Chapter 7

“See you in the winner’s circle!” Sherry laughed.

Alone at last with my horse to enjoy what had happened, I was annoyed when the tall man appeared at my side. But he simply smiled and moved on.

The loudspeaker blared out the results—our team had won by a massive margin.

Sherry reappeared. “Come on! Mount up! Time to get our ribbons!”

All the team members entered the arena on horseback with us, and lined up according to their placings. I noted how they carefully positioned themselves as far away as possible from the blue canopy.

The judge walked down the line to arrange the sashes and attach ribbons round each horse’s neck, beginning with the last placed team.

It was now late afternoon, and the four retired geldings had just been turned out into the field next to the arena. Excited to be free and roused by the wind, they were bucking and galloping and squealing for joy.