Snowdrop pricked up her ears and, snorting with excitement, she sped up. ‘Steady, girl,’ Pippa said, checking her with the reins. None of the other riders had ridden a clear round. Pippa and Snowdrop were the last to go and if they cleared the wall they would win the competition, taking home a silver cup and a red rosette. As the wall came closer, Pippa forced back the nervous, fluttery feeling growing in her stomach. ‘We can do this,’ she whispered to Snowdrop. She leaned forward, standing up in her stirrups, loosening the reins to give Snowdrop her head as she pushed her pony into the jump. Snowdrop leapt over it eagerly, carrying Pippa upwards. For a magical moment it felt like they were flying. Any fear of heights simply slipped away. Fresh air rushed at Pippa’s face, lifting her dark, curly hair that was neatly held in place by a hairnet. Snowdrop cleared the wall, triumphantly flicking her tail as she landed.
