Chances by Ruth Saberton

Author:Ruth Saberton [Saberton, Ruth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: horse, Saberton, teachers, dressage, Teacher, rivals, show jumping, burghly, show jumper, chances, ponies, Arab horse, Female, Saga, livery, Katy Carter, pony, land rover, Ruth Saberton, farmer, Cornwall, Richard Madeley, Family, Friendship, equine, horses, England, animals, Romance, badminton, equestrian, Arabian Horse, care, Polwenna Bay, Family Saga, bully, bullying, hospital, Love Romance, Polwenna, fiction, livery yard, olympics, social worker, Daily Mail, young adult, paddock, foster care, English, truant, dog, school, stables, Love, Drama
Publisher: Notting Hill Press
Published: 2016-12-17T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

“It’s probably just concussion but she’ll need to be checked out. Hopefully nothing too serious, but you can never be too careful.”

The paramedic’s words are reassuring but Drake doesn’t look convinced. The shock of seeing Emily unconscious and the drama of calling an ambulance has really shaken him.

“There’s nothing broken?”

“Not as far as we can tell. She’ll have an X ray on her arm but I’d put money on the fact it’s just a sprain. You did everything exactly right. She’s had a nasty tumble and she’ll feel rough for a day or two but she’ll be fine.”

Emily is inside the ambulance with Malcolm. It’s only the second time I’ve laid eyes on him but I’m impressed by how concerned he is for Emily. It’s good to know that not all Dads push off when there’s trouble.

“If you lot must sit on horses! Nasty beasts, dangerous at both ends,” the paramedic adds when Drake fails to reply but even this attempt at humour fails to raise a smile.

Once the ambulance has left, Drake and I take the horses back to the yard. Neither of us feels like talking and it’s only once the stable chores are done and the horses turned out that he comes to find me and delivers a mug of coffee. Taking it, I follow him into the sunshine and perch on the mounting block.

“I’d have put something stronger in it but you’re too young,” he teases.

“Where I come from they’re necking cider by twelve,” I reply, wrapping my cold fingers around the mug.

Drake gives me a sideways look. “Something tells me you’re not joking.”

I think about the Shakespeare Estate with its boarded up shops, graffiti and air of utter hopeless and I can’t think of anything to laugh about.

“It’s a bit different to here,” is all I say. “Not many horses.”

“So how come you’re such a fantastic rider?”

“Fantastic? Me? I don’t think so.”

“Come on, Amber, let’s not bother being modest. How the Hell you got Chances over the jumps like that is nothing short of a miracle. You’re a natural horsewoman and you’ve got talent. We both know that if you were in Emily’s shoes you’d be flying.” He takes a sip of coffee and then says innocently, “It’s almost like you’ve jumped Chances before.”

I’m suddenly absolutely fascinated by the cobblestones. Hmm. They need a sweep.

“I’m not an idiot, Amber,” Drake says. “And you don’t always brush those bridle marks away as well as you think you do.”

I look up, shocked.

“I know you’ve been riding him and I haven’t said anything because…” he shakes his head as he searches for the words, “I guess because I like the horse and I like you too. You’re both rebellious and spirited and independent and you make a good team. You’re both talented too but when that talent isn’t channeled there’s trouble – as I imagine your teachers know.”

My eyes are wide at this unexpected praise.

“But now, after seeing this display, I can’t keep quiet anymore. There’s no way you’re to ride Chances, Amber.

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