The Yard by Grace Olson

Author:Grace Olson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Brown Dog Books

Chapter 20

Spring was almost becoming summer. The hedgerows were bursting with life and were ablaze with colour. My life felt like it was also bursting as I now had even more to do than usual, thanks to Poppy.

Florence was keener than ever on riding and had joined a pony club at a lovely riding school, which of course involved a lot of to-ing and fro-ing. However, I loved watching her enjoying her riding because it reminded me of myself at her age. She was a natural at riding so watching her was a tremendous joy and it was wonderful to feel proud of her.

Although it felt good to have such a full life that didn’t just revolve round household chores, I was aware that once again, I was putting a lot of heart into a horse that did not belong to me. I wouldn’t have minded so much if it had been an easier horse like Monty or Lucy. Poppy was harder in so many ways. She was so big that grooming took ages, she was so nervy I was always worried I’d end up getting injured and she was so fast it terrified me.

“Why am I putting so much effort into somebody else’s horse?” I asked Jack and Sally as we leaned over the gate, watching the horses. Buddy was lying nearby, lazily flicking flies with his tail as it was a particularly hot day.

“Because that’s what you always do,” answered Jack with perfect insight into my character.

“What do you mean?” I asked haughtily. My ego was annoyed by the fact that she was totally right.

“Well, you always feel responsible for every horse you loan and end up doing too much. You can’t help it – it’s in your nature,” she said matter-of-factly.

“You’re right,” I sighed, “but at least the others were easier horses!”

“Well, why is that so bad, anyway?” asked Sally. “It’s a free horse and you’ll be learning loads from her. It sounds like a pretty good deal to me!”

“I’d love a free horse,” said Jack, “but not one like Poppy. I honestly don’t know how you dare ride her!”

“I don’t know either – I must be mad.” I grimaced.

Just at that moment, Poppy, who had been quietly grazing, decided something was terrifying. She squealed, leaped into the air and galloped off madly, holding her tail high like an Arab and snorting like an absolute nutter. This set all the other horses off, except for Buddy and Malcolm, who couldn’t be bothered to move. I wished I had a Buddy or a Malcolm.

“Oh my God, she’s so fast! Look at her go!” exclaimed Sally, laughing.

I wasn’t laughing. I was feeling nauseous, thinking, Christ, I hope she doesn’t do that while I’m sitting on her!

“Where is her owner?” asked Sally.

“Oh, she’s so busy she doesn’t have time for horses,” I replied. “I actually saw her recently and she said she would try to find out where Poppy came from.”

“Well, I think it’s a brilliant opportunity and you should make the most of it!” said Sally enthusiastically.

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