a dark, steel grey mare has arrived. Her name is Trinity. She’s very new, so Jamie will be riding and handling her. For now, you can just concentrate on Rosie and Stu.”

“Okay then.” She replied. She couldn’t really say much. If she would’ve asked questions or argued, she could guarantee she’d be straight off that yard.

You see, although a man called Johnny Smith owned the stables and organised things, Sam was in charge. He’d leave all the finances to Mr Smith and boss everybody about. As soon as anyone mentioned something he didn’t like, they’d be sacked on the spot. He said that a lot of people wanted places like these and they would be way better.

So, everyone kept their thoughts to themselves. They arrived, worked, and then left. Most of the stables hands and riders were all friends, but Soraya didn’t fit in as well. She was younger, so sometimes felt intimidated. Of course, this wasn’t intentional.

Soraya continued with her work. It was disappointing that Pal had left. He was a chestnut Thoroughbred, and could always tell when she was upset. Once, she had ridden him. Her first Thoroughbred. After having a great trot and walk, she was permitted to join in a string and gallop on the heath. It had been superb!! Now all of that was gone. There were just memories and photos.

Why did Jamie always get the new horses, anyway? Just because he was experienced, it didn’t mean he could snatch every newcomer. Yet, he did. This was because he was Sam’s favourite. Oh, how a lot of people envied him. Not to be Sam’s favourite, but to be looked up to and seen as brilliant.

Stu and Rosie were great, too. But she hadn’t shared any special memories with them in particular. They were closely bonded, though, and it was a shame she couldn’t ride them.

When they had finished eating, Soraya collected the horses’ buckets and went to put them in the feed room. As she stepped into the front yard, she noticed a familiar lady. She had long, blonde hair, and bright blue eyes. Her name was Jamelia and she was a famous jockey. The horses she rode were mainly based here, and she used to ride Pal a lot.

“Hi, Soraya!” Jamelia spotted her and beckoned her over. She was stood with Jamie, Mr Smith, and Sam. “How are you? I haven’t seen you in ages.”

“I’m well, thanks. How are you?” She answered. She nodded and smiled.

“I’m good, thanks. It’s a shame that Pal has left. To be honest, he was one of my few favourites. He was a horse in a million. He’s one of those rare racers. They don’t run for the cheering crowd, or the prizes, or the rider on top. They run as a passion. They top their full speed and forget about all the pain they’re enduring. They work their hearts and lungs out more than they are supposed to take.” Jamelia sighed. “How could you let him go, Johnny?”

“It was difficult.” He admitted. “I knew that you’d be very upset. I was too.”

“Where’s he gone?” Soraya asked. Then, she regretted it. Sam glared at her hard. She could hardly take it any more. Was she about to get sacked?

“Somewhere great.” Johnny told me. He was nice.

“I bet…” Jamelia breathed. “How are you holding up, Ray?”

“Okay.” Soraya nodded, remembering that Sam was stood next to her. “After all, he was just a horse I mucked out and fed. Nothing special.”

“As if, Ray.” Jamelia replied, smiling. She looked into the girl’s eyes. “He was unique. You love him. I can see it in you. That time you rode him. He was your star.”

“Yes, well, we can’t dwell on the past.” Sam hurriedly added. “Trinity is going to make a superb racer, and you’ll have a blast on her, Jamelia.”

“She looks incredible.” Jamelia grinned. “Have you seen her yet, Ray?”

“No, I haven’t yet.” She admitted. “Is she staying in Pal’s old stable?”

“Yes, but I expect you not to do anything with her.” Sam answered, glaring at her once more.

“Yes, of course I won’t.” Soraya nodded. “Anyway, I have chores to do.” She gestured towards the empty buckets in her hands. “It was good catching up with you again, Jamelia.”

“Yep, it was.” Jamelia smiled at her. “I’ll be round again soon for more of a catch up. I’ll see you later.”

And without too much more fuss, Soraya turned and left the group. She couldn’t be herself with Sam about. Having Jamie by her side wasn’t comfortable, either, as he was so self absorbed and confident. He’d fill in any gap with self praise, and had the hugest head ever (metaphorically speaking)!
Review this Story >>>