Pony Surprise Read Online Free PDF

children,’ Kate says. She’s speaking into something black and shiny that makes her voice boom out across the crowd.
    â€˜I am really pleased that so many of you could make it here today to see your children on horseback,’ she says. ‘I know that you all have very busy schedules, and the boys and girls and I really appreciate you coming. Today is a very big day in the history of the Pony Palace, but I don’t want to give the surprise away just yet!’
    She smiles at the adults and gives the kids a big thumbs-up. Jenny, her assistant, is standing beside her with a box of brightly coloured packages. Jamie waves at his granddad who’s sitting beside Mr and Mrs Walker. His granddad smiles and waves back and although Sophie’s dad is gabbling away in his ear, I can tell that Mr Hall is really just concentrating on Jamie.
    â€˜First of all, I would like to award some prizes,’ Kate goes on. ‘Our riders have worked hard all year. There have been tears and laughter, clear jumps and occasional falls, progress and mistakes – but they’ve come back week after week to try it all again. I’m proud of each and every one of them.’
    Kate smiles and there’s a big round of applause from the audience.
    â€˜My first prize today is for dressage,’ she announces and hands out a rosette and one of the packages to one of the older girls. Then she gives out prizes for rising trots, balancing, jumping – all kinds of things. Then she announces Sophie’s name for ‘best care taken with her pony’, and Parsley and Sophie ride forward and get a rosette and a present each. Parsley looks like the cat that’s got the cream. That mare is so vain – though I have to admit, she does look pretty good. Kate gives her a halved apple and she happily gobbles it up.
    â€˜My next prize is for hard work and giving extra help around the Pony Palace. The award goes to … Ben Corrigan!’
    The audience claps and Ben rides forward on Skippy to accept his award. Skippy even gets a rosette for being ‘one of the most enthusiastic ponies at the Pony Palace.’ What Kate means is that Skippy goes way too fast, but I suppose she’s trying to be nice – something I’ve actually started to try out myself.
    Ben dismounts and receives his prize. He pats Skippy on the shoulder before he gets back on and I’m genuinely glad that they’re friends again. Skippy has been even grumpier than me since they fell out, so I’m glad Ben’s forgiven her. Then, just as Ben climbs back on there’s a loud whistle from the crowd.
    â€˜Thatta boy, Ben!’ someone shouts.
    A man in a jacket and jeans is waving from the viewing gallery. Ben waves back and shouts ‘Hi Dad!’ at the top of his voice. Skippy moves closer to the viewing gallery as if to say hello.
    â€˜I’m really proud of you, Ben,’ the man shouts. ‘You look like a real rider!’
    â€˜I am a real rider, Dad!’ Ben shouts back, beaming from ear to ear.
    His dad smiles and sits down next to Ben’s mum. Ben rides back into the line, looking happier than I’ve ever seen him.
    â€˜I’m so pleased for Ben,’ Jamie tells me quietly. ‘It looks like everyone’s going to have the best day ever, Rupert.’
    Kate’s talking to the audience again.
    â€˜My last prizes today go to a very special team. Here at the Pony Palace, we have a rider and a horse who’ve stuck with each other through thick and thin. This prize is for Jamie Hall, who never gives up and never gives in.’
    There’s another big round of applause as Jamie squeezes and I walk forward. I’m really glad for him. He deserves this.
    â€˜And last, but definitely not least,’ Kate adds, ‘is my award to Jamie’s partner, Rupert. Rupert, this prize is for you.’
    She stops for a moment and it looks like there are tears in her