"I can't!" Shara had shouted.

Buffy had broken into a canter.

"Hang on!"

"I'm trying to!"

Buffy tore across the paddock at fall gallop, spooked by the sound of her own hooves and the shouting of the people. Her ears were pinned back and the wind blew her tail out like a streamer. Shara's small hands were not strong enough. She felt herself slipping sideways. The ground rushed up towards her...

But that was two years ago. She was bigger now, and stronger. If only she could have another pony, she would show her father how good at riding she was.

The car slowed down and stopped.

"Clegg Stud," said Shara's Dad, reading the large, hand-painted sign at the gate, "By the look of that sign-writing I'd say they're not registered with anyone!"

"Ponies!" said Shara pointing.

Through the barrier of thin, delicate silver birches, she could see at least a dozen ponies, with mares nearby, and farther away even more horses.

"Tell her to shut up, Dad!" said Linda, Shara's older sister.

"Why should I?" said Dad, "There's nothing wrong with loving ponies?"

"She's a baby!" said Linda.

"I can't help it if I love ponies!" said Shara, "They're lovely, lovely lovely!"

"Did she have to come with us?" snapped Linda.

"Of course she did," said Dad, turning into the driveway, "She's just as keen on ponies and horses as you. I'm not leaving her at home just because you want me to."

"I hate her!" said Linda.

Shara ignored her sister's words and kept her eyes glued on the ponies. The car lurched and wobbled as it made its way up the rough driveway. There were potholes and puddles, like a stretch of no-man's land, all the way to the end.