Pony Rebellion by Janet Rising

Author:Janet Rising
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
Published: 2012-04-10T16:00:00+00:00

We all stood in a circle in the school, the ponies’ heads pointing toward the middle, like the spokes in a wheel.

“Go ahead, Pia,” said Katy. “You put it to the ponies. Ask them what they want in return for doing the ride.”

I asked them. I explained about how we wanted them to be on board with the whole ride idea. How we didn’t expect them to do all the work for nothing and how we would be happy for them to have a week off after the ride or whatever they wanted. They only had to name it, I said.

After a moment or two, Bambi replied.

“No, thanks. We thought you might come up with an incentive scheme, but we, all of us, feel that if we give in this time, who knows where it will end. So sorry, the answer is no. Thanks.” I told the others.

“Try James’s scheme—I mean, idea,” whispered Katy.

So I did. Told the ponies how, if they lived in some countries abroad, they’d have to work all day, without enough food or water, be beaten and overworked. Wouldn’t they do this activity ride for us and be grateful that their lives were so much better than those poor abused animals?

Apparently not. The answer was still no. They sympathized, they said, but no. Sorry.

“Try Bean’s idea,” Katy hissed. Everyone nodded.

“What was Bean’s idea?” I hissed back.

“Er, oh yes, appealing to their better nature,” explained Katy.

“Don’t you think we’re barking up the wrong tree with that one?” I asked everyone. “Bearing in mind that the ponies didn’t buy the abused equines abroad tactic?”

“Try it anyway,” said James.

So I did. Told them we thought they were wonderful to have been so good during the first few practices and were sure they could do the same for the remaining ones. Said that we were all dying to do the extravaganza, and that all the ponies would be stars on the night and greatly admired by all, not to mention being thoroughly thanked by us. Same story. No. I didn’t even get a sorry out of them this time. Better nature? Some chance!

“That’s it, then,” sighed Katy. “That’s all the best ones used up.”

“We could…” began Dee.

“Don’t go there, Dee!” threatened James.

“Won’t the ponies even consider any of our suggestions?” Katy asked, unable to quite believe it. Her bewilderment was understandable—Bluey was such a genuine pony and not on the others’ side at all. She couldn’t understand how they could feel so strongly about it.

“They just refuse to consider anything I’ve put to them,” I explained. “It’s like pushing a boulder up a hill.”

“But they’re being so, so unreasonable!” Katy said, her voice rising.

“Yes, I know, I keep telling you!” I said, my voice doing the same.

Katy went into one. “Honestly,” she ranted at the ponies, “I’m so disappointed in you all. I’d have thought you’d all want to help a worthy cause like Riding for the Disabled, but instead you’re all behaving in a petty manner and rebelling and being so mean you could all take joint first prize in a Who’s-the-meanest-pony-ever? competition.

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