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– I couldn’t really concentrate properly and I don’t think he could either. After what felt like for ever it was time for the Chase Me Charlie. Our future was about to be decided.
    As Sally was setting up the jump, my mates rode up beside me. “Good luck, Mil,” said Zoe.
    â€œYeah, go for it,” Amy added. “You can win this.”
    â€œThanks,” I said, trying to think positive too.
    The first pole was barely off the ground and we all jumped it, no problem. The next couple of rounds were fine too. Then Evie and Elizabeth bowed out, seeing as they only started jumping this week. We all gave them a big clapand cheer for having a go, and they looked really pleased with themselves.
    After two more rounds, Zoe had the pole down. Everyone went, “Oooh!” and “Never mind,” but she was just grinning at me! 

    Then, well, I don’t know what happened, but seconds after Amy set off, there was a big crash and the pole and one of the jump stands were on the floor. Amy insisted later that cheeky Mischief had ploughed straight through the jump and got them knocked out – but I’m not so sure. I reckon she did it on purpose to give me more chance of winning. She swears she didn’t, but… Well, I guess I’ll never find out!
    I had a lucky break in the next round when Jewel rushed at the jump and had the pole down. Everyone gasped – they couldn’t believeAngelika was out so early in the competition. And then Tally typically (and helpfully!) did a huge leap over, knocked the pole off, and nearly sent Kasia flying. Luckily, she managed to grab his mane and hang on, but what a little monkey!
    So there we were – me, Irenka and Zuzanna – and I felt like bowing out, running up here to my room, sticking my head under the covers and having a big cry about losing Magic. But I didn’t, of course. Helping him to be brave has made me remember how brave I am too, and I knew we had to keep going. I took a deep breath and made myself think extra positive as Sally put the top pole up another notch.
    Zuzanna and Charm sailed over. It was like they weren’t even trying. Then it was our turn. I gave Magic a pat. “Come on, boy, I know we can do this,” I told him. We trotted a circle, went into canter on the straight and…
    We were over!
    â€œWhoopee!” I cried, then leaned forward to give Magic a big hug. 

    When Irenka and Flame went over I held my breath, willing them to knock the pole off, but they cleared it.

    And up it went.
    I don’t really know what happened next. Maybe Zuzanna and Charm were too relaxed. In a flash Charm had whacked the pole with a foreleg and down it came. Everyone went, “Ohhhh!” in sympathy, while I tried to stop myself from cheering !
    So in the end it was between me and Irenka. She grinned at me, and I forced myself to smile back. Her friends and family all started cheering her on, and Mum, Dad, Zoe and Amy began chanting for me.
    My heart pounding, I nudged Magic into trot then canter, focused past the jump and over we went … with a CLUNK.
    My heart sank – Magic had nudged the pole with a hind leg. I glanced behind us, expecting to see it on the ground, but no – it was still up! Wobbling, but still up! I stared hard at it, willing it to stay put. After what felt like for ever it came to a stop!

    Zoe, Amy, Mum and Dad were going wild, cheering for us. Then Irenka’s family started chanting her name as she set off and picked up trot, then canter. Flame seemed to speed up very suddenly, then they were up, and CLUNK, one of her hind hooves hit the pole too, exactlyas Magic’s had. Irenka looked back anxiously and I stared hard at the pole. Wobble. Still up. Wobble. Still up. It felt like for ever. Then … THUD.
    The pole was down.
    I could hardly take it in, but … we’d won!
    All I could do was hug Magic’s neck, as tears of relief ran down my cheeks.