Emma keeps her Thoroughbred horse, Wisdom, at Blakewell Stables, where Ms Larimar is the barn instructor. But Emma has a major problem. Wisdom rushes his fences, which stands in the way of Emma’s ambitions to compete with him in events one day.<br><br>The other riders at the barn ask Emma and her wild horse to leave their group lessons. Emma is already riding on a shoestring and her finances are severely stretched by expensive private sessions with Ms. Larimar, yet Wisdom doesn’t improve and the instructor gives up on her. Enter horse trainer and television star, Jason Etaloni. Will Jason's knowledge and experience be able to reign in Emma's wild steed? Or will she be forced to put Wisdom out to pasture for good?

Shoestring Rider

Jason turned to his audience: “Has Emma shown up yet?”


He means me!Emma’s heart was thumping. Self-consciously she raised her hand behind the others’ heads.


“Ah, hello!” the Great Man said. “I’d like a quiet word with you after this session, if that’s all right with you?”


Emma nodded her assent, knees wobbling precariously. Ms Larimar looked up at her ex-student with a wan smile. Everyone was looking at the woman on the mounting block.


Until Jason spoke again. “Okay. Beatrice, pick up the reins and we’ll take Turnbull over a couple more fences. Next time, young lady,” he addressed Jackie, “I want to see you ride your own horse!”


Standing just inside the arena, to move poles and stands for Jason when required, Jackie looked a little sheepish as she smiled a reply.


Emma guessed she’d felt too overwhelmed by this famous man’s presence to ride Turnbull herself. And doubtless Ms Larimar had offered with alacrity to put her good self under his tuition in lieu of the horse’s owner.


Chapter 9