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“I’m so proud of you!” I cried. Magic, MY pony Magic, snorted and shook his head, and I knew he was proud of himself, too. Yes, we’d shown a lot of determination and tried hard. But in the end it was that little bit of luck that clinched it for us.

    We all stood in a line with our ponies, and Sally handed out the rosettes as everyone clapped and cheered. Zoe and Amy tied theirs to Fisher and Mischief’s bridles, and their parents took about a million photos.
    â€œAnd for the Chase Me Charlie, Millie and Magic!” Sally announced. I was beaming as I shook her hand and accepted our red rosette. Winning something in the end of week gymkhana isn’t exactly a big deal for me usually, but this time I was just as excited as the other girls. I tied the rosette to Magic’s bridle with pride and gave him a big pat. And suddenly Dad was there, clicking away, taking pictures of us !
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    Everyone gave us a big clap, and Mum came over and wrapped me up in a huge hug. Then she announced that there was tea and juice on offer in the kitchen. The grown-ups began to head over to the house, and Lydia led us girls and ponies off to the barn.
    As I came back out, Dad strode up to me. “Well done, sweetheart,” he said, “I’m so proudof you, of both of you! When I saw how stiff the competition was out there I did get a bit worried, I have to admit. But I always believed you could win if you really set your mind to it.”
    â€œThanks,” I said, then I added, “I can’t believe you were going to take Magic away from me if I hadn’t won!”
    He looked thoughtful. “Hmm, well, I’m not sure I would have done, in the end.”
    â€œWhat?!” I shrieked. “So I went through all that for nothing?!” I nudged him hard with my elbow. “Well, thanks very much!”
    â€œIt wasn’t for nothing,” he said firmly. “I wanted to make sure you were serious about Magic, and the competition gave you the chance to prove you were. You’ve earned him now, and I know you really want him.” 

    â€œOh, well, thanks for believing me, at last!” I grumbled. But I couldn’t help smiling. Dad doesn’t give out compliments very often. What he’d said meant a lot to me.
    â€œNow Magic’s starting to jump good heights, you could do some showjumping,” he said then.
    â€œ Me ?” I gasped. “Not likely! I’ve got about as much style and precision on horseback as, well, YOU!”
    He laughed at that. “Well, maybe Magic could teach you a thing or two in that department, and you can keep on helping him to be brave and bold!”
    That gave me an idea. “Hey, maybe we could go in for a one-day event! We both have our weak spots, but together we’re a great team!”
    â€œNow, that’s a good idea, Millie,” Dad said, with a grin. “Me and your mum obviously didn’t think of that when we suggested giving Magic a go.”
    â€œOh, you think you’re so smart!” I teased. “And how annoying that you were right!”
    Just before home-time, I went up to the field with the other girls to turn out the ponies. We all gave our ponies big hugs, then me and Amy had to give Zoe a big hug because she was really upset about leaving Fisher, and I had to promise to e-mail her new pics of him every week. I feel SO lucky that I live here. I couldn’t bear to leave Magic. Not now that we’re a team. Hmm, team Millie and Magic, it’s got a nice ring to it. And I just know we’re going to have loads of adventures together!

Copyright
    STRIPES PUBLISHING
An imprint of Little Tiger Press 
1 The Coda Centre, 189 Munster Road,
London SW6 6AW
    Text copyright © Kelly McKain, 2010
Inside illustrations copyright © Mandy Stanley, 2010
Cover photograph copyright © Zoe Cannon, 2010
    First published as an ebook by Stripes Publishing in 2012.
    eISBN: