A Magical Friend by Chloe Ryder

 
    Chapter 1
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    Pippa MacDonald turned her pony, Snowdrop, towards the last jump, a solid-looking red and white wall. Snowdrop pricked up her ears and, snorting with excitement, she sped up.
    â€˜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.
    â€˜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.
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    â€˜Yes!’ Pippa shouted, galloping Snowdrop over the finishing line.
    The crowd cheered and screamed but one voice shouted louder than the rest.
    â€˜Pippa! Are you awake? It’s time to go.’
    Pippa jolted out of her dream, nearly falling off her bed as Snowdrop, the showjumping arena and the cheering crowds vanished. She blinked and stared round the small bedroom she shared with her big sister, Miranda.
    It was easy to see which side of the room was Pippa’s. Her wall was totally covered with pictures of ponies – big ones, small ones, black, brown, chestnut, roan, palomino, grey. Pippa’s favourite picture of all was of Snowdrop, a silver-coloured pony with deep brown eyes.
    Miranda’s side used to have horse pictures too, but was now covered with posters of boys – some were famous film stars but most were in bands. Both sisters thought the other one’s decor was silly.
    â€˜Are you ready, sweetheart?’ Mum asked from the doorway.
    â€˜Nearly!’ Pippa called, hastily jumping off the bed and following her mum downstairs. ‘Did you remember to pack my swimming costume?’
    â€˜Of course,’ Mum said, smiling. ‘Now off you go and get ready!’

    It was boiling hot and Pippa was glad that she, her mum, Miranda and their little brother, Jack, were going on holiday, swapping their terrace in the city for a cottage by the sea. Pippa was so excited she trotted up and down the pavement, riding an imaginary pony as she waited for Mum to unlock the car so that they could load the luggage into the boot.
    â€˜You’re so immature,’ Miranda chided, rolling her eyes as she climbed into the passenger seat.
    Mum snapped Jack into his car seat and Pippa took her usual seat in the back, beside her brother.
    â€˜We’re off!’ cheered Pippa as Mum started the engine.
    Dreamily, Pippa stared out of the window, watching the busy city streets gradually change to green fields filled with horses, cows and sheep, until, at last, they arrived at their holiday home.
    â€˜Wow! Is it all ours?’ Pippa exclaimed, as Mum pulled up in front of a small, white cottage surrounded by a huge garden. ‘I could have a pony if we lived here.’
    â€˜Yes, the garden’s big enough!’ Mum agreed, rummaging in her handbag for the key to the front door.
    The cottage was right by the sea. Pippa breathed deeply, loving the smell of the fresh, salty air.
    â€˜Can we go to the beach?’ she asked.
    Mum laughed at her impatience. ‘Let’s unpack the car first. If we’re going to the beach you’ll want to take your buckets and spades.’
    â€˜I’ll help,’ Pippa said enthusiastically, pulling her bag from the boot.
    The cottage was even prettier inside than out. Pippa loved the attic bedroom, even though she had to share it with Miranda. It had sloping