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the special ceremony tomorrow so I hope, hope, hope Mum and Dad can both make it. It would be so cool to have everyone together for the big day.’
    I’m busy wondering if Rupert has figured out that it’s his big day when Jamie walks in. Rupert reaches his head out towards him and nuzzles him.
    â€˜Hi Sophie. Today was a bit of a turn up, wasn’t it?’ Jamie says.
    â€˜It sure was,’ Sophie answers. ‘First my dad and then your granddad! It’s just a pity Ben’s dad couldn’t be there.’
    â€˜He seemed really down in the dumps today, didn’t he? And then when Skippy took off like that, he looked so frightened.’
    Poor Skippy flinches beside me.
    â€˜I really hope he’s okay. I was so worried,’ she says quietly, and all of a sudden I’m very proud of my little Sophie. I just knew there was a big well of kindness in there somewhere.
    â€˜Do you think your granddad will make it to the ceremony tomorrow?’ Sophie asks Jamie.
    â€˜I don’t know. Today really tired him out, so we’ll have to wait and see. Kate says she’ll light the big heater in the viewing gallery and help make him as comfortable as possible, so who knows?’
    â€˜I hope he can come. It’s going to be brilliant! The arena looks so beautiful now with all the decorations, and Kate said there’ll be pony prizes too,’ Sophie says excitedly. ‘I’m going to make sure Parsley’s shining like a new conker!’

    â€˜You really love her don’t you?’ Jamie says.
    â€˜She’s my favourite horse in the whole world. Mum and Dad actually offered to buy her for me, but what’s the point in that? I’d miss the fun of coming here !’
    My ears prick up at this. Imagine being with my Sophie every day! I would be so clean I’d sparkle, and I’d have all the best gear. But then again, I’d be away from the other horses, and let’s face it, we do understand each other. I don’t think I could imagine living anywhere other than the Pony Palace.
    â€˜At least when I come here someone has to come with me,’ Sophie explains. ‘That way Mum and Dad have to leave work behind and spend some time with me. And besides …

    I get to see you and Ben and all the other riders.’ She smiles. ‘The Pony Palace has taught me a lot about making friends.’
    I reach my head out to Sophie and nicker softly to tell her how proud I am. I’m so happy that things are on the up for her. She’s finally made some real friends, and I can see that her parents really love her, even though they don’t always have the time to show it.
    Speaking of love, I think we ponies had better cheer Skippy up a bit. Rupert’s really good at that kind of thing, actually. He gives the best advice – probably because he’s been at the Pony Palace longer than anyone else. I hope he’ll have a word with Skippy tonight. We can’t have her down in the dumps with the big day just round the corner!

Chapter Twelve

    U sually I hate big, fussy events, but I have to say that the arena looks fantastic today. It’s Sunday and the place is buzzing, and even I can’t help but get into the cheerful spirit that’s swirling around here. The viewing gallery is full of mums and dads and we ride into the arena to a big round of applause.
    â€˜That’s it, Rupert. Walk tall and proud!’ Jamie says, which is a bit difficult when you’ve got ribbons sticking out of your saddle.
    Jamie’s granddad’s here again, wrapped up in a warm blanket in his moving chair. He’s got a little more colour in his cheeks today, so I think he must be feeling a bit better.
    Jamie’s beaming from ear to ear. Kate has asked all the junior riders to line up here today for some kind of special prize-giving. There are ponies and cobs and riders of all ages.
    â€˜Good afternoon, ladies, gentlemen and