Shadows at Dusk - Part 1

by Julianna
(McMurray, PA, USA)

"Julianna!" The word rang through the night. "Grab Opal and go!" She swiped furiously at the tears streaming from her eyes. "Don't look back. Just get on bareback!"

I ran into the burning barn as fast as I could. My teacher had always told us never to go back in for pets during a fire. But Opal wasn't a pet. She was a part of the family.

Opal was scared; you could always tell with horses. Ears pinned back, whites of eyes showing, she neighed over and over and bucked in her stall. I calmed her with my hands and hoisted myself onto her back.

I let Opal into an easy canter. I circled her twice and leaped over the stone wall that separated me and my home from the rest of the world.

We started to gallop. I clung onto Opal's black mane. I dared a glance behind me, expecting to see my mother on Brietta, or my father on Roanokie. The night seemed to stretch on behind me though. I didn't see anybody.

I was on my own.

That's the end of part 1. I need ideas for part 2, and comments!!!

Racing heart pt 1

by Megan
(Brotton,England.)

This story is made up. enjoy! Please rate and comment.

I was born at a showjumping stables where all the top riders train. The meadow where I was born in was BIG, had a river, a field shelter and a tree for extra shade. My mother thought I would follow her footsteps and become a great jumper maybe even make it to olympia.

One day I was grazing beside my mother and I heard the field gate open.I turned to look it was Kate coming to get my mother for her training. Come Moonshine she called. My mother told me to be good. Be good Kat she told me. Okay I said. She walked off for her training. I was going to do some serious running and I won't get told I'm going to be a showjumper.

One Last Kiss - Part 1

by Tiger
(Virginia :D)

Shadow in the Field

I woke up to my little brother Tommy poking me in the stomach. "Jessie, it's snowing and we don't have school and I can't find my boots!" he cried as I opened my eyes. I groaned.

"Top shelf hall closet." I moaned as I rolled out of bed. After Tommy left, I changed into snow clothes and boots ant put on a jacket. As I trudged down the stairs, my dog Tanner greeted me with a lick.

"Mom, I'm going outside!" I called into the silent house. I let the door slam behind Tanner and I as we bunny-hopped through the snow to the barn. Shadow Dancer, one of my horses, greeted me with a nicker.

"Hey Shadow girl!" I crooned. I stroked her face lovingly as I gave her carrot. She threw her head back and reared in her stall. Sometimes I forgot she was a work in progress. Even though I was only thirteen, I had a steady horse rescue going. I would rescue abused horses, train them, and sell them to loving families. All except one, Peanut.

She was a hunter jumper bay thoroughbred and I loved her so much, that I kept her. Tanner's barking brought me back to reality. I reached into Shadow's stall and grabbed her halter. She pulled back, but I snapped her lead rope on just in time. She tossed her head and kicked out in her stall.

"Eaasssy, girly." I said as I calmed her down. I opened her door and let her walk out into the field on a loose lead. I turned her out, but she wouldn't walk. She seemed to be focused on something behind me. I turned around to look, and she screamed. I turned around, and the last thing I saw was her rearing above me.

"Jessie! Jessie wake up!" Tommy was above me screaming. As I sat up, a shooting pain came from my head. Ouch. I took my hand to my forehead, and I felt something sticky... blood! "Ahhhh... My head is..." was all I could muster out before I blacked out again.

This time I woke up in the hospital. Out of instinct, I touched my forehead. It didn't hurt as bad this time, so I assumed it was a bad bruise. I swung my legs over the side of the bed so I could check myself out, but a nurse rushed in and shoved me back in bed. "You stay here now. Stay." she said worriedly.

"Why? Wheres my family? Where's Shadow?" I asked quickly. Just then, my family walked in. Tommy ran over and gave me a hug while saying how much he missed me. What a good brother. "Mom, where's Shadow?" I asked.

"Honey, she panicked when you fell and bolted into the woods before we could catch her." Mom said quietly.

"No!" I screamed. I stood up and ran out of the hospital. I ran past the car and past my school. It had stopped snowing, and the thick layers had started to melt.

I made it about two blocks away from our house when I had to catch my breath. All of a sudden, Shadow jumped from the woods and stood in front of me. I stared at her.

She was covered in mud and she had blood on her coat from where branches hit her. She was sweating buckets, she had been running for a while.

I reached out to grab her halter, and she jumped away and ran back into the woods. "No, Shadow, wait!" I screamed after her.

Crystalia, The Lost Mare - Part 1

by Alex
(Australia)

PLEASE READ AND COMMENT FOR PART 2, WILL BE APPRECIATED! PLOT IDEAS NEEDED!
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Mayabel slowly cycled through the woods, the wheels of her old dusty dirt bike creaking at every movement.

"Bel! Bel! Mayabel! Where are you?'" Mayabel ignored the calls from her older sister Belinda.

"I really don't feel like talking to you right now." Mayabel muttered to herself. Belinda was always fighting with her sister. She annoyed her, scared her and yelled at her. A tear dropped down her cheek.

Mayabel loved her sister, but she was now 14, and would soon be a woman. Her parents already controlled her enough, making her quit horse riding and all. Now Belinda had just told her that she was adopted!

"You were just 2 years old, I was only 6." Belinda had said, "Your mother was young, and I wanted a sister. But that was a mistake! You have always been different to us, I can't believe that you didn't figure it out for yourself! You are so particular and boring, and so serious! We are all loose and free, Mayabel, and we have black hair, while you have blond!"

"Dad said that I had Grandma's hair! I don't care what I look like, or how I act, I am a part of this family! I don't believe you!"

"Well you have to live with it now, because you are NOT a Johnson!" And with that, Mayabel sped off on her hand-me-down bike and into the forest.

Halfway down the bike track, Mayabel quickly dodged a pile of mud at the last minute, but it was too late. Her front tyre became stuck on a rock, and poor Bel flew off and hit a tree, her golden locks now a thick coat of green and brown.

Mayabel heard a loud rip and put her hands in her head. She blinked and looked down at her brand new designer jeans, now torn to shreds.

"Belinda? HELP!" Mayabel screamed. No response. She bursted out in a crying fit. Bel sat there, more upset than ever.

"Great, now I am lost, injured and alone." She moaned. But then, her back started to tickle and she felt a nudge. Mayabel slowly turned around and couldn't believe her eyes. Standing right behind her was a stray Mare!

"Oh my gosh!"

Ghost Horse - Intro and Part 1 (please comment or no part 2!!)

by Doree
(Canada)

Skylar Brinks is a rebel 15 year old teenager, sent to live with her Aunt Callie's rescue farm
while her mom is staring in a movie in Hawaii.

She soon discovers not everyone is what they seem
After finding a dead mustang on the road
she soon discovers that somebody is shooting at the wild horses and she must stop them before its too late for her and her beloved mustang and his family - is Ghost next? Who is the killer? Find out in this all new exciting book, Ghost Horse.


Chapter One


"Skylar Brinks, come on! You're going to be late for your flight." Mom's exasperated sigh made me feel a bit bad for taking so long but I pushed it aside. I clumped down the stairs and folded my arms against my chest fixing a glare at mom.

"What on this earth are you wearing!?" Her eyes flew wide open, I smirked.

"This is in style," I said gesturing at the skin tight strapless leather top that showed a stripe of my stomach. My knee high leather boots glittered in the sunlight and the belt I wore on my mini leather skirt had spikes. I glanced in the mirror as I pasted by it. My black hip length hair was in a ponytail, a black leather hat on top. I wore black lipstick, and heavy eyeliner.

Mom pinched the bridge of her nose and breathed heavily.

"Go change. Now," I shook my head.

"No Lynn. Your dumping me at Callie's for a couple months so I wear what I want."

"It's Aunt Callie to you, and I'm Mom and you know why I have to. I have to film a movie, you know you can't come."

I frowned and stared mom down. She was beautiful, her black hair was shorter than mine and her skin was more olive than mine. She was an actress and I usually stayed with my friend, Kendra, but Kendra and her family were going to New York for the summer and I couldn't go.

I grabbed my backpack, leaving mom to get the heavy bag. I slammed the car door, and leaned against it frowning. She got in and started the car. We headed towards the airport.

"You have your ticket right?"

I scowled and double checked my pocket. "Yes, yes I do."

Mom pursed her lips and glanced at me. "Listen, if you stay out of trouble for 3 weeks, than maybe you can come to Hawaii. While I'm filming you can explore. Since that's what your best at." Joked mom, smiling at me.

"Skylar, is it a deal?"

I nodded, "Okay. I'll try," I didn't try to get into trouble most of the time. It just happened.

"We're here. Do you want me to come in or??"

"I can do it myself," I snapped coldly.

"I love you Skylar, I'll see you later okay?"

"Whatever." I closed the door and got my luggage.

I watched the red suburban drive away. I felt a burning in the back of my throat but I pushed it back. I walked inside and glanced around.

Everybody was rushing towards their planes or finding seats. I walked up to the sign above an archway saying Flight 56. I glanced at my ticket, it was my flight.

A lady with red lipstick and her hair up in a bun smiled at me as she took my ticket. She handed it back to me and I walked inside. I found my seat on the plane and stared outside. I was going to Texas. I closed my eyes as the flight began.
I fell into a deep sleep.

A horse galloped into a field when I was running myself. It urged me towards a mountain. The horse whinny a loud pitching whinny, I tried to follow but I kept getting left behind. The horse was frustrated. It whipped is tail angrily. Its dapple gray rump spun and it galloped away.

"What are you trying to tell me?" I called out. It didn't return.

"Miss, come on the flight is over," I heard the flight attendant shaking me awake, I blinked sleepily.

"We are there already?" I asked yawning. She nodded and walked away. I got my stuff and headed to the waiting area. I was going to see my Aunt Callie I hadn't seen for 5 years. I was 10 then, I had a horse I use to ride all the time. It looked oddly like the one in the dream.

I just couldn't remember his name, all I knew was he was a stallion and dapple gray.

"Skylar?" A disbelieving voice said. I turned and stared at Callie. Her dark brown hair hung at her shoulders, her brown eyes filled with confusion. She looked so much like dad I almost cried. I bit my lip than stared at her.

"Hey Callie," I said softly.

Her eyes were still wide. I knew what she was thinking, last time she had saw me I was a happy little girl, a smile always on face and I wore bright tee shirts. Not black like I had worn lately. I brushed my long bangs out of my face as I blinked up at her.

"Are we going?"

"Yeah, here let me take that," She grunted and took the bag. She was short, like me, and skinny. I had gotten that from her.

"What's that?" I asked pointing at the rusty red truck which looked like it could fall apart anytime now.

"That," Said Callie as she heaved my suite case into the dump truck, "is old Betsy."

I scrunched my nose up and scowled as I climbed in. I shoved remains of McDonald's into the back.

"It's messy in here." I stated as she climbed in and started up the truck. It gave a groan and a heave then started.

"Get used to it Missy. It's how it is. I'm a 30 year old lady, unmarried and I have a 16 year old boy working for me. What do you expect?" She gave me a pointed look than turned onto the high way.
I stayed silent for a moment before asking, "How far to your farm Callie?"

"First of all, it's not a farm. It's a center for abused and neglected animals. Second of all, it's Aunt Callie. Like it or not, that's who I am. Third, you will pull your weight around the farm. And lastly, it's only about 10 more minutes."
I pursed my lips into a straight line.

"You stick your bottom lip out any more a little birdy's going to come by and poop on it," Smiled Callie teasingly. I rolled my eyes at her.

"I'm FIFTEEN not six."

Callie snorted silently. I looked out the window and something caught my eye.

"What, what that's that?" I pointed at black dots far away.

"That's wild horses I think, we have quite a few of them around here." Callie opened her mouth to say something else but snapped it shut. I glanced questioningly at her, raising my eyebrows.

"We're here!" Exclaimed Callie smiling,
I looked around. I old sign hung above the drive way. I squinted barely being able to read it.

Second Chance for All

Time to Move On - Part 1

by Horseluver4evernever
(Canada)

He died in my arms that night. "NO!" I screamed, tears streaming down my face. I stroked my palomino, Apollo's beautiful coat. He took his last breath and I felt his body go limp.

"He's gone," Mom said gently.

"I know" I admitted. I wanted to deny it so badly but I knew what mom was saying was true. I leaned down and gave my horse one last kiss and I went to bed crying.

2 months earlier

"Please welcome Taylor Mills and her horse Apollo to the ring," The announcer's voice rang out over the crowd. I couldn't believe it! I was at the nationals! I took a deep breath and gave Apollo a nudge with my heel and together we cantered into the big arena. I heard the buzzer go off and I turned Apollo towards the first jump.

I pushed him on with my legs, urging him to go forward. I felt him take off. It felt like I was flying! We were up and over the second jump easily. The third jump was a triple oxer. And it wasn't just wide. It was high!

Apollo made it over the jump with room to spare. Then came the wall jump. Apollo was great at these. Just as he was about to take off a camera flashed and he spooked big time! I was flung off him and into the jump.

The moment I opened my eyes I ran over to Apollo pushing through the people surrounding me. To my relief Apollo was walking. The thing was he was limping. A lot.

*************

Thanks for reading!:) hope you enjoyed! please leave a comment and tell me what you thought of it!:)

Secret in the Land of Horses - Part 1

by HorseIsle2Lover

The earth rumbled and the wind howled as the storm rolled in. All of the herds in the high country stampeded, their rock-hard hooves stomping on the grassy floor.

Desperately, every mare, stallion, and foal galloped as fast as a cheetah out of the open plains, and into the forests to seek shelter. Every horse ran off to safety, except one.

King, a huge and mighty stallion had stayed in the middle of the pastures rearing up, his powerful forelegs pawing at the air. When he finally got down from his never-ending rear, he kicked his back legs high into the air.

The other horses watched King do all this, wondering when he would get out of the middle of the storm and seek shelter.

But he didn't. He just kept on showing off.

King was the strongest and the wisest of all the horses living in the high country. He was a beautiful golden chestnut, about 17 years old, and lead the herd of 56 mares and 46 foals. His enemies were the other stallions, who were always irritated and jealous of King. It is because he has the biggest herd and the best mares.

Just as King was about to rear up again, Natasha, King's lead mare ran out of the forest.

"King! That is dangerous! You'll get struck by lightning! Also, I have figured it out! You are NOT a wise horse!" Natasha yelled, trying to get over the howling of the wind. King reared up again, then followed Natasha into the forest.

When they came to the shelter and their herd, it started to rain. Their shelter was a huge cave. It wasn't a bear or a wolf's cave, it was just an unused cave.

"Daddy! Daddy! You're okay!" cried Charm, King and Natasha's foal. "We were so worried!"

"Why did you do that?"

"I almost died!"

King could not stand all of the ranting, so he ran outside and laid down under a tree.

Natasha trotted over to him and said, "Why? Why did you just HAVE to scare our herd like that? They were scared to death! And so was I!" She glared at King.

"I....I....," "I just-" "JUST WHAT?" yelled Natasha. "I''m sorry, Natasha. I did not mean to scare our herd. I just......I cannot tell you. I'm very sorry, Natasha, but, I just can't!" "

What are you talking about?" said Natasha.

"Natasha, you have to stop asking. I'm not going to tell you." King got up and walked away.

"I wonder what he's hiding?" thought Natasha, as he walked deeper into the forest.

New Beginnings - Chapter 1

by Emily
(Ontario)

There we were, coming up to the final jump that stood between us, and the grand nationals. It was a pretty simple jump, a triple oxer. Blue and I have practised these many times before, so I wasn't nervous.

I began counting down my strides. 3, 2, 1.. that's when everything went wrong. It all happened so fast, I don't know what happened exactly. Last I remember, we were 1 stride away from our victory, and I saw the flash of a camera.

Even though Blue had been trained not to spook, he was surprised by the bright light. He stumbled, and at the last millisecond, we went crashing into the jump. I remember awaking to the sound of ambulance sirens, and my parents looking at me with a look of fear in their eyes.

Then, everything went black.

When The Clouds Fall - Part 1

by Rayna
(Mesa, Arizona)

storm (random pic from the web)

I woke up one morning to a huge surprise. It was my birthday that day, and the sky had changed itself just for me! Instead of the regular pale blue color, at 7:30 AM the sky was an eerie orange glow. All of the trees looked only a silhouette. And strangely enough, on May 22, it was 75 degrees instead of the usual Arizona temperature of 105 degrees. I opened the back door and sat on a porch chair enjoying the view. The ground was moist, that shows it had rained last night. That must be the reason it was so cold. As I looked up at the sky, I nearly gasped. The clouds were huge! And extremely close. I felt as though if I stood up on my roof I could touch them! Well, I stood up and quietly snuck back inside. I wondered what had altered the sky's appearance so much.

After leaving school I felt the need to look up. What a silly need it was, but the strange sky would do me good hopefully. After such a rough day of tests tests and more tests. On the last day of school! Well I looked up, and what I saw made me gasp. A large swirling cloud of dust fell from the sky! Dust, dirt, garbage, it was as though the clouds had picked up the wrong things! I raced back inside and slammed the door, ran up into my room and peeked out my window. I had come in at just the right time! Dirt and mud, and rain and papers all fell into my yard! Pipes and boxes and, what was that? SNOW! It all hit my roof and landed in the trees or on the ground I couldn't believe what I was seeing! My family ran up into my room to get a better look. "Oh my." gasped my mom. My little brothers giggled at the sight of boxes falling from the sky! I couldn't blame them. It was a bit funny. Well it went on like this for hours until the falling trash resided and took on the form of rain. Large heavy drops plummeted to the earth. One drop could cover my whole arm!

Strangely enough, this was the best birthday present I could ever get! My yard was now a muddy dirty wet mess, and nobody was aloud outside. Suddenly I remembered something. Our rabbits! They're still outside! I zoomed downstairs pulled on a few of my parents sweaters and ran outside. The drops hit me hard upon the head as I reached my rabbit pen. I quickly grabbed up all 5 of the rabbits, shoved them into the coats and ran back inside. Dropping them onto the kitchen rug. Suddenly, as the thunder roared louder then ever The lightning flashed, lighting up my whole house. It was like a giant shining his flashlight on us! I was terrified of lightning.

A few hours later, the rain completely stopped, and the wind blew most of the papers down the rode. I stepped outside not knowing what I was in for. After the rain had stopped, the temperature had dropped to 48 degrees!I had to admit, I was astonished!

The Rescue - Part 1 (comment if you want more :))

by Lucinda
(NZ)

Jade Rain walked through the streets of the town that she lived in called Horse Point, it was a odd name you may think, but actually most people in Horse Point had horses If you are horsey Horse Point was definitely the place to go!

With its flat ground and long trails and grass just the right shade of green it was perfect horse country it was beautiful too! Jade walked through with her best friend Lindsey who she and most people called Lyndz.

"Hmm, what first?" asked Jade

"We should get toffee and gum from the sweet shop on Rocky Road."

"Yup, and get milkshakes too, and we should check out the clothing store, oooh and we should go to the riding shop, Equestrian Galore!" Said Jade excitedly.

"We should call Alice, she would love to go shopping with us!" Said Lyndz.

"Yeah, you want to?" asked Jade.

"OK," said Lyndz and she called Alice. "You can't? Why?" After a pause she said, "OK then," and hung up,

"She can't because she's having a private lesson with James," said Lyndz

-James was the three girls riding instructor, he ran a big riding school in the east of town.-

"OK then." Said Jade.

"We should get pizza later, Alice would have stopped her lesson by then," said Lyndz.

"Yup, sleepover at mine!!" said Jade
"Awesome!" Said Lyndz. So the girls went and got toffee and gum and milkshakes and now they were going to Equestrian Galore.

"Wow its fancy, the new owners really improved it!" Said Jade who was already caught up in her imagination, riding a grey horse with a flowing mane and tail doing dressage then cross country and show jumping at badminton.

"Jade....JADE!" Shouted Lyndz.

"Huh? Oh I thought I was riding at badminton," said Jade sleepily. Lyndz laughed and started looking around the shop for stuff.

"Check it out! A signed poster of Pippa Funnell!" Cried Jade and showed it to Lyndz.

"And look here's one of William Fox Pit!" Said Lyndz.

"Cool! Let;s buy Alice one of Lucinda Green and pays and order our pizza and go home, Alice would have finished her lesson by now," said Jade.

"OK," said Lyndz and they paid and went to the pizza place and ordered three Hawaiian pizzas and told them Jades address and walked back to the entry.

"I knew you guys would be in here!" Said Alice walking up.

"Hey! were going back to Jades house for a sleepover," said Lyndz.

"Cool! lets go!" And they walked to Jades house.

"Ohmygod!" Cried Alice and they all stared at a silver dapple grey horse tied to Jades fence
"Who does she belong to?" Asked Lyndz.

"I..I don't know, wow her belly is HUGE, maybe she's pregnant?" Said Jade.

"Yeah I think so that would explain it," said Lyndz.

"Yup," agreed Alice.

"Let's take her to James, if she'll let us lead her that is," said Jade.

"OK," said Lyndz.

"Yup," said Alice. So they led her to the Riding school she just about let them.

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I will write Part Two if you comment, what will James say? Will he let them have the mystery mare there? And how did she get there? Was she abandoned?

Mello and Me - Part 1

by Katy
(Roseville, CA, USA)

The sky was starting to light up. I felt a tiny ray of light shoot onto my eyelid, making the blackness turn red. I fluttered my eyes open, feeling a fly land on my shoulder. I twitched my muscles and it flew off. I yawned and pawed the ground for a second.

My ears flipped to the barn, for a sudden noise had came into the air. I shook my mane, which was Red Chestnut as the same as the rest of my body except for a white stripe ran down my muzzle. I turned my head to the barn, where I saw Red, the stable hand, come out of the barn.

He had my Lime Green halter in his hand. He walked over to the the paddock fence. He called out my name, "Ginger! (click click click click) Here girl!" I neighed and trotted over to the fence.

"Yeah, that's a good girl. Good girl Ginger."

I nickered as he rubbed my neck. He put on my halter, clipped on the lead rope, and led me out of the paddock.

"Mello will be here soon Ginger, I bet you'll be as joyful as a dog on a walk to see her." I neighed and pranced around happily at the sound of her coming after a WHOLE THREE WEEKS away from each other.

Melody Wyld (aka Mello) was my best friend and owner. She had bought me from a cruel owner named Jud. He had beat me from muzzle to back hoof. But then I was bought and boarded here at Canterlove Stables.

Red put me in his stall and fed me some oats and hay. He refilled my bucket too. After I had eaten I heard a car pull in. A girl with black hair jumped out and called out, "Ginger! I'm he-re!" I neighed loudly. She came running over to my stall. "GINGIE!!! I"M HERE!!! FINALLY!!!" I threw my neck over my stall door and neighed happily. She threw her arms around my neck.

"I missed you so much" she cried. I nickered. She smiled and said, "I know what you're thinking, you wanna go on a ride." She smiled. Then she went over to the tack room, and got my tack. I neighed we were going on our first trail ride in a LONG time.

Birdsong - Part 1

by jk442
(London, England)

I walked into school, careful not to step on the cracks, it was a game I played with my little sister before she got ill, after that it became a way of sending her luck, wishing her well, I suppose.

I saw Carrie dragging her boyfriend, Damien, away from a group of girls, my friends, most of them, who were winking and smiling mockingly at her. I was ashamed of them. I was part of the popular group, the uncool one that people talked about behind my back.

It got like that when they started teasing Carrie, we were best friends and I stood up for her, sometimes I think 'At least I'm still part of the group' but mostly I wish I wasn't, it's difficult, to say the least, to have your 'friends' be mean to you, I guess I never thought of it like that, until I didn't feel like I belonged anymore. Carrie said that was how she felt a long time ago, so we stuck together.

"Hey, Hon!" Tria called to me "You coming to the rally tonight?"

" 'course!" I shouted, I wouldn't miss the pony club rally for anything. Peri and I were doing really well.

"Why don't ya bring you're little sis, we can all have a game of footie, huh, Babe?" Lola-ray smiled mockingly at me, she was the only one who was openly rude to me, she enjoyed it, too.

She knew my sister, Ellie had a prosthetic leg, she had been rude to me a lot in the past few weeks, but this comment hurt the most, like being stabbed in the stomach. I just stared, open-mouthed, un-shed tears welling up in my eyes.

"Why don't you stick you're head down the toilet, Babe?" It was Carrie that came to my rescue, slinging her arm round my shoulders protectively.

"Oh, shut up, loser!"

"Ooh, I'm in pain! Hit me where it hurts next time!" Called Carrie sarcastically, in triumph as we waltzed off into English. Lola-ray shoved me over in P.E for that.

I stood happily in Peri's stable, he was my gorgeous bay thoroughbred, with a brown body which looked like it had been dipped in Peri Peri Sauce, hence his name, and a black mane and tail. I loved him to bits, he always had fun at rallies.

Carrie was going to one this time, on her grey mare, SeaSalt, for the first time in months. All of the kids who could afford it came to the rallies, all the cool people at school went.

"Hey, everyone!" Chirped the instructor, Eleanor, blonde hair swaying behind her, stretching to the small of her back "Carrie's back, and Andy, too! today we're-" Everyone screamed as a huge black horse galloped into the arena, three men chasing behind him.

Dramatically, he drew to a stop, inches away from Peri, who reared, white-eye, ears pined back, and the black horse mimicked him, they both did a sort of dance. Peri bolted and the horse cantered with him. At was a fast canter, the black horse was eating up the ground. Until now I had been mesmerised by him, but I came to life just before I realised what was happening. Peri was going to jump the arena wall...

One... Two... Three, Hup! Both horses soared over the fence, a 130 cm mountain of old timber. Or so I thought they would, the black horse, yes. Peri, no. He leaped with all his might higher, higher, like he was climbing it. But his best efforts weren't enough and his cannon bone whacked it sharply and he plummeted to the ground on the other side, with me on top of him.

Falling was all I remembered, and a sharp pain coming from a source unknown. And then, black.

The Escape - Part 1

by Kirsty
(England)

Been a young child removed from your parents is scary, but in Olivia's case it was for the right reason 6 years old she had know nothing else but abuse from the people who were supposed to love her unconditionally. But being in care was not the best upbringing either placed with strangers then just when she began to settle she was uprooted, this left Olivia feeling ever more rejected, was it her? Was she doing something wrong? was she the one who caused her parents not to love her?

These questions played havoc with her mind because people did not understand, people did not listen. Aged 8 was moved to another house she was upset and frustrated when she arrived, the new foster mother showed her to her room which was in the attic, she had tears in her eyes, the foster mother did not know what to do so she left her for a while to let her settle in.

Olivia was feeling hot and stuffy she needed some fresh air. She moved the chair from the corner of the room to the skylight and opened it up, when she looked across in the distant she saw a field full of horses she stood watching them frolic and play wishing she could be out there with them. All of a sudden a gorgeous bay mare looked up and just stopped stood and stared right at Olivia. It was like she knew its like she wanted to tell Olivia everything was ok. After about 10 mins the mare turned and ran to the gate where all the others were waiting to go in. That night Olivia could not sleep, rather than the horrible thoughts that entered Olivia's mind she was thinking about the mare. Eventually Olivia fell in to a deep sleep.

The next morning Olivia woke up to her foster mother calling her name, she got up, got washed got dressed and went down for breakfast. Eventually Olivia plucked up the courage to talk. Her foster mother was called Helen. Olivia asked about the horses in the field. To her amazement the foster mother said one of the horses was her own, the bay mare which had stared across at Olivia was the one. Helen told how she had lost her mother as a young girl, she stopped talking and would not open up to anyone. Her therapist had encouraged her dad to try horse therapy and the horse was the the one who had been allocated to Helen, she helped Helen deal with the loss of her mother and her Dad bought the horse for Helen's Birthday.

After they had finished their breakfast Helen handed Olivia a pair of boots and jodhpurs, she told Olivia to get changed in to these as they were going to the farm. Olivia was scared nervous and excited. She had spent most of her life moving from pillar to post within the City the closest she had ever got to a horse was in the story books she loved to read.

They got in to the Land Rover and 10 mins later they were at the farm. As she got out of the car. The pungent smell of the Muck heap at the side of the car park hit the back of Olivia throat, But as they walked up the yard towards the stables the smell of sawdust and sweet hay filled Olivia's nostrils. She heard the horses munching on their hay, just as the waked in to the stables A horse swung its head over the stable door and startled Olivia she jumped and clung on to the foster carers arm, Helen laughed gently, "don't mind this old boy, this is Harry the old man of the yard he always comes to see who's coming in" She reached in to her pocket and passed olivia a polo, "give him this and he will be your best friend, just hold out your hand flat and let him take it".

Olivia nervously stepped towards him and held out her hand, Harry stretched out his neck and his smooth lips scooped up the polo, Olivia smiled as his whiskers tickled her hand, she moved a little closer and tickled him behind his ears and stoked him down his neck. For a moment she was in a tranquil place feeling at ease. Until a loud whinny came from further up the stable block, "uh oh" said Helen,"Dolly knows I am here, we better go and see her."

As the walked in to the stables in the fourth stable up Olivia saw the bay mare she had seen galloping round the field, she was pawing at the ground and snorting, obviously excited to see Helen. Helen approached the stable and stroked Dolly's long lean neck, she called Olivia over,"come and say hello, Olivia meet Dolly, Dolly meet Olivia". Dolly bent her head down and rubbed it on Olivia's arm, taken aback by the force Olivia stumbled a little bit, both her and Helen began laughing and dolly began nodding her head.

This was the beginning of a beautiful friendship which allowed Olivia to escape the horrors of her past.

Please comment in you want more of this story!

The Star of Deer Run Ranch - Part 1

by Horse Girl
(U.S.A)

One day Amy and Clara Johnson were searching for a new show horse.

"We need one who is good in the English class." said Clara, the 12 year old horse genius. "Yup, your definitely right Clara." said 15 year old Amy.

Amy had been in an accident with a stallion, Smokey. He was very green, and it was his first ride. Amy was almost out of sight before he threw her off and broke her leg.

"Hey, look at that! He's a paint stallion, but he has a lame leg. The owner says here it's not much of a problem and that he's great in the English class. He's only $850, how bout' it Amy?"

"Okay." The next day the horse arrived. He was a brown and white paint with a white star on his head.

"This page says his name is Star!"said Clara.

"Nice name." said Amy. They trained him long and hard for at least a month. Finally, he was ready to show. He did good on all of his future shows, but something very important was discovered when he was a Senior horse.

Clara took him out on a trail one day, and they stopped to rest and a clear, sparkling stream. Clara noticed that there was a deer antler symbol was branded into his flank. When Star and Clara arrived back home, she told Amy about the brand.

"Oh my. It's Deer Run Ranch. That old place that shut down at least 5 years ago."

"You mean, that old dump is where Star came from?"

"Yes." The next day, Amy told Clara the story of Deer Run Ranch.

"Well. they had a mare named Moonlight. For some reason when she had her foal it had a lame leg. The foal's name was Ruby. Ruby had a lame legged foal named Star. And Star's mare had a foal named Lila. Nobody knows what happened after Lila." Amy said.

"Amy, if Star has the deer symbol and Deer Run Ranch had a Star--." Amy cut her off.

"Than Star is the Star of Deer Run Ranch!" Then Clara said, "I also noticed, when you said 'Lila' in the story, Ginger, our horse, neighed. Is it possible that--." Again Amy cut her off.

"Ginger is Lila! We have two horses from Deer Run Ranch!"

Amazing Grace - Part 1

by Uncalled For!
(Earth)

I held the cold rope in one of my hands, a long whip in the other. My proud stallion raced around me in circles. Snowflake by snowflake, each frozen drop that fell on my face made me colder. My toes had transformed into ice cubes.

The colder it got, the stiffer my hands. Part of the World AKA Worldie, my precious sorrel saddlebred stallion started galloping, bucking, rearing, and doing all those not-so-good thing to keep warm. I started feeling cold, frozen, until I couldn't stand anymore. I was 100% sure I was freezing to death.

I drooped the lungeline and ran to my stallion. I hugged him to regain warmth. His blanket was in the way of his furry coat, so I had to grab on to his solid, bushy neck. I held on and shook everywhere. I had to get in the barn, or else my toes would fall off.

I guided Worldie into his stall next to my gelding Rusty. I threw off his blanket and revealed his majestic coat. It was furry, which is normal for my horses in the winter.

I fed Worldie, Rusty, and the others and ran home, hoping I wouldn't collapse on the way there. It was freezing, even in my house. Good thing I had a blanket.

It was supposed to clear up tomorrow for a horse auction. I was going to be there, no matter what happened. There I lay, in my bed shaking, waiting for tomorrow.

The End - Part 1

by Hannah
(Oregon)

I saw my life flash before me as the bullet burst from the gun and rush toward me. This was it. The end of Dance Upon A Daisy. I was a race horse, a race horse whose life flipped when a single stumble put her in a death valley. I was in a slaughter house. As the bullet hit me with such force I thought about how if in that last race if I hadn't stumbled I would still be out there on the track next to my brother. That was Nothing now. I was gone. Heaven was my new home.

* * * *

I awoke to a field full of tall grass, flowers and other horses. I spotted my father. The greatest race horse in Delaware. "Dance Upon a Moon" who had fallen and broken a leg. And sent to slaughter as was I. "Dad!" I whinnied. He looked up and his ears perked up. "Dad over here! it's me Daisy!" He looked at me confused. I cantered to him. Nudging his hock, he looked at me, deep, dark eyes gazing into mine. "Dad, it's me, your filly!" I whimpered. He didn't remember me. This was like a living wreck. He just stood there staring at me like he was seeing right through me. I trotted away.

Then I saw it...The great White horse. I kept on going toward the perfect mare who stand tall on the grassy hill. "Oh great white horse, my life has fallen to pieces! What am i to do?" I asked as she stepped toward me. "Oh Daisy you weren't planned to join us this early." she said with a spark in her eyes. "Oh white mare please help me. I didn't mean for that stumble. Dad doesn't recognize me or anything. How come a young filly's life like mine is suddenly falling apart? I didn't want my life ruined at 3 yrs of age. Please!" I said as a salty tear spread its way down my snowflake coat. The mare brushed her White cheek against mine. "Please call me by my name Dance Upon an Angel." she smiled.. She was my...


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Look for part two to hear what happens to Daisy. Thanks for reading!
Please comment!
All the names are made up by me and so is the story. Please don't copy.

The Strange Stallion PART 1

by Abbie
(Scotland)

"Venture! Venture! VENTURE!" A steel grey gelding came over to Georgia and nuzzled her pockets for polo's, stuffed his muzzle in her pocket and pulled out a packet of polo's. "Hey naughty boy those were for your feed! Well I guess you can have one then." Venture nickered as he got a polo."Hee hee!" Georgia walked over to Venture and placed his headcollar over him and walked him to his stable.As Venture tucked into his hay Georgia brushed him and got him tacked up.Georgia walked him out of the stables and onto the road and headed to a different stable yard for a jumping comp.As she got there a man in a flerecant jacket was holding a piebald pony named Heidi waiting to cross the road "Hi Georgia" "Hiya Gordan.Where's Abbie and Mhairi?""In Mhairi's garden.I'll tell them your here."Abbie and Mhairi were best friends and loved riding ponies and had lessons from Georgia and owned their own ponies. Abbie owned a piebald 13:3 hh pony called Heidi and Mhairi owned a 11:3 welsh piny who was previously owned by Georia's little sis Jessica. Gordon was Abbie's dad and he came over to the garden where they were playing ponies. "Abbie did you know Georgia is here? I seen her walking up the road on a horse with her dog." "Georgia!" said Abbie and Mhairi symotaniously and thay ran round to see Venture a giant steel gray horse with Georgi on him. It was Georgia's turn in the ring and she had a clear roung with a few rears and bucks but made the jump off.But there was a problem Venture hated gates and was prone to pushing and pushing them until they fall down and then take off.

Ocean Eyes - Part 1

by Elise
(USA)

This is my first try at a story and I'm very proud of the way it turned out. Let me know if you'd like me to finish.
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The night was dark. Rain drenched my coat. Wind tore at my mane and tail. Thunder struck across the sky, illuminating thick, gray clouds. I ran as fast as my little filly legs could carry me. Running, tripping, tumbling, running...the process seemed endless as I kept sprinting - to where, I knew not. All I knew, was that I had to run. Nothing else mattered.

As a streak of light flashed along the sky, I noticed dark cave not too far from here. Changing my course, I scrambled up to the entrance - and right into the chest of a lead stallion and his herd. Being such a young foal, I had not been taught herd manners. Instead, I peered around behind the stallion and whinnied at the herd, "Mother?" The herd just stared back at me. Taking pity on me, the lead mare - a beautiful blood bay - approached me. She nickered at me, and welcomed me as her own foal. Confused, I took a step back, thinking "This is not my mother. Where is she?" The lead stallion snorted at his lead mare. In response, she pinned her ears back and herded me to the back of the herd, deep in the dry, warm cave. And that was that.

Several days later, when the sun shone brightly and warmed the gentle April air, the herd was grazing on fresh grass brought in by the terrible storm. Much had changed since that night.

My adopted mother, Jisele, had claimed me as her own foal, despite Mikallo's better judgment. Makallo, the lead stallion, is a hard-as-nails dark bay pinto with an temperament to match. Shortly after Jisele took me in that night, she named me Thahlea. I felt special to have a name. Because I had no memory of anything before the storm, I could not remember who my mother/father was, which herd I belonged to - or even why I ran away in the first place.

Lazily walking amongst the grazing herd, I stopped to scratch my fluffy, chestnut coat. One of the mares nearest to me snickered. Pausing just for a moment, I hurriedly walked past her. Since I've come to this herd, the other horses act strangely around me. The snicker or sneer, walk quickly away or glare. It made no sense to me...until I met The Trio.

"Thahlea!" nickered Jisele. Spinning on my hind legs, I took off racing toward her. She was grazing with three of her mare friends, no longer paying attention to me. Beside the mares were three big, bay colts playing in a puddle of water. As I approached them, the biggest of the colts slid right in front of me. "Where do you think ye'r goin'?" he jeered, shaking his dark bay coat with laughter. A bright, blood bay colt stepped to his side, chiming "Yah, where do you think you're going?". The last colt, a shy light bay, stood off to the side, listening to the taunts.

Trying to step around him, I replied, "To my mother."

"Really? Well - not right now ye'r not." laughed the the dark bay, blocking me again.

"Yeah, not right now you're not!" echoing the blood bay. This time, the light bay trotted up to his brother's side, but kept silent.

Snorting and pinning my ears back, I calmly whispered, "Just go away. Leave me alone."

Returning my snort, the dark bay exclaimed, "I'm Mikail, biggest and bravest son of Mikallo. I can do whate'er I wish."

As soon as he finished speaking, the blood bay announced, "Yah, and I'm Aldo. I can do whatever I wish, too." Mikail pinned his ears and pawed at Aldo, motioning for him to keep quiet.

Quietly, the light bay whispered, "I'm Kai." After studying me for a moment, he asked bluntly and quiet harshly, "What is wrong with your eyes?"

"What do you mean? Nothing is wrong - I can see perfectly." I snorted back. The other colts laughed at me, and continued to snicker and snort at me. "She has big, ugly eyes!" "They're blue!" "They look like a horrible, ugly ocean" "She has ocean eyes!"

Jisele finally came to my rescue, and she saved me from any more embarrassment. While I walked away at her side, I tilted my ears back as the colts continued, "Ocean Eyes! Ocean Eyes! Ugly as the sea, 'til the day she dies. Ocean Eyes! Ocean Eyes!"

I was more confused then anything, until I walked passed the puddle the colts had been playing in. I stared at my reflection. I hag a big, white patch on my face - and two, big blue eyes. Quickly, I looked up around me. No one else had blue eyes. Only gentle, brown eyes. Tears welled up. "I'm different... I'm different... Why me?"

No More - Part 1

by Andria
(Texas)

I was sitting on a haybell. I loved being up high so I could see what was going on. I pulled the hoodie on the back of my purple coat up onto my head. It was a really chilly Saturday in November a week after my 12th birthday. I was getting tired of waiting for my dad and sister to get back with the hay.

Just then I heard a truck and trailer come down are 2 mile drive way. Bandit my sisters dog running along the driveway after them. When they came to a stop I hopped off the hay and walked to the trailer. It was an old stock trailer. You could only see in if you stood on the step on the side.

Leaning against the lever I pulled out the pin that was holding the door shut. It made a loud groaning when I opened it up. The trailer started rocking. Peeking in side I saw a young horse trembling with fright.

"I-is that Sparkle?" I managed to to mumble.

"Who else would it be?" Kate, My mom questioned joking.

"Why is she here?"

"She's you birthday present. If you pay for her."

Slowly walking so as not to startle the mare I reached up to untie her. "Hey there girl, remember me." I whispered. Stroking her forelock. Sliding the gate out of the way that separated the trailer I lead Sparkle out. Suddenly she spooked.

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Hey everybody if you liked my story and want me to write more Please comment
Thank you for reading:)

Kentucky Green - Part 1

by Bella
(Virginia )

The Horse

"Penny Carter, get your little thirteen year old butt down here right now!", Mom yelled.

I looked at the wall clock. I nearly screamed; it was only six in the morning! I walked down the hall and then stomped down the stairs loudly. When I got to the bottom, my Mom and two brothers were sitting at the table.

"Hey," I said while grabbing some Lucky Charms.

"Penny, would you like to tell me why you haven't unpacked anything yet?", Mom asked, glaring at me." We've been here for three days."

"Umph. I don't want to live here, Mom," I said. She glared at me some more. "Welcome to your new home, Penny. Welcome, to Kentucky." I looked at my brothers, Robby (Squirt) and Ryan (Kiddo).

"Will you two help me unpack?", I asked them. They shook their heads and ran downstairs. I shot a look at Mom before stomping back up the stairs and slamming my bedroom door.

The first box I unpacked was my book box. I pulled out my journal, and a pen, and sat on the floor. I opened the first page and began to write.

+++++++++++++++++++JOURNAL++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Kentucky=Terrible. Horse in a field here, horse in a barn there, little shop with a horse painted on the window ahead. It's a horse-lover's wasteland. And I, Penny Carter, do not like horses. Mom said I have to get a job, though. But if I have to work with a horse, deal's off. I'm gonna run away.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I put down my pen and looked around the empty room. It was kind of sad, the empty room. Reminded me of... well... emptiness. Kind of like the feeling I had inside. I left all of my friends, my school, my everything, for what? Kentucky?

*SIGHHHHH* All of a sudden, I heard something in my backyard. I leaned out the window, but didn't see anything so I climbed onto the roof and looked down. The first thing I saw was some flowers, and then, a horse! In my backyard! Ewww! I turned to go inside to get Mom, but my bare foot slipped on the morning dew and I flew off of the roof. I remember falling, and then blackness.

I woke up too a horse standing over me. I was paralyzed with fear. The horse slowly backed up, so I slowly stood up. I started to get dizzy, but I pushed the feeling aside. I started to wave my arms and shout.

"Go away! I don't like horses!", I yelled at it. It did a half rear and I backed up. It galloped away, and I tuned to go inside and get some ice. As I walked inside, I just couldn't get the horse out of my head. I just wanted to know if it was a boy or girl, but that's all. After all I didn't like horses. Right?

*Comment for part 2*

Jasper's Delight - Part 1

by Rayna
(Mesa, Arizona)

I had gotten a horse last week, and today I decided to ride her! Her name was Pixie's Magic when we first bought her, but that name didn't catch on too well. So we called her Jasper's delight or Jazzy for short.

Jazzy is a tall slim 5 year old 16.2 HH thoroughbred mare. She has a beautiful pale gray coat, covered in darker Grey splotches. She was thought to be sweet, and when we loaded her into the trailer, she did it with no effort at all. Although she was a giant compared to me, I wasn't afraid of her. Not yet anyways.

When I reached young Jazzy I held out a hand to pet her soft nose, but she turned away and whinnied softly. "It's okay Jazzy, I won't hurt you." I said soothingly, but still her ears flew back. I backed away a little bit and held out my hand. "I'm not afraid Jazz. I love you." I commented holding out a carrot. She immediately snatched it from my hand and glared at me. "What's gotten into you Jazzy?". She slowly inched towards me curling her upper lip, showing her big mean teeth. "Jazzy." I said trying to hide my fear. I felt my back up against the barn wall, I was trapped! She reared, whinnied loudly and crashed down just inches from my head.

"MOM!" I screamed pushing my hand onto her chest trying to push her away. Jazzy could now sense my fear and it made her angrier. "Clara, what's going on?!" My mom yelled from a distance. Jazzy reared up a second time, but when I tried to move, I was too late. Her hooves crashed down on my leg sending a rocket of pain spiraling up my spine. It was too much to bear.

Awesome Summer - Part 1

by Shine
(CA)

Green Oaks was a private camp. It was small, but fancy. It was usually rich people that went. Rachel Hughes never considered herself rich. But it was her very rich best friend Jane Wesley that invited her.

"Its real cool. They have such amazing horses."

Rachel never really knew how Jane became her best friend. They had met at the library, at the books that had the best horse stories. Rachel had thought it was comical, Jane thought it was a wish come true.

Jane's funny personality with pretty features would of course have lots of friends Rachel thought when she first met her. But it turned out that she didn't. Jane always joked about it.
"They're not really my friends," she said with a laugh. "They're my acquaintances."

"Summer would be so fun if you came with me to camp," Jane had pleaded. Rachel, like her parents, thought about the money expenses first.

"Don't worry about it," Jane had assured. "My parents had promised to pay. A gift."

Rachel's parents agreed to let her go. Rachel was excited. She was also nervous. She wanted to be excepted with the other girls. Jane assured her that she would go well with the group.

"A good acquaintance," she had laughed.

The Wild - Part 1

by Haley
(Georgia)

Stormy the lead stallion of the herd, was standing on the hill above watching the mares and foals graze beneath.

He reared up and ran down the hill to the others, when he got down there, he neighed to the others, "It is time to move to another place." All of the horses stopped grazing and stared at Stormy in confusion.

"Move!" said Stormy. All of the horses turned around and waited for Stormy to gallop ahead. Once he raced in front of them, all of the horses followed him from behind.

As they were running, there was a big crystal clear lake. They all slowed down to a very quick stop, they stopped so quick that the snow flew up. The stallion stood there and watched while the mares licked and the foals drank from the cold water.

The lead stallion trotted over to them and decided to get a little bit of water too before they leave. All of the horses drank from the water, the water was so cold that it stung like a thousand bees when it reached the bottom of their long necks but, they couldn't help it. They were so thirsty, they had to go for it, every shot they had at food and water.

It was hard finding food and water out here in the deserts of Nevada. But since it was winter, every now and then, they would find melted snow. Water. There were very few lakes and rivers in their territory. Unless Stormy could find a herd with a lead stallion that would be easy to fight, he would do so and then, we would have a bigger herd and bigger property. They all were still drinking from the refreshing liquid known as water.

The ground started to rumble, the water vibrated on their soft muzzles and moist tongues. All the mares and foals quickly ran to behind the tree along with the stallion. He quickly took count.

Natasha- The strong bay Paint
Addie- The elegant bay Pinto
Belle- The curious bay
Frisky- The shy chestnut
Andrea- The fast buckskin
Ally and AJ- The bay twin foals
Koda- The lonesome red chestnut
Elska- The fun and loveable black
And last but definitely not least...... What?! Where is Flicka?

Stormy quickly turned around towards the lake. There she was, standing next to the big brown beast. He had a lot of hair on his body. He stood there, staring into her face, breathing hard into her delicate face. Is it what I think it is? Out here in Nevada?

It was a Bison. He drank only one sip of the fresh water and then ran away. All of the mares and foals had a curious look spread across their faces, all of them except for Flicka. She just stood there, calmly. Like nothing had happened, she turned back the me. She looked like she was ready to move on. So, we did just that.

As we ran, we saw many of nature's beautiful sights. We even stopped at some of them. We crept around rattlesnake rock. Ally even tried to fit inside of it. All of the mares laughed at her. All except Flicka. For some reason, she always had a serious expression. She was always serious, but beautiful at the same time.

When we decided on a place to stay in our property, we heard a loud snort. Stormy turned, it was Cobalt and his herd. They were on Stormy's property. He was ready to fight. Stormy galloped over to Cobalt. They both bared their teeth. Then, they charged. Stormy was strong but, Cobalt was stronger.

Finally, Cobalt kicked Stormy in the rib cage. It didn't break any bones but, it sent him to the ground with a loud thud. He was to weak to strike back at Cobalt.

"I don't want your herd or your property. I just want one mare of my choice." Cobalt neighed.

"Fine. Take her." neighed Stormy. Cobalt looked at all of the mares and quickly decided on one. It was not hard to pick. He chose the one that Stormy longed for, Flicka.

"No! Not her! She is off limits. Pick somebody else." neighed Stormy. All of Cobalt's mares lined up. Cobalt went to Flicka and led her to his herd. As they walked by the mares together, some of Cobalt's other mares bared their teeth at Flicka.

Flicka held her head high as usual and paid no attention to the other horses. Cobalt commanded the herd to move toward their property. Flicka stared at Stormy and then ran with the rest of the herd.

Hoof Heart no.1

by Abbie
(Malibu)

I ran into the corner shop because I really wanted to read the new issue of PONY Magazine. "Here you go Cori that would be £2.99 please." "Here Margret. Thanks." And I ran home to read it. My favourite page was the page with all the other readers ponies. First there was a 14:3 hh connemara called Trixie , 12:2 hh cob called Bobby and my favourite a 14:2 hh dun Fjord called Axelter. I also liked reading the pony stories and in this issue my favourite story was "we never dreamed we'd win!" which was about a brother and sister that met Oliver Townsend. My mum called down to me for dinner. "BUUUUUURP! Sorry mum hee hee! Can I please get riding lessons for my birthday??" Cori asked "Oh great the horse nutter comes home covered in manure!" said Robin. Robin was Cori's brother. "Robin! Sorry Cori we just cant pull it this year but maybe next year sweetie ok." "Whatever." The next day Cori cycled down to the beach when she saw a girl riding down the shore on a bay pony about 13:1 hh. "Wow I love your pony! Were do you keep him?" "Oh thanks I keep Billy at Rock Bay stables over there" she pointed to a small building made out of wood with little pony heads at the doors. "Do you wanna ride Billy?" she asked "Sure but I've never had lessons." "That's okay Billy's great with beginners!" she dismounted " Here put your leg on this log and swing the other over onto the saddle. Oh and here's my hat for safety!" Cori mounted and walked Billy round the shore. "Hey do you want lessons??" she asked "Oh yes but how much are they??" "Err for novice about £2.99" "That's a bargin! Well I better go err what's your name?? I'm Cori." "Oh I'm Bella bye and see you soon!" "Bye Bella!" and she cycled home. "Mum,mum, MUM!" "What is it Cori?" "I found a place for riding lessons and I've already made a friends and the lessons are £2.99!" "Well you can get lessons but were is the stables??" "YAY! Just by the beach it's called Rock Bay stables." "Okay I'll go and ask for lessons but on which pony??" "The girl I met rode Billy and I rode him but just walk and I wore a hat." "Well I'll ask for Billy then." "Oh thank you mum thank you!" "No problem Cori." Now Cori rides Billy in lessons and takes care of him well.


Stay tuned for Hoof Heart 2 the show!

Elder - Part 1

by Lilli
(AZ)

in order from left to right: Flash ,Elder, Lexi, Apollo, Charger

The sun slanted through the window of the stable, as the day had begun. The horses nestled their hay with their soft noses, trying to find a fresh piece. The hay had gone stale from the summer heat. They all waited anxiously for the doors to burst open, and the girl to come in. Her name was Alex, and she was horse crazy. Alex owned 5 horses, and all of them were her's. The eleven year old girl wasn't rich, but she wasn't poor. Now you may all be thinking, how can an eleven year old girl afford to feed 5 horses! Well I'll tell you how. Now this is where my story begins.

I held my hand over my eyes, shading my face from the sun. It was only five o'clock in the morning, but the sun was already beating down, with a harsh temperature of 86 degrees.

I peered way over the road to the huge bales of hay-fresh shipped out this morning. There was Lawrence, or better known as, Mr. Taylor, shoveling hay into the wheel burrow for me to take home for free. He had this sort of soft spot for me ever since dad died. After that, my mom told me we had to sell my horses. Mr. Taylor felt awful, so he said once a month he'll fill up the wheel burrow with hay for free. Although, a few times a week, I gather up all the hay on the ground from shipping day.

"Alex, hurry up!" Mr. Taylor waved me over. Sweat dripped down from his cheeks as he handed over the wheel burrow.
"Bring it back by 6."
"Thank you Mr. Taylor." I smiled my biggest most brightest smile and wheeled the cart back cross the street.
"Slow down!" He laughed as he loaded the big bales into his truck. I unlatched the stable door, and burst inside. I was greeted by an assortment of nickers and whinnies and wickers.
"Hey guys!" I giggled rubbing Flash's velvety nose. The buckskin gelding nickered as he kissed my palm.
"I love you too boy!" I giggled. I whirled around to Lexi, then Charger, then Apollo, then Elder. They all seemed delighted to see me. I told them about the new hay they would receive, and it was as if they could understand me.

After finishing the last feeding trough I dumped out the last of the feed in the pile in the empty stall and wheeled the cart out of the barn. I kissed all of my horses goodbye on the way of course, but when I tried to get near the flashy black gelding Elder, he shied and reared hitting the stall door harshly.

"You okay boy?" I giggled reaching out to pet him. He fiercely bared his ugly teeth in an attempt to bite me. Quickly I drew my hand away and looked anxiously at him.

"What's wrong Elder?" I asked. The other horses had begun to stir and get excited and restless. Elder showed the whites in his eyes as he stared at me.

"Elder?" I asked. The gelding made a last attempt to bite me, and this time he snagged my large green sweater and threw me to the floor. I felt my head bang on the concrete ground as he whinnied. A horrid throbbing shot up through my head and a sob burst out of me. I was scared.

Monte Carlo - Part 1

by Grace
(USA)

Monte Carlo

"Yes!" Laura said as her and her horse flew over the last jump. Out of breath, she directed the towering pinto stallion over to the fence, where Brenda, her riding instructor stood. She then panted out "How was he?" "Good enough for the Grand Prix today!" Brenda said, laughing. Laura gave her horse a small squeeze, and started to cool him off. 'This is it.' she thought. Monte bobbed his head in agreement, his cropped mane flopping up and down.

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As Laura finished grooming every last bit of dirt and stone off of her horse, Monte nibbled on his name plate that she had not yet mounted on his stall. After Laura and Monte Carlo had moved here last month, she had been working her hardest for the new riding instructor. Sometimes, her horse left the ring with white foam on his mouth and chest! But Laura knew she had to work hard. She just had to make it to the qualifying rounds. But riders and horses only made it in with a professional instructor's consent, and Laura had just gotten it.

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TELL ME IF I SHOULD CONTINUE EVERYONE! THANK YOU FOR READING IT!

The Christmas Story - Part1

by Saphirerain
(USA)

"Its so cool. I think my mom will finally get me my own horse!" my best friend Alicia Larson said excitedly to me as we walked out of our school into the freezing rainy December world outside. "Are you serious? That's amazing!"

Students bustled past us, everyone in heavy over coats and rushing to cars waiting for them. My best friend didn't seem to notice that her beautiful auburn wavy curls were getting wet. Usually her bubbly happiness would get me excited with warm feelings stirring but that news seemed to make my day go down hill.

"Yep! My mom said we could board the horse at Sunrise Ridge. I can't wait to go pick out one on Tuesday. Can you come along?"

I saw my mom come up in the parking lot. I barely answered her, just mumbling, "Um, uh, talk to you later!" Running to the car, I refused to look back and slammed the car door hard.

"Gee, is it that cold outside to shut the door that way?" my younger sister Amy said the second I was in.

"Yes, it was. Mom,uh, are we heading anywhere else today?"

"Well, I was thinking of doing some quick grocery shopping. How was your day?" My mom focused on driving, just asking the question on habit. "Great. Really great. Have an A on my spelling test."

"Is that all? I have 3 A's and one B and one C." My sister said, trying to rub it in. I shrugged my shoulders, trying to show I didn't care. "So what!"

Amy's mood quickly changed from a snappy attitude to a quiet, thoughtful one. "So. You seemed to leave Alicia quickly," she remarked. It wasn't a probing, nosy, tone but I still felt annoyed. "Did you notice it was raining?!" I snapped. She shrugged. "Whatever."

After the grocery shopping, we sped on home. I hated to see that I lived like right in downtown instead of the ranch like land that Alicia lived in. We were in a tight budget, mom barely affording to pay my riding lessons so there was no hope on getting a beautiful Arabian horse for Christmas.

Alicia was the only child, pretty, RICH, and popular. It was actually a shock to me that she didn't have her own horse already. But now....

The Christmas Foal - Part 1

by Rayna
(Surprise, Arizona)

The thick, feathery snow swirled around the pasture, coating the grass with its flakes. The weather was well below 20 degrees, and dropping. Thick, billowing snow clouds filled the sky, giving off a faint yellow glow. Although the temperature outside was freezing, the temperature in people's hearts was quite warm. Everywhere love could be found. Especially in the home of Molly Barkley. The Barkley's Christmas was a special one this year.

In an old, run down stable to the left of the home, a warm orange candle glowed. It illuminated the barn, and filled it with warmth. In this barn, there was a hayloft, and a ground floor. On the ground floor, were 4 stalls. In the back right stall, was a beautiful, snow white horse.

"Its okay girl." The girl who sat beside her reassured the distressed mare. "I'm here." The mare grunted, and stretched her neck. Her belly was badly swollen, and she was due to foal in any minute.

Heart of a Horse - Part 1

by Lexi
(Illinois)

11 year old Shelby Johnson made her way through the crowd of kids in the hall of Mellowbrook elementary making way for the main doors. After a lot of shoving she finally got there and made her way out of the school. She scanned the busy parking lot for her mom and finally spotted her.

"Mom!" She ran to her mom's pick-up truck and swung her backpack onto the floor of the passenger side and jumped in. She had worn jeans and a t-shirt that day.

"Hurry up! We have to get to the stables!" Shelby shrieked to her mom.

"OK! Hold your horses!" Her mom laughed. As soon as she was buckled her mom backed out of the parking lot and started driving to Meadowlane stables, where Shelby had been riding for three years now. She didn't have a horse of her own, but had been horse crazy since she was little.

She loved Meadowlane and went there every day to ride her favorite horse, Smore. He was a paint horse gelding and was perfect in every way except he could be lazy sometimes. Shelby hadn't been able to ride for almost 9 months cause she had broken her leg on a bad fall. She had gotten her cast off a few weeks ago and was ready to ride.

"Are we there yet?" shelby asked impatiently.

"Yup!" Her mom said as she pulled up to Meadowlane. She at once saw her instructor and owner of Meadowlane, Ashley.

Shelby jumped out of the as soon as her mom parked and ran up to her.

"Ashley!" Shelby screamed. Ashley hugged her and stood back.

"I haven't seen you in awhile. How've you been?" Ashley asked her.

"Pretty good. How's Smore doing?" Shelby asked.

"He's good." Just as she did that one of the worker's came running past chasing after a beautiful jet black mare with white socks and a star.

"Who's that?" Shelby asked watching the horse.

"That would be Spirit. She's new. She's 4 years of hate." Ashey shook her head.

"My cousin got her from her friend and dumped her here. She's a purebred thoroughbred But no one can tame her." Ashley turned her head back to Shelby.

"She used to be a great horse but her old owner was abusive and she got sent from one home to another over her years. And she finally ended up here. Now you stay away from her." Ashley said.

"OK .I'll go get Smore tacked up. She glanced at Spirit and ran to the barn. She walked over to Smore's stall and saw him eating hay in the front of the stall.

"Hey boy." She called sweetly. Smore continued eating hay and finally looked up at her. She went to get a blue halter and lead rope from the tack room and came back. She opened the stall and gently slipped the halter over his head and buckled it. She clipped the lead rope onto the halter ring and led him into the hall of the big barn.

She walked him up to the crossties and unclipped the lead rope and quickly clipped on the crossties onto the halter. She had a curry comb in her hand and started to groom Smore’s brown and white coat.When she was satisfied, she picked up the hoof pick and one by one, started picking Smore’s hooves.

She finished and ran to the tack room,her pale blonde hair flying. She quickly put it into a ponytail and grabbed a blue saddle pad and a brown western saddle. She rode English too, but today was going western.

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This is my first story I hope you like it! Please comment for part 2!

Bear and Minnie: Two horses, One dream - Part 1 (Bear's story)

by May and Jay
(Lynnwood, WA. USA)

ShamefulBear

"That's it Bear! This is the last time you kick another horse! It's time to sell you, you monster!" Those words echoed in my mind. I shivered. What will happen to me?

"C'mon ol' pal, lets get ya onto that trailer." Said a man with a beard longer than a ruler.
Ruler Beard put a halter around my head, I gave him a sharp glance. Better not touch me any more than you have to. I thought.

"Wow, Bear. You're not as old as I thought." Ruler Beard said as he looked at my canines.
"'Bout 5-6 I'm guessin'" Ruler Beard pulled two times and I walked slowly out of the tack room. I put my head down, how ashamed I felt. I looked up to see the eyes of my older sister, Violet. The champagne colored quarter horse mare looked down at me, as if I was nothing but a butterfly with no wings.

" You're a disgrace to our family Bear." Violet whinnied. "I'll miss you too." I mumbled.

The man turned a corner and I saw the trailer. About six other horses were there. I immediately felt terror. I started bucking and kicking. I turned around and bolted toward my mother's pasture.

"Mama! They're gonna take me away! Help me!!" I neighed. My beautiful palomino mother looked away. I felt the shame all around me. I felt hollow. There was nothing where my heart should have been. Because love feeds off of love, and sense no one loves me, not even my dear old dam, I feel nothing and I give off no love.

But again that question entered my mind. What will happen to me? What will happen to me? It kept on going through my mind, over and over and over. I neighed shrilly. I saw two men run towards me with ropes, lassos, and most hated of all, a muzzle.

One man, Ruler Beard in fact, gave me a hard whipping. I stood up on my hind legs and looked at my mother, with my little brother by her side.

"Thunder!! I neighed towards my little brother. He was about to run to me when my mom gave him a sharp glance. The mahogany bay colt turned his head away and whinnied, "Sorry". I heard a gun shot. I knew it wasn't for me. But it spooked me right enough, I lost my balance on my hind legs and toppled over onto my back. That is when I blacked out.

Before my eyes rolled back into my head I saw a man putting a muzzle on me, and a grullo mare in the distance. What will happen to me? Was the last thing I thought before I blacked out.

The summer that changed my life *part 1*

by Gemma G
(Ireland, Co.Dublin)

The summer that changed My life !!!(Part 1)
This story is made up....Please comment and rate thank you!!!
“Ding, ding, ding ”Screams Of joy !!! School was over for the summer and nobody was taking their time in getting started with the party’s , Beaches and summer fun! Yeah sounds like great fun but me I was forced to spend my time down in my aunt’s who lives all the way down in the country. Well I certainly wasn’t in a rush to get home. As I got out of the school gates dad was there with my bag’s that I packed the night before. I got into the truck and didn’t speak. As we left my dad said “So you excited ? ” Excited? Me this is the worst thing that you ever forced me to do in my life I can’t believe you’re taking me down to aunt graces for the whole summer! I mean what am I meant to do all day ? “Don’t you worry aunt grace has some chores lined up for you”. What sort of chores?” Just basic stable chores nothing you can’t handle...” Stable chores? Stables mean horses! I haven’t seen a horse since I was 10 That was almost 4 years ago it’s bad enough you Dragged me all the way out here! And now you want me to look after aunt graces horses!”Oh I don’t want you to aunt grace does and sure you will adjust to it it’s only for the summer ”.I cannot believe you’re doing this to me !I want to be back in the city with my friends !”I’m sorry Sarah but this is the way things are gonna be and no buts about it!”But...”I said no buts I don’t wanna hear another word out of you you’re staying for the summer and you’re gonna enjoy it!” Great... summer job cleaning up after horses.....
As we arrived aunt grace came up to the car and said hello and how great it is to see me. I was shown to the spare room and there I unpacked my things and sat down on the bed as I did this I heard a horse whinny. I walked over to my window and saw the most beautiful mare I have ever seen in my life. She was beautiful! She took my breath away! She was a gorgeous Bay with four black legs a white stripe that went all the way down her muzzle a black mane and tail and she had the most beautiful face! I ran downstairs and out the back to the pasture where she was grazing as she say me approaching she lifted her head up and walked over to the fence. She was beautiful and was so friendly I moved my hand down her face and she just stood there comfortably rested a hind hoof. I sat there stroking her for an hour before my dad came looking for me when he saw me he said “Well look at that! I never thought I would see my city crazy daughter sitting on a dirty log stroking a horse in her good clothes? You know Sarah I just can’t figure you out ?”. I smiled. “Well dinners ready if you wanna come in and eat”. I’ll be there in a second I shouted. I looked at the mare and gave her a rub then a big hug before I went inside. When I got inside I got washed and got changed into some clean clothes. By the time I was ready my dinner was put on the table as I ran down the stairs and sat down I started to eat. Half way through dinner I asked aunt grace how long has she got the mare she said not long? Okay I replied?”So Sarah your birthday is in 8 days anything you want?. I’m not sure dad....Surprise me !”Will do”. He replied and we all laughed. When dinner was finished it started getting dark so I got ready for bed when I was in my room I looked out my window at the mare and said goodnight she looked up at me and whinnied as if to say goodnight. I got into bed and drifted off to sleep.”WAKE UP SARAH!!”My dad shouted. Dad it’s 5:40am Is the house on fire? He laughed “Don’t be silly Sarah it’s time to start your chores, the horses need to be broughtinto the stables, feed and brushed over and some of them need to be exercised”. Give me a minute to get dressed and ill be down for breakfast. I Washed myself and got dressed as I started eating I was so excited to see the mare again I rushed my food. When I was full enough I grabbed my coat and ran out to the stalls. I was given a list of things to do...
* Clean out stall’s all the stuff you need will be there
*Bring the horses in feed and brush them down you will find the brushes in the tackroom and the feed
*Take the two chesnut geldings out , the black mare ,the two dappled mares and lunge the bay mare you will find all tack in the tack room
*After each ride brush the horses down and rug up
*When all horses are brushed and fed leave them for an hour and turn them out
*Before you put them all out in the field make sure there are no broken or weak fence posts and take the muck out of the field using the wheelbarrow *Clean the stalls again and check all horses are okay
*Sweep the stable ground and around the yard, clean tack,water&feed buckets *The rest of the day is yours ENJOY!!!
Aunt Grace
I got started by putting fresh bedding down for the horses, Then I grabbed some headcollars and leadropes from the tack room and went out to the pasture where all 6 horses were grazing happily. I walked into the pasture and put a headcollar on the two chesnut geldings and lead them out into the stalls. I went back out and did the same with the black mare and the dappled greys. The bay mare was left so I went out and walked up to her she saw me and lifted her head up from the grass and walked towards me as she did I noticed... A FOAL!!! I must have missed her because it was dark out. The mares foal was so cute a sweet piebald foal that was so cute I wanted to squeeze him as she approached I slipped the headcollar on her and she walked quietly beside me her foal was quite the opposite and ran around like a mad thing I laughed at her and she looked at me. She was stunning exactly like her mother but has a different personality. As I put them in the mare and foal box which I now know what it was for! I got started on my chores. I fed all horses and brushed them over I brought each horse for an hour’s ride and then I lunged the mare her foal followed which was so cute! When I got in I brushed her again like I did with the others. I fed all the horses again and left them for an hour. As they were eating I cleaned the tack and put it away. When I finished it was time to turn them all out. When they were all settled I started cleaning the stalls again it was quite enjoyable looking after horses as it keeps you busy. After that I swept the stables , yard and cleaned the feed & water buckets. When I finished my chores I went out to the pasture and sat on the fence the bay mare noticed me immediately and trotted over to me I gave her a carrot and a rub and watched her foal gallop around like he didn’t care about anything! As it got dark I said goodbye to the mare and headed inside as dinner should almost be ready. I got myself washed and changed and went downstairs I was greeted by my dad and he asked how I got on “fine” I said and he replied saying that’s good so. I sat down and we all started eating. I asked aunt Grace what was the mares name? “Anne”. Anne? What a beautiful name and it suits her, what about the foal? “her name is molly”. Anne & Molly what a pair I love the names! “That’s great Sarah”. I finished my dinner and I was tired so I made my way up the stairs and feel into bed into a deep sleep. I was woken by my dad again and was happy to get started a week passed and the mare and I became closer friends I loved her and would jump out of bed every morning just to see her and make sure she is okay. After a long day’s work I was in my room staring out the window at the mare & foal grazing happily . After a while I got into bed and lay awake for an hour just thinking about her.Morning came and I was up by the time dad came in to wake me. We both went downstairs and I was surprised by the special breakfast –Pancakes with orange juice nicer than some tea and toast ! I can’t wait to dig in! Happy birthday aunt grace & my dad sang I was given a present by my dad I opened the wrapping paper and there was a brand new headcollar & Leadrope On the headcollar there was a name engraved on it Anne. What’s this? You’re giving Anne to me! “I’m not aunt grace is “. OMG thanks so much aunt grace I didn’t expect this I’m so happy “No bother dear I’ve seen the way you are around her you two are made for each other”. Thank you so much! “You’re welcome and the foal will need handling as well you know”. Your giving me molly as well this is the best birthday I ever had!  “Now don’t be wasting time go out and start your chores I’m pretty sure you can’t wait to go and she your new horses!” I was so excited I sprinted out to see Anne & Molly. I couldn’t believe they were actually mine! I was so overjoyed I couldn’t wait to ride her and start with handling molly as she is now a month old  I can’t believe it I’m the luckiest person in the world to own the most magnificent horses ever! I can’t wait to begin our story together But the bad thing is I start school all over again in 2months and the city is miles from here........
By: Gemma G
*****To be continued

Need help with story title - Part 1

by Shine
(CA)

Hi. I'm Shine and have been writing here for a while. I hope you'll enjoy my stories and please comment, I need tips and corrections. Thanks!

Natalie and Melonie were twins and both had suffered the pain of being orphaned at age six. They were taken in by their Uncle Will and Auntie Kathy. There, they had warm clothing and a wonderful quilt of love. Now at age thirteen, both girls were lively and full of the Christmas spirit for it would be Christmas in two weeks.

Both girls really didn't care about horses. They thought horses were here and there and were really nothing special. SO it was shock when aunt Kathy introduced the idea of working at a stables not far from the their home.

"Working at a stables?" Natalie asked slowly. Aunt Kathy laughed.

"Yes dear, that is if you want to. You both have been saying of wanting a job so you could have a little money in your pockets."

Melonie, who was always ready for something new, immediately said,"Cool! Lets go for it!" Natalie shrugged.

"I guess. At least I'll have money for buying presents." Aunt Kathy smiled.

"That's the spirit. After I make the phone calls needed, I'll tell you the news." The girls grinned and bounded up to their rooms.

"I bet this will be fun," Melonie exclaimed when they were in their rooms.

Natalie rolled her eyes. "Come on sis, how close did you get to a horse? You never know what will happen." Melonie threw a pillow at her.

"Never do look at the bright side do you sis?" and giggled when the pillow Natalie threw back at her missed.

It was decided that the girls would be starting the next week. Soon the day came. The girls climbed in the car with Uncle Will and they were off.

After meeting Mrs. Martin, the manager of the stables, Uncle Will drove off. "Now girls, if you'll just follow me, I'll introduce you to Josh. He'll show you what to do."

Natalie and Melonie followed Mrs. Martin and saw a boy about there age. He had curly brown hair and brown eyes. He looked bored also. "Well Josh, this is Melonie and Natalie. I hope you can see the difference between them since I can't," Mrs. Martin laughed. Josh laughed too.

"Girls, this is Josh. Follow his instructions and you'll do fine." And with that, she walked away. Josh studied the girls for a moment and shrugged.

"You can start with mucking stalls. "

She's a Champion - Part 1

by Olivia
(Ohio, United States)

Hey (: This is Olivia, author of the This is Violet stories - made a year ago, as surprising as that is. I wanted to write a new story, and here it is. This will be about four or five parts.
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"One, two, three, go!"

Charlotte Bender took off on her pitch black Arabian mare, Contessa. Charlotte's brown eyes were focused on the white and red poles on the 3 foot jump.

Contessa flew into the air, clearing the jump and her feet clashing on the ground, dust flying in the air. As soon as the pair landed, all of Contessa's feet on the ground and not a pole on the dusty indoor arena.

"Great!" Charlotte's riding instructor, Abigail, called from the other side of the arena. The eager thirteen-year-old jumped off of her mare and patted her neck. She buttoned her orange sweater up tighter as the chilly December air blew in through the open window.

Charlotte met her instructor in the middle of the dusty arena, shoving past rocks and old twigs that riders might have brought in by accident.

"Charlotte, that was amazing." Her fifty-four old stern-yet-kind instructor Lillian complimented her. Charlotte grinned ear-to-ear, brushing some dust off of her night-black mare.

"Thanks," Charlotte said happily. "We worked really hard on that, but it was all Contessa." she patted her beloved horse.
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Charlotte took the white saddle blanket off of Contessa and hung it up in the tack room. She walked in to see her best friend, Haley Anderson, washing her gelding (Mixer's) saddle.

Charlotte flipped back a strand of dark brown hair and sat next to her friend. She stared out the clear, glass window and saw Contessa stick her nose out the stall door. She watched for a minute until Haley spoke up.

"Was Lillian nice to you this time?"

Charlotte was about to speak until..
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Chapter two will be longer! :)

Carol's Summer - Part 1

by Kaitlyn

My parents car didn't even come to a full halt when I opened my door and jumped out. I landed with a thud on the dirt driveway, and dust flew up into my face. "Carol," my mother warned, "Don't do that." I shrugged with a sigh.

"But most of all have a fun day at camp!" she said smiling. She turned her car and started driving away, but then she stopped and opened her window. "Oh and be careful!" she yelled.

I rolled my eyes and waved. My mother was always scared that I could get hurt, and that horses were to dangerous. But that never stopped me from riding. And unfortunately for my mother, it never will.

The clubhouse was filled with kids, young and old. The first thing I saw as I walked in was Kaitlyn and Mia standing at the head of the table trying to quiet everyone down.

"Hey Carol," Kaitlyn yelled over all the chatter. She pushed past all the kids and walked over to me, leaving Mia alone with everyone. "Boy, its busy in here!" she laughs. "But I have no clue where the counselors are, and if Mrs. Rocko finds out she will be angry. So I was wondering if, since you know where everything is you could try to find the counselors?" She stood there waiting for my reply.

I studied her from head to toe. She looked different this year, her light brown hair no longer fell down her back. Now it hung just above her shoulders, and she had gotten taller.

"Ya I guess I can," I reply. She grins and walks off back to Mia. I walk out the door and start looking for Alberta and Nala. I smile as I look around and realize how much I missed this place over the year.

I missed the smell of fresh shaving and of saddle soap, even the uneven ground seemed to make me happy. But now I was here,and I knew in my heart it would be a great summer.

Sorry it took me so long to finally write Carol's Summer. More to come soon :) Oh and I know its short but the next part will be longer! Thanks

St. Charles Academy: A New Beginning - Part 1

by Taylor
(Secret, CA)

I smiled out my window, although I could not see out of the rain pelting my window like tears falling from the dark, dreary sky. This is no weather to be looking for a horse on such a happy day! I thought.

The sign, Dream Breeding Farm, loomed over us as my dad drove up the long driveway. I saw a palomino mare and her filly lying under the stall roof that was located at the back of the leprechaun green grass. Our trailer clattered under the large trailer shed.

So this was it. The farm where I was going to get my first horse. The man who runs Dream has 4 horses I should try out. They were champions. After all, I was a 2 time winning National Show Jumper, right? I, Sara Prescott, am going to get a horse.

Quickly, I put my cell phone in my purse and hopped out of the car. My parents, Ally and George, shook hands with the man.

"Why, hello! You must be Sara. Come to the arena, Jonah has the first horse ready." I followed him down an isle, looking into stalls at the cozy horses. They loved it here. I mean, if I was a horse, I would like it too.

"Okay, this is Starlight. She is a Thoroughbred mare. Try her out first." Jonah said, Looping his hands for me to step in. My tan breeches made it easy for me to climb on the large bay with his help. I let her into a trot, though I could see she was straining to do what she was born to do. Race. I cantered her, took her over some jumps, and did a bit of dressage. I walked her back over to my parents and took a deep breath.

"What do you think, hon?" My mom questioned.

"I-I-I'm just not feeling it. She is just not my match. I'm sure she is someone else's match. I'm so sorry for making you go to all the trouble to get her ready." I stroked her cheek and rested my head on her neck.

"It's ok. You're not going to find a perfect horse on the first ride." Jonah said, as he led out the next horse: a fiery Arabian Stallion.

"Uh, I'm sorry, but St. Charles doesn't allow stallions. Got any more?" I asked hopefully.

"Only one." Jonah said. He disappeared down the isle and came back with a beautiful chestnut gelding.

My eyes widened as he pranced in, his coat shimmering, even in the dim lighting of the indoor arena. It was love at first sight.
"This is My Lucky Charm. Just call him Charm, though. He is a 4 and a half year old Hanoverian. Care to try him out?" Jonah knew I loved him.

I robotic-ally walked over to him and vaulted into the new brown saddle. All of my tension about getting a new horse and going to a new school drained from me. I smiled as I took him though his paces. He soared over jumps, always focused on me and the jumps. In dressage, he was a bit shaky, but that was something we had in common. As I trotted over to my parents, I just knew.

"Mom. Dad. This is THE horse." I said quietly. My head was swirling as I watched my dad fill out the 1,000 dollar check and hand it to the man. He informed us that he already had his shots and everything else we needed to know. I smiled as the sun finally started to shine over the Illinois hills.

This was our new beginning.

About My Horse - Part 1

This stuff about her as a foal I don't know, its just about her journey to me and what I know happened and stuff that's just the story. I hope you like it!!!

The rain trickled down off an old barn's roof. One small drop slid from the roof to make one last slide to the edge, were it waited to drop. Wile underneath the rain drop stood a strong and lively foal, skipping as if taunting the rain drop to come closer! But the rain of course did nothing but slide off the roof, in a graceful fall to the ground.

But before it made it, the frisky foal darted out and caught it with its forehead. Landing perfectly in the middle of two colors. For her small head wore a strange thing, half of her head was brown and the other white. Her color was simply a very beautiful one! She had a banner made of brown baby fuzz around her ears that dropped off in to the separation of colors. Overlapping that was a black fourlock. And she had a flank spot that had two dots in the middle of it next to each other on her left side.

On her right was a simple flank spot. And she had a shield of brown on her chest. All her spots were cherry bay brown. And the centerpiece that was quite odd, was that on her brown side she had brown eye lashes and on her white, she had white eye lashes. And on both sides of her face, deep brown eyes.

Yes, she was a true beauty and she didn't mind showing it. Sometimes she even acted like a proud arabian, raising her pure white tail that nearly glowed, slightly. And lowering her head like a dressage horse, with her also white mane fluttering a little since it was still so short.


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I will write more but first I have to know that you like it!

Minnesota: The Pinto Mustang Part 1

by Victoria
(Nice, Illinois)

Made up

The brown horse's hooves pounded on the ground as he ran to the patch of grass he wanted to eat from. Then he ran straight to his herd. And there stood Minnesota, the 3 pinto mustang filly, beside the herd. Then, there her friend, Hidalgo, ran to her and said, Hey Minnesota." Minnesota replied,"Oh,hey Hidalgo." "So, I checked around the herd, no danger or anything like that." Hidalgo said to Minnesota. "Oh, that's good." Minnesota replied. Hidalgo said, "So, maybe you should....go graze for a while, and I'll take care of everything." Minnesota replied, "Thanks Hidalgo that sounds great."


Then Minnesota trotted down to the herd and greeted everybody. "Hey Spots." Minnesota said. " Oh hey Minnesota." "Hey there, Ellie. Ellie replied, Oh, hey Minnesota, how's it going?" Minnesota replied, Oh, just um-mm, walking around and all that stuff."

Then they saw a horse, a black horse.......

To be continued........

Make sure you put some ideas for the next part in your comments!

My horsey Summer - Part 1

by Alessia
(Canada)

Taylor and Bonnie

*This story is not true*

Part 1

I wake up and start smiling; this is the first day of summer, and the first day of horse camp. The riding school is holding it. It is an all day camp so you go in the morning and come home in the evening. I jump out of bed and swing open my closet door.

I pull out a pair of old tan breeches and a purple t-shirt. I climb into those and start brushing my blond hair and pull it back into a ponytail. My hair complimented my blue/grey eyes. I open a drawer from my armoire and pull out some socks.

I run down stairs, yelling, “Hi mom, good morning dad, when can we go?” at the speed of light. My mom smiles at me and my dad chuckles.

“When you finish eating breakfast, sweetie. You still have an hour and a half to get there! Slow down,” my mom says to me as she places a bowl of cereal in front of me. Rice-crispies with slices of banana and strawberries in it, my favourite.

I eat as fast as I can without getting heart burn. I pick my bowl and spoon and put them in the dishwasher. I grab my riding boots and slid them on.

“MOM” I holler, “can we go now?” I hear her laugh.

“Yes, just let me get my shoes on,” she answers.

“I’ll meet you in the car” I tell her. I open the front door and climb into my mom’s car, grabbing my riding helmet at the entrance.

As we drive to the camp, we chat about what horse I will get assigned to.

“I hope I get Bonnie,” I tell her. Bonnie is a 15 hand Appaloosa that we both clicked at first sight.

“You guys are good together, you barely make any mistakes when you are together.” My mother looked at me using the review mirror. “You know,” she says, “you have been very happy since, well, you know,” I felt the smile on my lips slowly fade to a frown. I was upset. I showed that in my voice.

“Did you have to go and say that? Couldn’t we not mention her in a single conversation?”

“Honey, maybe you should talk to someone about it. It might help you.” Her voice was creased with concern. “None of what happened was your fault,”

“Yeah right” I thought to myself. The rest of the car ride was silent. When we reached the stables, I left the car without so much as a “bye”.

I jog up to the rec centre where all the riding is supposed to meet up. As I pass a corner in the hallway, an arm shoots out of nowhere and grabs me, pulling me towards the person. I spin around and squeal with Anglia.

Anglia is my best friend we also ride together, that a double bonus. We hugged and I said to her, “I thought you couldn’t come!” Anglia grinned at me and told me.

“I know but then my parents gave it to me as a late birthday present!” I laughed. “Late is right! Your birthday was in May, it’s now July!” We laughed together. It felt good to do that.

"We better get going” Anglia says.

“Yeah, we should go,” we walked, arms linked to the rec room.

We were sitting in a room with about 25 people in total. Everyone was excited and chatty. Julie our head director walks up to the stage and taps on the microphone. Immediately the room quiets down.

“Hello everyone” Julie greets “Welcome to Camp horseshoe and I can see some new people and old ones in this room. I hope we all get along great.” She looks down at a piece of paper then back up again.

“There is 25 of you and we have 5 instructors. Now, for some miracle we see where every one is, and there is exactly 5 people per instructor.” She smiled.

“I have a list of your names. When I call your name, stand up, so I know you’re here. Then I will tell you the name of your horse for the rest of the summer, and what level you are in. You may also tell us one interesting fact about yourself.”

There were a few nervous glances around the room, Julie caught them so she said, “If you don’t want to stand up or say an interesting fact, just raise your arm and I’ll tell you the name of your horse and what level you are in.” I heard a few faint sighs of relief coming from different parts of the room.

Anglia and I traded smiles. I knew what fact I was going to use. Julie started rattling off names, and people started standing up and telling about themselves. Then I heard “Taylor Griffin” I stood up, hoping I would get Bonnie Julie smiled at me and I smiled back at her “Taylor, you get…Bonnie. You are placed in advanced, would you like to say anything?”

“Sure” I replied, “Before I fell in love with riding, I was a champion dancer. I still have all the trophies” There was a chorus of clapping and I sat down. Anglia whispered to me “Good job”. More people went then Anglia had her name called.

“Anglia you will be riding Moonbeam in advanced.” Anglia glanced at me; we were excited to be in the same group. “So, I have three dogs at home. A lab, a poodle and a bulldog.” She sat down and I told she “good job”. The last of people went until there was one person left.

“Brian Merges” Julie called. A boy stood up, I looked over to where he was and my breath hitched. I couldn’t stop staring at him. He had black hair that covered green eyes. He wore black breeches and a blue shirt. His face, oh man his face, had two big dimples, one on each cheek that suited his soft half smile. He also looked about our age, thirteen.

“Wow” I thought, “that guy is cute!”

“Ohmigosh” I heard Anglia gasp, “he is hot! H-O-T hot!” I turned to her and said “You should get to know him, and maybe ask him out” She looked at me with disbelief.

“Um, no way! Never in a million years he would go for me!”

“Of course he would” I reassured her. “I have no interested in him, so he’s all yours” She narrowed her eyes at me accusingly and said “You don’t even think he’s a bit cute? Not even a tiny bit?” I struggled to keep my composure, and not give myself away.

“Well, he IS a little cute, but not much. Like I said before, all you” Anglia still hadn’t released my gaze and I was now squirming to get away from it.

“I don’t believe you, I know you too well. So for now, I’m hands off.” I glare at her, but really, I’m relieved. I don’t my heart played with after the tragedy that already broke it to pieces, but he’s just so CUTE!

“Well it’s your loss”. In our conversation, we missed what horse he would be riding, what group he was in and his interesting fact. Now everyone was going to tack up his or her horse, and go to his or her riding class. “We better go” I tell Anglia, “Yeah” she agrees with me.

We walk up to the stables together, but then split up to go to our stalls. Bonnie had her head poking out of the stall, and I walked up and stroked it. She leaned into my hand. “Hey there girl, you want a good brushing?” I asked her. As if she could understand me she bobbed her head up and down.

I giggled and opened the door, grabbing the grooming kit from the trunk outside of the door. I put on her pink halter and tied her to the stall wall. I picked up the currycomb and started on her body. Bonnie was almost falling asleep; from the ‘massage’ I was giving her. Then I chose a blue dandy brush and brushed her with that. Finished it off with a body brush and picked out her hooves.

As I stood up from her right hind leg I noticed the back of a head in the stall next to me…. it had black hair…I felt a flush creep up to my face, it was Brian! His horse was in the stall next to me! To escape before I did something really stupid to embarrass myself I fled to the tack room to get my tack.

As I was grabbing Bonnie’s saddle, the door to the tack room opened, thinking it was Anglia, I turned around and said “Sorry about what I said about-“ I froze when I saw who had entered. It was Brian. He smiled at me and I was sure I would melt on the spot.

“Hey” he said “You’re the champion dancer right?” He remembers! I scream mentally.

“Yeah, that’s me” I said “You’re Brian right?”

“Yeah, that’s me” he mimics. We grin at each other.

“So” I started “You come here often?” I mentally grimaced. Smooth Taylor, just smooth. He smiled mischievously.

“Well, I sure hope so, then I get to see you more often.”

I burst out laughing, “You want to see more of me? Just wait until you get on my bad side, then you will be wanting to avoid me more,” I said jokingly. He grabs his bridle, saddle pad, saddle and girth.

“Well, see you later” he says.

“Bye,” I call after him. When I hear the door shut I sigh happily and collect my tack and finish tacking up Bonnie.

Chasing Dreams ♥ - Part 1

by Lara
(UK)

The sun was setting, creating a black silhouette of the grey pony storming around the ring. Despite its feisty manner, the rider was completely serene, sitting quietly on her steed's back; the only movement she performed was thrusting her upper body forwards as the pair soared effortlessly over the jumps. You could tell they were utterly at home, and preferred nothing else to this.

“How was that?!” Alice exclaimed breathlessly, coming to a halt in front of Maria. She patted her gallant grey gelding, Cobweb, as she looked expectantly at her best friend.

“Great,” Maria smiled. “Really good,” .
She watched as Alice dismounted, patting Cobweb, and lead him back to the yard. Lost in her most desperate dreams once again, she imagined what it would be like if that was HER, taking HER pony back to the stables.

If only, she thought, if only...

* * *

“Hey, Maria!” called the familiar voice of Alice. “Guess what!!”
Maria pretended it wasn't her Alice was calling to, for she wasn't oblivious to the fact that Alice's urgent shout had drawn more than a few alarmed faces across the school playground.

“Yup?” she replied as airily as she could manage once she reached Alice's little gaggle of friends. Although aware that it wasn't very supporting to her best friend, Maria couldn't help hoping that Alice's news wasn't a show that she was planning to participate in with Cobweb, or anything that made her pony-owning situation very obvious.

“Me and Web are definitely going in for St Chamberall Show!”

Maria sighed.

“It's a shame you don't have your own pony, Ri, 'cause then we could hack out to the show together. Me and Mum have planned a route because our horsebox, well, has definitely seen better days, it's not very long, just through the farmer's fields, a little roadwork but not too much cause obviously Cob has still got his ongoing fear of motorbikes, and...”

Tuning out, Maria let Alice burble on about her pony and show off to her friends. She was happy for Alice, of course, but she was much more carefree only 5 months ago when both girls were
without ponies. They had spent hours together poring over the 'For Sale' section in Pony Mag, deciding which ones they'd buy and laughing over ridiculous prices.

When Alice had gotten Cobweb, it was understandably all she could talk about. Maria knew if she was to get a pony she'd never stop going on about it; but Alice seemed to forget Maria didn't actually have a pony. Recently Alice had made lots of new friends at Pony Club Rallies and shows – rich, pretty girls that were all in possession of at least one horse. Although she didn't like to admit it, Maria was feeling a bit rejected and out of the scene.

At long last, Maria had completed her forceful slavery of the educational prisonary confinements and was walking home. Alice had been picked up in her Mum's flashy black Range Rover (which constantly seemed to be emitting some sort of glow), so Maria was on her own.

She strolled serenely along the lane as the bright light of a summer's afternoon descended into the pink-tinted evening sky. The road ahead of her was bathed in a milky golden glow and her gangly, tall shadow was her only company.

The only noises was leaves rustling as if sharing a secret, and the tired chirps of birds high up in the treetops; until another sound interrupted the tranquil evening noises.

A whinny, ringing clear in the thin air.

Thanks for reading, love you guys!!! x ♥

What a rider truly is - Chapter 1

by Carrigan
(Canada)

My mom had a pleased look on her face, she was the worlds worst liar totally, she was up to something I would totally not agree with. She tried to live her life for me, I was like a puppet and she held the strings.

I sat up on the white fence that surrounded the small grassy paddock in my backyard. I kicked my feet around hoping she would excuse me back to house so I could go to my riding lesson at Milner Stables, of course my mom's idea.

I mean I love riding, sort of but not much as she hopes she's always telling me "When I was a girl, I always wanted to ride." or "You could be the next Olympic rider some day!" that never made me feel any better.

"I have a surprise for you Tracy." My mom's wide grin creaked open as she raveled her pearly white teeth. I had a million ideas in my head, but the 'surprise' was not what I expected at all.

A silver trailer pulled into the gate for the paddock, a man unhooked the back latch and the door fell down, a sleek, tall black horse ran out of the trailer, throwing his legs in the air and neighing loudly, his lead rope was cut and his ears were pinned black his eyes fierce.

"Mom...." I worried hopping off the face and backing away, he was nothing like the old school pony I rode, Nickel, a small grey mare that a bomb could go off and Nickel wouldn't flinch.

"Isn't he gorgeous his name is Diablo. He's all yours pumpkin." My mom said in her cheery voice. Diablo halted in place then continued his mental rampage around the paddock. I just stood there shocked not wanting to move at all.

I mean, any 'normal girl' would wish for her own pretty pony to ride and to groom. But I was not a normal girl, I didn't mind my once a week lesson at Milner Stables, or my twice a week dance classes at Willow Brook Dance Studio, but I also didn't mind roughing it camping or jumping into freezing cold water instead of getting a mud bath at the spa or getting a new pair of Jimmy Choo's.

I breathed in and exhaled, if my mom seriously expected me to get on Diablo, she had passed the mental bar, she was totally crazy.

I threw my foot in the stirrup and grabbed a chunk of reins, lifting myself into my tack. I couldn't have been more terrified in my life. 'Just think happy thought. Just stay calm.' I chanted to my self, my hands tensed my back curled and Diablo took big steps.

"Heels down, back arched, hands straight like your holding a ice cream cone, leg on Diablo's sides and head up don't look down!" My riding coach, Tamara yelled to me, how was I supposed to follow all 6 commands when I could barley focus on staying calm.

I saw Diablo run around earlier in the field today when I came down to throw another bale of hay in his paddock. This would not be an easy lesson to brush a-side. I was usually good about zoning out in a lesson and just focusing on me and Nickel, but with Nickel gone this would be a million times harder.

"Now transition to a sitting trot and no slouching." Tamara called out, I slightly put my leg to Diablo's side and he broke into a canter, his canter was rough and the fastest I had ever ridden, he threw his back legs up and I grabbed his mane for dear life, he reared then pawed at the ground and reared repeatedly.

I squinted my face and dropped my feet from the stirrups, grabbed the front of the saddle and slid of the side, my back thumped against the sand of the arena and Diablo took off full speed running round the arena.

I sat there head down, I wanted to get up and run away, into the trails and never come out to Diablo was gone for good, but my back hurt too much to move, it kept me down like glue and I couldn't move.

Gaelic Farm - Part 1

by Nastia
(USA)

Chapter One

It was a cold, frosty morning as the sun rose behind the 20 stalled barn of Gaelic Farm. The Irish Draft horses were all tucked into their stalls waiting to be fed. 13-year-old Kat Redroke was still in bed, dreaming of prancing around on her horse, White Destiny. It was the morning of the County Fair, and much had to be done before the family could head out.

"BEEP! BEEP!" Kat's alarm clock screamed as she awoke on the crisp fall morning. She stretched and got her barn clothes on, eager to start the day right. She pulled on a vest, her boots, and her breeches. As she grabbed an apple off the counter, her mother came downstairs.

“Kat, you need to eat something,” Her mother complained.

“Mom,” Kat explained waving the apple around, “I have an apple,” She dashed out the door before her mother could say anything more. She jogged down to the crème barn, and threw open the door. A couple horses stuck their heads out of their stalls. She walked to the end of the barn, and opened a stall door.

“Good morning, Destiny,” Kat said as she crept towards the animal, “I brought you something,” She held up her breakfast in front of the horse. Destiny took a cautious step forward, then another, and another. He grabbed the apple and chomped down on the whole thing.

“Good boy,” Kat said stroking his nose, “Now, I have to go feed the other horses. Don’t worry; you’ll get your food, too.” She closed his door, but opened the top of the door.

Kat wheeled throughout the barn feeding the horses and cleaning their stalls. She put all the other horses outside, except Destiny. She tacked him up and climbed onto his back. She clicked her tongue and trotted out of the barn. Kat trotted into the ring, only to see she was sharing her lesson today with her least favorite person, Ash.

“Kat, Ash, today we are going to be practicing a coffin for cross country,” The trainer, Ms. Nordic, instructed, “Ash, please proceed,”

“My pleasure,” Ash said as she sneered at Kat,

“Time to watch a true equestrian,” She landed the coffin perfectly, making it look incredibly easy.

“Kat,” Ms. Nordic motioned toward the combination of jumps, “Your turn,”

“Yes, ma’m” Kat cantered toward the coffin. Her take-offs were shaky but she managed to get over the jumps and ditches OK.

“Now, Kat, what was wrong with your take-offs?”

“Um, they were early?”

“Correct,” Ms. Nordic turned to Ash, “Ash was perfect. Flawless, I should say,” She nodded toward Ash, “She will go far,” Ash beamed and I sank into the saddle.

“Sit up straight, Kat!” Ash sneered. She and her black Irish Draft, Gumdrop, stayed behind to talk to Ms. Nordic, but Kat trotted off to the side of the ring. She hopped off Destiny, and slumped on the ground. Kat checked her white watch and sighed. Only four hours until she got to leave for the county fair.
************************************************************


At nine A.M, Kat trotted miserably out of the training ring, and she un-tacked Destiny with a dark cloud hanging over her head. The rest of the cross country training hadn’t gone well. She fell twice, forgot to give Destiny a command to jump so he refused, and had been told by Ash to sit up straight for more times. She sat in the tack room and started to scrub Destiny’s saddle and bridle in a huff.

“Need help?” A voice asked.

“Natalie!” Kat dropped what she was doing, and got up to hug her friend.

“Are you ready for the fair?”

“Yes! Destiny and I are going to kill!”

“Not if Paris and I win first!” She winked and picked up the bridle. After a grueling hour of scrubbing, Natalie went to go take care of her Draft. Kat went to her room and got her competition jacket on. She scrubbed her boots and took a shower. Then, she packed an over-night bag for the fair, and grabbed a tent for her and Natalie to sleep in. Finally, she packed up Destiny’s tack, loaded her horse in the trailer, and climbed into the truck. They were finally going to the fair!

A Spirit Forever - Chapter One

by Lara
(UK)

Well, this is my story I MADE UP. Please tell me what you think, I'm a schoolgirl in middle school and hope to be an author. Well, enjoy! :D

As the early morning sun started to creep in, the pony's eyes flickered around the misty moor. She knew something was wrong.

Icy flakes of snow swayed and settled on the girl's eyelashes, as the bright blue eyes beneath them scanned the foggy horizon frantically.

"It's no use!" Ellie whispered, her frozen voice getting tetchier by the second.

"He's not there! Oh, Nebula, help...."

Then, breaking the stiff silence, an electrifying yowl shook the valley. Ellie knew that howl.

"BUDDY!!!!" she screamed, and the horse beneath her sensed the awful truth and galloped like she never had before.

As the sight of a little jack russel- stuck horrifically in a fence- emerged from the deep mist, Nebula pushed on even more, knowing she had to help, she was risking her life but she had to.....

The next few seconds went by in a flash, but at the speed of a snail when Ellie remembered it. The lurching sensation in the pit of her stomach as the long black leg slipped out all askew, the beating of her and the horse's heart, the terrified yapping as the dog realised, everything seemed too real.....

And then it was over.

The Black Stallion in My Back Yard: Part I

by Ansleigh
(Georgia)

One morning I was laying in my bed and was awkened by my little brother downstairs playing the wii. I got out of the bed and downstairs to eat breakfast. When I got down there somthing cought my eye and it was a beautiful black stallion in back yard! I ran outside on the porch and stared at him. Then he took off and dissapeared in the woods. I ran inside and tried to tell everyone what had happened, but they would not belleive me. I ran up to my room and sat on my bed trying to figure out where he had come from. I was thinking so hard that I feel into a deep sleep and dreamed about the stallion. He was beautiful in my dream and in real life.

My mother was standing next to me saying," Sara, Sara. Wake up!" I leaned up and said," what time is it?"

My mother replied," It is almost lunch. You came down this morning and we did not know where you had gone. So we just left you alone. Well lunch is almost ready so come and get it." So I got up and went downstairs for my mother's famous chicken. It was FANTASTIC!!!

That night I got out my journal and wrote in it what had happened tht day. Then my mother and father came in to tell me good night so I hurried and finished and went to bed. I coudn't wait till morning to go and search for the stallion.

(I will get part 2 done as soon as posible.)

Jezebel's Miracle - Part 1

by Jenna

This was it. The day of the competition.

"Come on, Jezebel!" said Lizzie.

Lizzie is my owner. She was hoping and praying she would win first prize. We had been training for days and days and days! I did not want to disappoint her.

She led me into the ring and the announcer called our names. I started at a brisk trot and transitioned to a canter. I jumped 3 small jumps easily. Piece of cake! I thought.

Soon we were nearing the high jump. Lizzie nudged me with her heel and I accelerated. I pushed off with my hind legs and soared over the jump at first. Then I knocked down 2 poles and Lizzie flew off me. I let out a sharp neigh of fear and concern. I tumbled to the ground on top of Lizzie. I heard a snap and knew something was wrong. The crowd gasped. All I cared about was Lizzie.

Lizzie! I neighed.

Several people brought out a stretcher and carried her away. I trotted after her, but a man took hold of my reins and pulled me out of the ring. I gave my loudest neigh.

The man snapped, "shut up, you monster. You hurt that little girl! It will be a miracle if she fully recovers!" He slapped my rump. I felt terrible. I felt unwanted. And I longed for Lizzie and for her to be okay. The man loaded me on a trailer and sent me back to the barn.

"How was the show?" Asked my friend Roxy, the sweet paint horse next to my stall.

"Don't even ask." I said grumpily and sadly laid down on the hay. The mans words echoed in my head. You monster! It will be a miracle if she fully recovers!

I hoped for the best and drifted to sleep.

Heaven at Hollywood Hoofbeats Farm ( book 1)

by Ellie
(USA)

(made up) please do not copy!


Heaven at Hollywood
Hoofbeats
Only one more stall to clean....... Every day
after school
I come to Hollywood Hoofbeats Barn, the only place to
ride
in LA. I also come here extra early on the weekends so
that
i get to ride my favorite horse, Chester. Chester is a
great hunter-jumper......... "hurry up Ellie! I want you to come here"
Luna the riding instructor called. "Coming" I
said, crashing into the manure bucket nearly dumping it
over. " Ellie i would like you to meet Lulu" Luna introduced
us. Lulu looked like someone that had just come out of a
movie. she had wavy short brown hair and blazing blue eyes." Ellie, please take Lulu's horse Prancer to her stall and then help Lulu get situated". "OK" i said. After prancer was in her stall, Lulu told me about herself: " I have alot of pets that are always full of energy" she said " I also have a older sister that is REALLY bossy" " I have a younger brother and a lazy, fat puppy" I told Lulu. I was beginning to get to know Lulu when Luna called " it's time for your lesson Lulu, Ellie
you can get on Chester." I decided to go on a trail ride since Luna was using the erena. Chester loves the trail; he eats most of the way and then he splashes in the icy cold lake, getting me all wet.
Lulu comes every Saturday at 8:00. We usually ride together and then we walk over to my house for lunch. One Saturday Luna announced " There is a horse show coming up in two weeks and i would like everyone to enter. we all cheered. As Luna passed around the sign-up sheet I noticed Alissa ( my arch enemy) sign herself up with Chester. Lulu of course signed herself up with Prancer and Jane (Alissa's best friend) signed me up with Brownie. " Remember once you have signed up you can't drop out or change horses" Luna said. I told Lulu what had happened with Jane and Alissa. " That's not fair! Alissa doesn't even like Chester" said Lulu " also, Brownie doesn't even jump two feet" I chimed in. I guess I'm entering in the cross-rail class, i thought. Brownie is a bay pony that Luna uses for the younger riders.

The next week and a half was complete chacos. Everyone was getting ready for the horse show. Some people even skipped school to get more practice. Luna was running around crazily yelling directions left and right. At last, the day of the show............ i thought. During the past week i had barely gotten to see Lulu. Also, i had gotten 2 complaints and 1 rider crying that i "took" brownie. " Finally, were at the show!" Luna exclaimed. "Up next for our cross-rail division is......... Ellie Ryan riding Brownie!" the judge announced as i trotted in to the show ring. " White diagonal line, judges line, single brown, outside line, circle," i whispered to my self, riding brownie perfectly throughout the course. " GO ELLIE! GO ELLIE!" Lulu sounded like part of a cheerleeding squad as she shouted " GO ELLIE!" about 10 more times. "Great job" said Lulu, Luna, and a few other people i didn't know as i exited the erena. we all talked for a while until the judge announced the places: " for the cross-rail class the placings are as follows: 1st place goes to Ruthy Barnes riding Moonlight, 2and place goes to Ellie Ryan riding Brownie, 3rd place-------" I zoned out after hearing my name. Next,it was time for Lulu, Alissa, Jane, and Sarah's class. Alissa went perfectly around the 2-foot course riding Chester. Then it was Jane's turn who rode her horse Ladybug that had a few messups: ladybug refused once and also got the wrong lead at the canter.Then, it was Sarah's turn,Sarah was riding a horse named Misty who looked around 15 years old and had a cut on her leg. Next it was Lulu's turn "I'm sooooo nervous" she told me " iv'e never been in a show on Prancer" "you'll do great" i reassured her. Lulu heard the judge's voice crackle to life "Up next: Lulu Jackson riding Prancer." By the look on her face you could tell that she was concentrating on prancer's every little step. You could hear "judges line" or " single brown" as she rode past. When she trotted out of the ring she had a big smile on her face. Then the judge announced the placings: "for our 2-foot class the placings are as follows, 1st place goes to Lulu Jackson riding Prancer, 2and place goes to Alissa Mable riding Chester, 3rd place goes to Sarah Kelly riding Misty and 4Th place goes to Jane Flexi riding Ladybug.

Lulu had won!!!!!! Alissa looked like she could burst into tears any second. "Here Ellie you can have Chester, he's a horrible horse." she said " I'm gonna get a horse of my own so that i don't have to keep riding lousy school horses." "OK" i said happily, with a sigh of relief. "Great job Lulu you did amazing!" said everyone (except Alissa and Jane) " Thanks, but don't tell me tell that to prancer she did all the work" Lulu said obviously satisfied with her speech. "Wanna come over to my house for a sleepover?" Lulu asked. "YA" i replied. "we can walk from here" she said.

As we were walking home i finally realized that:
I Had found a TRUE
FRIEND. And her name is Lulu Jackson.


THE END Look for book 2 and 3 soon posted

Forever or Never - Part 1

by Sarah (horseluver4evernever)
(Canada)

"Into the trailer you beast!" The angry man screamed at me. As my owner called the man, Lucas, smacked my rump. I felt like striking at Lucas with my hind legs, but I always heard my mothers words in my head, "humans are our owners and we must do as they say."

I gave a shrill whinny, as if to say help me, don't let him take me away! I tripped as I was climbing into the trailer. Memories flooded back to me. I went back to the time in the grand pony nationals when me and my owner Emma were flying over jumps.

We were over 6 of the 7 jumps of the course and doing great. I felt Emma reach down to give me a pat and heard her whisper "good boy" to me. As I made the turn to the final jump. We were now 5 strides away.4strides away. 3 strides. 2strides and then I tripped on the dirt, smashing into the jump. Emma was flung over my head and she landed in a heap. She didn't move. I fell onto my knees and and I landed on Emma's leg. I heard a snap.

Vets and doctors rushed over. The doctors loaded Emma onto a stretcher and I stared at her. I tried getting up to go see her, but my legs wouldn't support me.

"Spirit!" I heard her weakly cry.

Her head lifted up a bit and then plopped down. I felt so bad as the vets pulled me away. I limped back to the trailer with barely any energy. The next day I sat in my stall. Lucas came plodding down the barn isle stopping at my stall. He opened the door and I came to give him a friendly greeting. He slapped my face hard. I jumped back.

"You broke both her legs, and she is unconscious! All because of you! You stupid horse!" I was hurt by these words. The 3 last ones had echoed in my head. You stupid horse. You stupid horse. I spent the rest of that day gloomily thinking about Emma. I was sudden brought back to present time by a sharp whip.

Lucas loaded me onto the dark trailer and shut the door with a loud BANG! I curled up into the corner of the trailer imagining my mother. The bay mare with kind eyes in my head comforted me.

I heard the truck start and rumble along the gravel driveway. I wondered where I was being taken. About 2 hours later I arrived at my new home.

Please comment or no part two! !!! Hope you enjoyed!

Bolt - Part 1

by Cara
(Canada)

The feeling still hadn't worn off, soon enough, we'd have a new horse living at Foster Creek Farms, I felt my hands shake over Daisy's stall door, watching my mare lay down in her bedding, covered in sweat.

"What are you going to name the foal?" My little sister Amanda came into the stable, all dressed up in her nice pajamas, I frowned, mom had sent her to bed before she left to go get some things for the foal at Spurs, the local tack shop.

"I don't know yet, something pretty like Daisy." I smiled at my old mare, she'd been such a trooper, and going to be a great mother to this young colt or filly.

"I heard, when the owner sees the horse for the first time, they just know what they should name them." My cousin, that had been staying with us for the summer came out, I should of known she would have sneaked Amanda out.

I looked back at Daisy, the baby was coming faster, I just hoped mom got back in time. I glanced out to the outside, it was still pitch black. My thoughts still screamed at me, the horse that had mothered me, will soon be a mother.

I've grown up by Daisy's side. Just thinking about the filly or colt made my heart race. A clasp of thunder came from outside and Amanda screamed, I was about to yell at her when Bailey, my cousin cried out loud.

"I think the baby's coming Nicole!" I felt in complete shock, I couldn't stand here like a child, I needed to help Daisy. But I had never delivered a foal before.

I creaked open the stall door running to Daisy's side, I patted her neck, all her sweat rubbing off onto my dirty hands. Daisy's breathing got heavier, her thirst growing higher. "I don't see the baby." Bailey cried, just as nervous as I was.

"It's okay Daisy, just hang in there." I kissed her bay face, Daisy trying as hard as she could, the baby crawling out slowly. I felt a few tears fall onto Daisy's neck, then tons.

I could hear Bailey's breathing slow down, the baby must be out. I held Daisy's head in my hands. Then she resisted for a moment, before I knew what was happening Daisy's body became weak. She had just died in my hands. I felt so shocked, still not positive on what happened.

My baby's foal, had just killed my best friend, I started to feel sorrow, a whole part of me lost. Then I stopped, looking at her dead body, Bailey backed away, Amanda still confused. I felt rage overcome of me as I looked at the baby,
"I never want to see that thing again." I felt disgusted in that demon horse.

Tears falling from my eyes as my hands balled up. I punched the stall walls and stormed out of Daisy's stall. My face red as I stepped outside the stable, falling to the ground crying on the ground, I felt my mom run up to me.

"What happened?" She asked, stroking my hair, I got up, angry but not able to stop crying, I stormed away into the rain. The tears streaking my face, I vowed to never love a horse again.

Jet Black - Part 1

by Maddie

I hopped out of the car with my overnight bag and riding gear. "Bye Kelsi! Be good for Miss. Summer's please", my Mom called to me before I slammed the door to our pick-up truck. I half waved to her as I strutted towards the large white house. Before I even made it to the front porch, my best friend Annie opened the door and jumped down the stairs screaming at me, "OHMIGAWD KELS! I didn't hear you pull up!"

I smiled and tossed my brown straight hair behind my shoulder. "Annie! I've missed you so much," I screamed as I ran in for a hug.

"I totally missed you while you were in Lexington", she smiled at me.

"I know! I missed you too, even though it was only a week", I said jumping up and down.

"Let's get inside so we can talk", she said, practically dragging me through the doorway.

She ran down the stairs to her bedroom, and before I walked into her room, I saw my reflection in the hall mirror. My piercing green eyes clashed with my straight, deep brown hair, but was tied together by my tan skin. I must admit, I am sort of a fashionista. My off shoulder blue shirt with a matching cami underneath, was paired with hot pink jeans and black converse. I walked into Annie's room and smiled. It was covered in horse posters and show trophies. I plopped down onto one of her beanbags and her dog, Smoke, hopped into my lap.

"So, how's school going this year?", she asked quietly.

I frowned, remembering that we were sent to different middle schools this year. "It's okay, but it would be better with you!" I smiled. I guess you could say I was 'popular' but stuff like that doesn't really matter to me. My horse is really the only thing that matters to me, but he isn't trailered back from Lexington until next week.

Annie, reading my thoughts, answered my un-asked question."Don't worry, Kels! You can ride one of mine!"

"Thanks Annie, it means a lot to me!" Annie and I were the two most popular girls in the 6th and 7th grade, and we still are in 8th, we just aren't together.

She smiled and nudged me with her elbow. "So, how about that boyfriend of yours?"

"Annie..." I ventured.

"No excuses. You have to tell me sooner or later."

"I choose later. I promise I'll tell you, right after we ride!" With that, I hopped off of the beanbag and opened her sliding glass door that led straight to the pasture. I whistled to call my favorite horse over, but instead of the sweet Appy trotting towards me, a jet black horse was galloping full speed towards me. "ANNIE!", I yelled. But it was too late.

Running with the Silver Stallion - Part 1

by Amanda
(England)

The moonlight shone down on the lake, making the lake seem alive with dancing light. The wind whistled through the trees, making them jiggle and dance. Megan could hear fast desperate hoof beats, like those of a galloping horse. But they couldn't be... they wouldn't be?

Megan and her mother lived just the other side of the woods in a small whitewashed cottage with stone floors- these made it bitterly cold in winter, and stifling hot in summer. Megan owned a pony called Morello, a gorgeous piebald gelding of sweet temperament and few vices. She was riding him now, sticking to a walk as the usually rock hard ground was slippery with mud and Morello had recently recovered from mud fever, making him a little tender still on his feet. She'd have to towel them off when she got back.

Yet the hoof beats continued, still beating on and the horse was neighing desperately. Megan knew that he must be in trouble...

Sophie, the beautiful Quarab Mare - Part 1

by Rayna
(Surprise, AZ)

Sophie :)

It was very bright. The snow lay in heaps and mounds. The powdery substance was hard to look at for too long, for each flake was purely white. The sun shown, as it was about mid-day, and the wind was at a halt; for the moment. Fifty-Six acres of land were fenced off. This land was known as Nyn Acres; our destination.

A tall, blond haired, 13 year old, Caucasian girl sat up in the back of the white Toyota truck as it pulled up the drive, into Nyn Acres. She eagerly gazed out the window, waiting for one thing to come into view. The horse corral. This girl was me. I was riding with Pa, Grandma,and their excited German Shepherd, Isabel. Me and "Izzy" had shared the backseat for the whole 4 hour drive to New Mexico. She made a surprisingly good pillow, until she decided to move that is.

Finally the barbed wire fenced, tired in corral came into view. A smile flourished upon my spotted face. Spotted? Why yes. My face was healing from my recent outbreak of chicken pox. All that was left were a few scabs and scars. Gross, right?

Nyn acres was owned by my Aunt Shannyn, Uncle Andy, and their 3 children, Brendan, Gina,and Mathew. Yes, they were my cousins. We had arrived at Nyn Acres before they had, so they were still at their trailer about a mile away.

We drove past the rabbit hutches and chicken coop, before we came to the corral. "Want to get out, Rayna?" Pa asked as he stopped the truck. "Yeah!" I replied eagerly, before pulling on my cowgirl boots, and sliding out of the car, followed by Isabel. I met Pa as I stretched, who handed me a few carrots. "Thanks!" I smiled, tucking them into the pocket of my snow coat.

It was only about 40-50 degrees out. I was wearing boots with no socks (That were now filled with small clumps of snow) a short sleeved shirt, a snow jacket, no gloves, and no hat. I began to shiver. However, I smiled through my chattering teeth, and stumbled over to the corral. "Sophie!" I called, shoving my hands into my pocket and snatching out a carrot, which I broke in half.

A nicker sounded, and over walked a beautiful quarab mare. Sophie. My Sophie. She was the biggest reason I had wanted to come to New Mexico. (I had wanted to come to visit my Aunt, Uncle, and cousins as well, and I had dearly missed Nyn Acres also.) She was a 5 year old, gray mare, who was stubborn, but very lovable. "Sophie!" I exclaimed, reaching out to rub her forehead. This was her all time favorite spot to be rubbed.

This was my second time seeing Sophie since I had gotten her. It was about mid-March, and I had received her as a Christmas present on December 26, 2011. Three months had felt like 3 years; I had missed my mare dearly.

Sophie stretched her head over the fence, and nosed at my pocket. She had smelt the carrots! I gripped one of the halves, before holding it out to her. Sophie eagerly snatched it up,and proceeded to munch it until there was no more, then she reached out for more. "Alright Sopherz!" I used one of her dozens of nicknames. I handed her the other half of the carrot, and quickly broke the other 2, before handing them to her once she finished another.

"I missed you so much Sophie!" I murmured, leaning over the fence to stroke her furry shoulder. Due to the cold temperatures during the New Mexico winter's, she had grown out a very thick winter coat. Her face was extremely furry as well. "Did you know, I'm taking riding lessons, so we can work you a whole bunch!" I informed her, reaching down to rub her ear.

Sophie had been left out in a pasture for several years, and she seemed to have forgotten any training she had received. She also felt as though she could do anything she wanted. So the plan was to work her a bunch while I was out to visit.

I heard the deep nicker of one of Shannyn's other horses, Snip. Snip was a Drafstang, or a Draft/Mustang cross. She was a lovely black in color, with a white snip. The mare was blind out of her left eye, due to pinkeye left untreated by her previous owner. I gazed over at Snip, to catch something out of the corner of my eye. Shannyn and Andy's green farm truck was driving up the road. I grew excited once more.

Return of the Jada - Part 1

by Tiger
(Virginia)

I was sitting at my desk staring at the photo of me riding Ladybug for the first time. It was getting late, but the summer sun hadn't gone down yet, so I stood up and walked to the barn. I walked past the other horses and straight to Lady's stall.

She nickered as a greeting and I gave her a carrot from the feed room fridge. I opened the door and climbed onto her back. I felt the urge to check the pastures, so I asked her to walk.

On our way out of the stable, I grabbed a lead rope and looped it through her halter straps. I clucked my tongue and asked her to trot, and we moved along the fence line. We passed the mare field, the gelding field, and the filly field.

When we passed the colt field, something was wrong. There was a large draft horse in the pasture and the colts were all huddled together in the corner. I hopped off of Lady and jumped the fence to the pasture.

The horse galloped towards me and I pushed myself against the fence. He skidded to a halt right in front of me and I screamed. We stared at each other for awhile and I could feel his warm breath on my face.

"Wh- Who are you?" I slowly reached out to stroke him but he backed away and bolted. As he galloped away, I saw a brand on his hindquarters-- a circle with a rearing horse on the inside.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to see my best friend, and sister, Jewel. "Did you see that?!" I asked.

"Yep!" she replied.

We stared at the spot where the horse disappeared for a while before I hopped on Lady and we walked back to the barn for dinner.

I woke up at 12:06 in the morning with a warm feeling inside me. I stood up and walked around my bedroom, as If waiting for something. Jewel walked into my room and we both snapped out of our little trance. "Penny, what was that?" she asked me. I shrugged my shoulders.

Just then, I heard a panicked whinny from the barn. It sounded like Lady! I tiptoed downstairs and ran to the barn. I sprinted to Lady's stall, only to find her asleep. I heard the whinny again, and again. I walked outside the barn and looked around. Then, I saw it. It was the same horse that we saw earlier that day. He was standing next to us, waiting for us to mount.

Jewel swung her leg over is back and pulled herself up. I hopped in front of her, and as soon as we were ready, he took off. "What's his name?" Jewel cried.

A warm voice entered my head. "Kaipo." I said without knowing how I knew.

"What's that mean?" she asked.

"Sweetheart!" I called. As soon as I called him Kaipo, he slowed down, wanting us to get off.

Once we were down, he put his head against mine. The same voice entered my head. "Penny, there are four of us. We are real Penny, and we chose you and your sister to help us. You will meet the others in time, but you may never see me again. You will learn more as the other horses come, for that is all I can tell you. Goodbye, Penny." The voice said as Kaipo took his head off mine. He reared and took off.

"Kaipo..." I called. He threw his head up and whinnied. As he left, a new horse came rushing towards us. A Gypsy Vanner mare, with the same markings.

To be continued...
PS. PICS NEXT TIME!

Winterston Park - Part 1

by Jk442
(London)

"He's called Valerie, d'you like him?" My dad smiled down warmly at me, Valerie was my third horse and dad was a famous evener and show jumper and was starting out as a dressage rider. I should probably have been excited, after all, my dad was Danny McDonagh, the most celebrated horsey man in the world.

I shrugged "He's okay, I guess." The truth was he was a terrifying animal, 16.2hh, a fiery chestnut warmblood gelding prancing about in his new domain. Dominating it immediately.

"What? Hayley, this horse is absolutely amazing, and he cost a bomb! What are you trying to say?" My dad gaped.

Trying to act casually, I said "I dunno, I guess he's a bit intimidating" But I couldn't believe I had to ride him.

"Hmmph, whatever you say, Hay." He was upset. I suddenly felt awful, my dad bought me this horse, and I was being so ungrateful!

"Dad! I...I'm sorry, he's beautiful. Really."

"Sure, Hon, whatever you say..." He walked off, shoulders hunched.

I couldn't take back what I said, so I resolved it in my mind that I would fix it later. But for now, what was I going to do with my new, vicious-looking, horse?

"Well, I think he's beautiful. Valerie, that's a good name..." Said my best friend, Frankie.

"Mmm, yeah. I wish my dad bought me gorgeous warmbloods at the drop of a hat." Said my other best friend, Annie.

"He's totally scary!" I cried. As if to prove this fact, Valerie gave the stable door a vicious kick and lashed out at his water bucket, as well. I knew I would have to go into the stable and fix it up in a minute. Even that thought made me shiver!

"Sure!" They both said indignantly.

"It's probably just nerves."

"Oh, fine! We'll see, then, lets go and take the horses for a ride, shall we?"

"Ok."

It took me 45mins to tack up, by the time I was out, the yard was buzzing with people getting ready for rides and competitions, a typical saturday. My dad was competing today at Badminton Horse Trials, I wasn't watching, I hadn't watched in a while.

"You took long!" Frankie grinned.

"Too long!" Annie Laughed "Lets go!"

We had a good canter through the woods, and Valerie bucked, seven times, which made the canter much less enjoyable than I would have liked.

"Valerie looks like he's going well!" Annie yelled.

"Are you kidding?! His feet have hardly touched the ground since we set off!"

"Ah, well, he'll settle down in a few days!"

Frankie giggled "If he stops running on two legs!"

We all laughed for a while, before setting off home.

Later Frankie and I sat in the chill-out room, drinking lemonade and chatting with Carrie, a girl who competed with us at little competitions, sometimes. Then Annie's brother, Scott, walked into the room. He was dad's groom on the weekends and for competitions, whenever he needed him.

"Hey, Hayley, I... well I, umm... Just come with me. There is someone who needs to see you." I figured out that something was wrong when he sniffed, and I was really worried.

"Uh... Ok."

A policeman was standing in the stables when we arrived.

"Hello there, Miss... I need to talk to you... It's about your father. I'm sorry, but there was an accident on the road. He, well, he's... He's-"

"What?" I said softly "Why?"

"Well-"

"Go, please. Please, can you leave."

"I need to-"

"Please," I implored " Just go."

Wennie - Part 1

by Lauren
(U.S.A)

"Lilly, hurry up! You're going to miss your flight!"

I grabbed my suit case thinking about my trip that's going to happen. I was going to Australia to see my uncle and his barn. I lived in Maine so it would be a long flight. I thought about my first plane ride without my mother. I was scared by the thought.

"I can do this..." I said to myself. I ran down stairs. This is my big adventure.

The flight was long but with a bunch of horse magazines I survived. First thing I saw was my Uncle. He was standing there with a cowboy hat and boots. I loved my Uncle Don.

"Uncle Don!" I shouted. I ran to him and jumped in his arms.

"Hello, my beautiful Lilly." After we said our hellos we exited the airport and got in his pick up truck. The first thing I noticed was the Trailer.

"Uncle Don what's the......" I started. As if he read my mind he said,

"We have to make a quick stop." And smiled.

During the car ride I was so curious about what he meant. Finally I found out. (Keep an eye out for part 2!)

Touching Wild Ponies - Part 1

by Rayna
(Mesa, Arizona)

wild island pony

I sat wrapped in a blanket on my porch as 3:00 AM watching the waves crash onto the shore. The salty ocean spray fell then rose then fell. The sun was just barely rising and I wondered why so early. The bushes were all but a silhouette in the foggy morning sunrise. As I watched the waves something came into view. I stood up. I could barely see it as it was almost the pale white color of the ocean foam. It stood only 6.2 hands and it appeared to be eating the salty sea grass that grew just before the soft moist sand. As I wondered what it was, it hit me. A Pony! An Island pony! I longed to run up to it and stoke it and brush it until it's fur shone as bright as the waves themselves, but it was strictly forbidden. The island sheriff passed a law forbidding all inhabitants of the island from touching them. If you were caught breaking this law, you would be forced to move off of the island and pay a hefty fine, but I slowly stepped off my porch and drew closer to the pony. It was a milky white color with a black streaked mane. It was gorgeous. I peeked around. Knowing what would happen if I was caught, I thought against petting it. Something inside me told me not to touch, but it was only 3:00 in the morning! Who could see me. The pony could see me. I watched him lay his bright blue eyes on my hand that was outstretched towards his shoulder. I stared and stared. Debating on whether I should turn around, or pet him. Then something warm felt the palm of my hand. The pony knew what I had wanted! He scooted over just enough to touch me. I almost screamed. I was terrified! Afraid of getting caught, But I stroked him. His warm fur felt nice against my cold palm. It ran between my fingers and curled around them. This long shaggy white fur felt like a blanket. I was instantly engulfed in his body heat, and I felt as though I was in a dream. This was my first time ever breaking the law,and touching wild ponies.

Suddenly I heard a strange roaring sound that awoke me from my trance. the sheriff! He rode up on his quad and gazed at the pony. I raced and hid behind a bush and I watched what he did. "Hey princess." He said in his southern accent. I almost screamed as he reached out his hand and smacked the pony on her forehead. he looked around making sure nobody was watching. I tried to hold my breath. "Now git. I dun watch ya messin' up ma beaches! Git!" And he smacked her rump sending her galloping away. "Next time I see ya I'll bring ma gun!" Tears streamed down my face as he got on his quad an rode back to his shed.

Quickly and quietly I left my bush and ran towards my island house. I grabbed my blanket and ran inside. my mom was at the kitchen table. At 3:00 AM! "Did you have fun petting that pony." She looked furious. I felt the back of my neck get hot as I dropped my head down. "I'm sorry mama. But it wanted me to pet it!" "No. I don't need you to come up with your silly alabies sweetie. No more. If you pet any more ponies we'll get kicked off and have to pay a fine. You know we don't have the money right now!" "But mama the sheriff. He-" I began. "Go to bed." My mom said she sounded disappointed. I climbed the stairs and went into my room. As I lay in bed, I realized what I had done.


Look for part 2!

Angela's Journal - Part 1

by Abbie

CHAPTER 1


Saturday

I walked into the gallery because Jorja texted me saying that Raven was riding side-saddle! "Cool! that look's pretty scary! I would probably fall of if I trotted!" I said to Jorja as we watched "Yeah, me to. Anyway Jiggy would freak if I put that saddle on her back! Hey! Look! A jump is being put up!" Raven never jumps! "This will be good!" I said. Raven canter Garnet up to the jump, went up in the air, and landed on her but! "Is she okay!?" I asked, between mouthfuls of mars bar. "Yeah, she's getting back up. Come on, I need to bring in Jiggy."

I rode into the outdoor arena on Star along with Jorja and Jiggy. "Hey this side saddle stuff is easy!" said Matt, with one leg over his saddle. "That's what you think!" I said as Matt disappeared over the other side of Star. "Hey! NOT funny! I'd like to see you try!" he said. "Fine I will!" I didn't think he expected me to say yes. I pulled me right leg over the saddle just in time to see Jorja shake her head. It was actually quite easy. Better that what Matt did anyway!

Sunday

This morning when I went Star He was covered in mud! Today was show day! I brushed and brushed and scraped and scraped at his coat. "Jorja! HELP!" I shouted. "What wha- oh no." "Exactly! Well, grab a brush!" I only just finished brushing him when Connie called us saying it was time to go. We loaded the horses and went on the road. "I'm doing a side-saddle class!" boasted Raven "Well I'm doing a dressage class! I boasted back. We all laughed! We turned into the show grounds.

Second Chances (Part 1)

by Lex

Me and my Grandpa were at a horse auction to fill the stall that Simba used to live in. Sadly Simba became old and was very hard to get to a gallop. So we sold him to a stable that let's kid's with problems (Like handy cap, anger issues, and sickness) ride horses. My Grandpa seemed to like a bay Quarter Horse. But when he saw the price, he changed his mind.

A dapple grey mare caught my eye, but an 8 year old girl saw her too, and it was like love at first sight. Finally, when I was just about to give up, I saw her. She was a medium sized, black mare in a large round pen, running round and round, she was very sweaty, and didn't look to happy. When I walked up to her, she stopped running, looked right at me, and reared up as high as she could go. A man walked up to me, "Are you interested in this horse." He asked looking at the rearing mare. "Yes, I am." I said confidently. "Just take that beast. She was going to be sold to a slaughter house, but you can have her. I'll be back with some men to help you with her." He then walked away. I went to find my Grandpa. When we came back to the horse, 5 men were waiting for us. While my Grandpa showed the men to our trailer, the man I talked to before gave me some information on her. I found out that she was half Mustang half Brumby, 6 years old, used to be a bucking bronco at a, was abused, and she had no name.

When we got home, I put her in her stall. I had a lesson to teach so I was very busy. Our ranch let's kids ride and take care of our horses. I gave them lessons on how to tack up, how much to feed, how to ride, and the do's and don’ts. I went and got my other horse, Whisper. Whisper was the horse I rode bareback during the lessons. I show the kids how to do things they don't know how to do themselves with Whisper. She has been a great help. Plus she loves it when the kids give her treats. When we walked pass the new mare, Whisper stopped and looked at her. When Whisper tried to get close to the mare, she turned her back on Whisper and walked away. I patted her shoulder telling her that the horse is new and needs to settle in. When we got to the arena, I announced to the kids that the new mare was off limits for a while. They didn't mind, they all know that when a horse is new it is completely off limits until trust is gained.

After my lesson, I decided to put the mare with no name in the extra large arena. When I put her in, I noticed I forgot to put up the barrels I used in the lesson that day. Before I could do anything, she went to the end of the arena. She looked hard into my eyes as if she was telling me to time her, so I did. I pulled out my stopwatch. Suddenly she took off, I pressed the button to time her. She moved around the barrels so swiftly, I thought it was a dream. As soon as she was done, I pressed the button to stop the time. Her time was incredible, 13.4. “Wow, barrel racing is her destiny.” I said. Then it hit me. I decided to name her Destiny.

Serenity Farms - Part 1

by Tiger
(Virginia)

"Katie Parker you get that horse through that course correctly this time!" My trainer, Tim, yelled at me.

I was in the running for the Junior Olympics of Riding, and I really didn't want to blow it. I kicked Cricket, my bay show horse, into a canter and jumped her through the course for the millionth time.

"Katie, darling. You don't jump a fence, you soar over it. You need to focus on soaring. Do the course again." Tim said strictly.

"Tim, Cricket is tired and so am I. Can't we do this tomorrow?" I asked. Tim shook his head. I nudged Cricket into a canter and pointed her to the first jump - a double oxer in-and-out.

She started to refuse but I tapped her with my crop. She threw her front feet over the jump, and when we came down, she landed on her knees and we both went down.

"Katie, wake up!" Tim yelled at me. I sat up from my awkward position on the ground and straightened myself out. I wasn't hurt, just kinda sore (so much for soaring, Tim!) Then I remembered Cricket's fall. I look up at Tim quickly.

"She's over there being checked by the vets." He said quietly. I stood up and ran to where the big white van was parked.

"How is she?" I called. The vet sighed.

"She has a broken leg, Ms. Parker. If you know what's best, you'll have her put down."

"No!" I cried out. The vet laid a hand on my shoulder. I grabbed Cricket and hugged her. "You can't go! I love you." I whispered into her warm neck.

As soon as I backed away from her, she collapsed on the ground. I cried as I threw myself onto her back. She took her last breath, and nickered her goodbyes.

"Katie, I brought you some tea." My Mom said as I woke up the next day.

"Why Cricket?" I asked Mom. She shrugged her shoulders sadly.

"Honey, I know your going through a lot right now, so it's hard to tell you this, but I got a job offer at a barn called Serenity Farms. We would live in the house above the barn. It will ease you back into horses." Mom explained.

"How can you say that?! I can't be around horses! Cricket was the only horse I could ever win on! It doesn't even matter that I loved her, because we never even got to win! This is all Tom's fault." I cried. Mom stood up.

"Young lady, you are thirteen, not twenty five, and that was the worst thing you have ever said. I let you ride because I thought you loved horses. But you just wanted to win. I should have known better. Riding is nothing without the love of horses." She said as she left the room.

I sighed. I didn't think she was right, but inside, I knew the real answer.

COMMENT FOR THE NEXT PART! IT GETS BETTER!

Smokey - Part 1

by Joanna (Jo)
(Texas)

This is my first story, so sorry if it isn't the best.

Beep, Beep, Beep!

Anne swung her legs out of bed and sped to the bathroom before her brothers Nick and Max got there.

"Anne, get out! I have to go to the bathroom!" Nick shouted.

"Not done yet," Anne said casually.

Anne got down to the breakfast table at 7:00, her new record. She plopped down right across from her dad, who, as always, was wearing a suit with a plain red tie.

"Good morning, Dada," Anne sang cheerfully.

"Morning Anne," replied her dad.

"Dada, I was wondering if I could go over to Shelby's house today after school. She said that if I could, I might get to ride Phantom!" exclaimed Anne, obviously excited.

"Who's Phantom?"

Anne's jaw dropped at her father's redundant question, but continued anyway, "He's only Shelby's horse."

"No," he replied plainly.

"But why not?"

"I don't want you riding some horse that I don't know,"

"He's not..."

"Anne, I'm here! Let's not be late for school this time!" yelled Anne's best friend Shelby.
Anne walked out onto the porch with tears gleaming in her eyes. From the way she looked, Shelby thought best not to talk on the way to school.

They hopped in the car and Shelby's mom drove down the dusty winding road. Anne kept a steady gaze out the window at Colorado's gorgeous purple mountains.

"I can't come to your house and ride Phantom," Anne mumbled quietly to Shelby.

"Well, maybe some other time," Shelby insisted.

"Maybe," Anne whispered dreamily, marking the end to their conversation.

When they go to the middle school, Anne got out first to go to the girls' restroom to check if her eyes were red. Shelby followed Anne, but when they stepped into the bathroom, she sat down and started bawling into her hands.

"Anne,I know your dad won't let you come over because you might get to ride Phantom, but I can come over and explore that new place you found in the forest," Shelby comfortingly suggested.

"I know, but I'm just worried that Dad won't ever let me get a horse!" Anne cried.

Shelby sat down next to Anne and put her arm around her shoulders to calm her down. After a while, Anne settled enought to talk.

"Shelby, we better get to class," Anne grumbled.

"Are you sure? Do you want to stay here a little longer?" Shelby asked worriedly.

"I'm sure, plus it might get my mind off of the fact that Dad hates horses and won't ever let me get near one," Anne replied angrily.

"Let's go then," Shelby grunted as she grabbed Anne's hand and pulled her up.

After school, Anne became much like herself again, cheerful, funny, and didn't mention her father.

Sorry, I will write more soon, I didn't have much time. Please comment if you have suggestions, or if you liked it, or anything really. By the way, I wrote this for a story we had to write in class, and it was my own idea. Thanks for reading. :)

Red Velvet - Part 1 (not a real story) PLEASE COMMENT!

by Dallas
(Ridgway)

At the time, I was only three weeks old. I was frantic and running around in the small box stall... My mother was outside the box stall, with our nice owner by her side slowly taking her last breaths. Somehow she caught a disease and was dieing. I watched, my eyes confused. It had all happened so quickly.

The vet walked over to my stall and opened the door. I ran to him and threw my muzzle against his stomach.

"How is she, is she gonna be all right?" I repeated he did not answer. I screamed it over and over again. He kneeled down and stroked my velvety coat.

"It's all OK... You'll be alright."

"What about MUM?" He acted as if he could not hear me.

All of the sudden I heard balling. I darted forward to go to my mom, but the vet's sturdy arm caught me. He shut the door and walked beside my mother. She was gone.....

That day about an hour after my mom was transported to a small grave they built, the vet took me off of their shoulder's, meaning I would live with him. I was welcomed by a cozy stall with lots of straw and a blanket to lie on, then quickly relieved with a warm bottle of milk.

Creamy, rich milk squirted onto my tongue. My eyes closed as it soothed my body of the traumatic day that occurred, and I got to know and love the vet for four months before he sent me a mile away to a racing stable, called Oak Grove Stables.

Two years later, I am now called Red Velvet, Velvet for short. My coat is shiny red like embers that are still hot in a campfire. My rider, Sky, loves to take me out in the mornings for a short glory ride on the track, sometimes, like today, with another person.

Me and a bay filly called Pine lined up at a certain place and our riders settled in and gathered the reins, while a person at the gate held up a gun, and counted down to herself.

My feet pranced slowly as I looked at the track I would be racing on. My ears shot forward as the gun went off.



READ SECOND ONE
RED VELVET 2
C-O-M-M-E-N-T-!

Horses and their owners - Part 1

Joe walked to the stables. When he arrived, he started to dance.

"What are you doing Joe?" asked Jane, Joe's mum, who was feeding the horses.

"Um...nothing."

"I just saw you..."

"NOTHING!" Shouted Joe. He started to cry, and ran away, into his room.

"Oh dear." Said Jane. She gave Wallace and Horace, Dennis and Gemima a carrot each. Horace snorted.

"Well you're not getting two." Said Jane.

Later she went to see Joe. He was still crying in his room.

"Joe?"

"Go away." He mumbled.

She walked in.

"Do you want to talk about it?" She asked.

"No."
"Alright. Hey, it's your birthday in two months, what design on the cake do you want?"

"Spiderman."

"Alright. Um, Joe, are you thinking about getting a job yet?"

"No. I'm happy where I am."

"It's just, you're nearly thirty four, wouldn't you like your own place?"

"No."

Back in the stable the horses were talking.

"Was Joe trying to dance earlier? He looked ridiculous." Snorted Wallace.

"You're so mean." Said Dennis.

"I'm just saying. Anyway, how old is he now? shouldn't he have moved out by now?" Queried Wallace.

"Maybe he likes it here??" Wondered Gemima.

"Shut up!'' Yelled Horace. "I'm trying to sleep."

Part two coming soon...ish.

Silent Trust - Part 1

by Rayna
(Mesa, Arizona)

Stormy

I woke up to a horrible screeching noise, and the rancid smell of smoke. I crinkled my nose in disgust assuming somebody tried to make breakfast. I quietly stepped down stairs. Having very sensitive ears, the fire alarm gave me a headache. As I entered the kitchen I gasped. My 5 year old Brother Travis was standing on the counter next to the stove that was on fire! "Travis!" I yelled.

Suddenly the fire alarm became much louder, filling my head sending me to a daze. It ricocheted through my head bombarding me with a migraine. A sudden pop awoke me from my daze, then all fell silent. It was an eerie alone Silence. Not the regular you would find in an empty home. Though Travis was still covering his ears. That was strange. The migraine became so bad that it sent me to my knees. Travis was mouthing words at me with a horrified look on his face. "What?" I asked. I gasped. I was certain I had just said what, but I didn't hear it. I screamed till I could scream no more, but I heard nothing. Absolutely nothing. All was silent, except the gentle ring that filled my head.

I spent many long silent weeks in my bed, longing to get up and stretch my legs, but every time I did, my head felt like a hundred ton weight on a frail stick. Being 11 I get lonesome easy, and this was one of those times. I figured out that the "pop" I had heard, was my ear drum. The fire alarm had caused me to lose my ability to hear, therefore I had gone deaf.

My family communicated with me by writing on a paper. Many a day, a doctor would enter my room and push some weird object into my ear, then shaking his head at my mom, he would leave. I often wished to go out and play, but after 3 long weeks, my migraine had come no where close to subsiding.

It felt weird being in a home where a girl of 11 was the oldest of 5 kids. Kamila was the youngest, 1 year. Next came Lowell, 3 years, Then Travis 5, and last came Sophie, 8. My house was usually very noisy, but for me it was still. I kicked and screamed often realizing how frustrating this was sometimes. But the worst part was, I was a horse fanatic, but I could not ride because I was deaf. I hadn't seen my beautiful horse in over 3 weeks. It made me feel depressed knowing how different I was.

It has now been 5 weeks since the tragic event, and my migraine ceased on the 3rd day of the 4th week. We were told many times in my family not to keep secrets, but I had a huge one. Ever since my migraine had left, I have been sneaking out of the house at night, and riding my horse. But just a week ago I realized what a big mistake that was. One night I awoke at around 2:45 AM and slipped on my riding boots,and still wearing my pajamas, I stole downstairs. I trudged across the the mud and over to the stable.My beautiful thoroughbred gelding, Stormy, was there to greet me. He poked his head over his stall door and pushed his nuzzle into my chest. He knew I was ill, but he participated in the event. I unlatched his stall door and tacked him up. Then I mounted. I felt small and weak upon this beautiful trustworthy beast.

I had this strange feeling, but I shrugged it off. "Go boy." I whispered. he galloped for little over an hour until he suddenly slowed to a stop. He would not go any further. I urged him on but he didn't move. I watched his ears swivel around wildly and he huffed out a heavy sigh. He trotted to the side. "Whoa boy." I whispered. Suddenly his ears flew back, his eyes widened and he reared! I caught a slight glimpse of a rattle snake behind a rock! If I had heard it, I would have known! Stormy landed hard on the ground then reared again! This time I could not hold the reigns, and I fell from the saddle. My boot caught in the stirrup as Stormy galloped away! The fall knocked the wind out of me,and I could not utter a single word. I strained to keep my head above the ground when my foot fell from the stirrup and I landed hard on the ground. Bright lights and worried faces swirled around me as my world faded like a burning photo.

The Strong Stallion part1

by Megan
(brotton england)

This story is completely made up. If you dont believe me you wont find it as a book anywhere. Enjoy,rate and comment!

I got home for the weekend as usual i went upstairs before anyone could stop me.I ran upstairs remembering the day my horse marieke died in the pasture outside my window.I opened the window and blew a kiss to mariekes now empty stall. I flicked open my notepad and looked through all the pictures and stories of me and marieke. My mom shouted me for tea as usual i left all my meat as I'm a vegetarian.

It was soon 9 o,clock i went and got washed and climbed into my pjs. I soon fell asleep dreaming about marieke. I was woken by my brother that morning i pushed him onto the floor and climbed out of bed to get dressed."what took you so long?" questioned jake one of my two very annoying older brothers."you know how i hate getting out of bed on a saturday morning" i replied."Oh shutup lazy lara"said jake. I ragged at his hair and dragged him out the room. After breakfast i got in the car full of excitement.Oh i forgot to tell you my aunt and uncle are taking me to the horse market to get another horse AMAZING!

A Filly called Sky - Part 1

by Gracie

Ring!!!

The school bell finally rang and Janessa Smith was the first one to leave, she hurried down the crowded hallway and ran over to the school door. She looked around but she couldn't see her mother anywhere.

“How could she be late today!” She muttered quietly to herself, just then her mother's small silver car came driving into the parking lot, elated Janessa ran to her mother.

“Can we go now?” Her mother sighed.

“Janessa it might not be the right horse for you darling, she looks very scruffy.” How could Janessa's mom think the horse wasn't right for her, she was amazing with horses and her mother didn't know the first thing about horses. Besides how could a beautiful dapple grey filly not be absolutely perfect for her?


Janessa ran to the car as fast as she could, eager to see her new pony that she was getting! “Come on mom let's get going!” Janessa shouted frustratedly.

“Alright I'm coming, but we have to pick up your little sister from ballet first.”

Janessa's little sister Mia loved ballet and went five times a week, she had everything tutus, ballet shoes, leotards, five hundred ballerina dolls and was always bragging and whining.

”Aww.. I really want to go see my new filly!” Janessa sulked.

“Well do you expect me to leave her there! We will go see your filly after we get her, we already half way to the ballet place anyway.”

Please Comment if you want a part 2!

The Night of the Eclipse - Part 1

by Lillie
(Oregon)

I could hear my dress rip behind me. The bueatiful bow i hade once worn was now about fifty feet behind me. I was breathing so hard but not because i was scared, because i was excited. The long, swift breathing body carringing me was excited to.

My stallion, Eclipse was only two but she had the bravery of a elleven year old horse. Her body was pitch black besides the bright white star on her forhead.

Anyway i was running from captivity or so it seamed. Mom always raps me up in bows and pink dressess...YUCK!

All i ever want to do is ride. Me and Eclips ran throught the trees it felt like i was flying. Suddenly darkness fell, no it wasn't night it was pitch black. I couldn't find Eclips anywere.

"Eclipse! Eclipse!" I desspratly tried to say but my voice couldn't be heard. Then i saw it, a small light at the end of the path. I crawled my way to it, afraid to gat up and hit mey head on a low branch.

As soon as i was at the light I looked around, i couldn't breath. There standing infront of me was.......
TO BE CONTINUED

Saving Euphoria - Part 1

by Hedy
(London, England)