Chapter 8  - Test Ride

Libby went to Miss Lee's office to wait and ask about riding Ginger Snap again in next week's lesson.  Next Saturday was her birthday, and Miss Lee just couldn't turn down a birthday request.

While she waited in the office, Libby stared at the bulletin board with the FOR SALE sign that had Ginger's picture on it.  In her daydreams, the sign with Ginger's photo said: "Sold to Libby James".  She imagined herself at her birthday party, standing in front of a huge present with a gigantic bow on top.  She would open it up to find her favorite pony inside the box. 

Miss Lee came into the office.  "What can I do for you, Libby?" she asked. 

Libby snapped out of her daydream.  "I was wondering if I could ride Ginger again next Saturday in the lesson.  It's my birthday you know."
"I tell you what.  As long as she hasn't been sold, you may rider her.  But you should know that I have an appointment to show her to someone this week."

Libby felt her heart sink.  "Anybody I know?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact, Monica and her parents are going to try her on Thursday."

No!  Not Monica!  This was horrible.  The only way to keep Monica from getting Ginger was if she could convince her Dad to buy Ginger first.  But Libby knew she could never convince her father to buy her a pony in less than a week.  She had already been trying to convince him for almost a year.

"Maybe I could come and watch?" she wondered aloud to Miss Lee. 
"Sure, I don't see why not," replied Miss Lee.  "I'll see you later, Libby, I've got to get ready for the next lesson."
 
 

Libby spent much of the following week at the Spring Park pool with her brother Jason.  Lauren was busy at the stable with her own horse and didn't come to the pool as often.  Every day she worried constantly about Ginger being sold before she had the chance to ride her again.  She especially worried about Ginger being sold to Monica.  Monica was so spoiled, and she never took care of the things her parents bought for her.

Every night Libby pestered her father about having a pony, but not just any pony.  She wanted Ginger.  If she could have Ginger for her own, she promised to never ask him for another birthday or Christmas present for the rest of her life!  That was a very unrealistic promise he told her, and he continued to stick by his original decision that Libby was too young and that a pony was too much responsibility for someone her age 
 
 
 

When Thursday came, Libby and her mother sat on the bleachers by the main arena watching the Pony Club members warm up their horses and ponies.  They were training for an upcoming competition at a regional Pony Club Rally.  Lauren came trotting in the arena on Lady.  She waved, "Hi Libby!" she called.  "What are you doing?"

"Just watching," Libby replied, "And wishing," she added softly.  Her mom waved to Lauren.

Soon Miss Lee led Ginger into the ring with Monica following beside her.  "OK, Monica, let's see how you like her."

"Is that the pony you rode last week that you liked so much Libby?" asked her mother. 

"Yes," she replied. "Isn't she wonderful?"

Monica started to mount up, but soon found herself on the ground with the saddle upside-down in the same position Libby had been before Saturday's lesson.  Ginger had bloated out her stomach again and the saddle hadn't been tight enough.  She was testing her new rider just like she had tested Libby.

"You fat pony!" yelled Monica.  Ginger didn't like being yelled at.  She turned and whinnied toward Libby sitting on the bleachers.  Libby was laughing hysterically at Monica, although not loud enough for her to notice.

"Don't yell at her," said Miss Lee, "It's your own fault for not checking the girth before you mounted up.  That's one of Ginger's favorite tricks."

Monica tightened the saddle and started to mount up again.  This time she began turning in a tight circle with Monica hopping along beside her with only one foot in the stirrup. 

"Hold still, you fat pony!" 

Ginger was not taking kindly to Monica's attitude.  And Monica hadn't even brought her a treat the way Libby had.

Libby gritted her teeth and tried to mind her own business, but it was so hard to watch and not be able to say anything.  She wanted to jump over the rail and take Ginger and gallop away with her.  But she knew that was impossible.

Finally Monica was aboard and took her for a little trot around the ring trying to avoid the Pony Club riders who were practicing.  She trotted right by Lady.  Lauren turned with surprise when she saw Monica riding on Ginger.  Now she knew why Libby had come to watch.

"Take it easy, Monica!" Miss Lee urged her. "Remember your riding etiquette!" Etiquette meant having good manners when other riders were around so that no one would get hurt.  It meant waiting your turn and not rushing up behind other horses and things like that.

It was Lauren's turn to take the small X-jump in the center of the ring.  Monica was still mad that Lady had been sold before she could get her.  She decided to do a little showing off on Ginger.  As Lauren guided Lady toward the jump, Monica cut the corner in front of her and took the jump.  Lady tossed her head and turned while trying to avoid a crash.

Lauren was not expecting the sudden turn and slipped off the side landing in a cloud of dirt.  Libby's mom almost lost her breath at the sight of her daughter's friend taking a fall.  Lady stopped in her tracks and went back and sniffed Lauren cautiously to see if she was all right. 

"I'm OK, girl" Lauren told her.  Mrs. James breathed a sigh of relief.

"Don't worry, Mom," Libby told her.  "She's OK.  Falling off is part of riding.  We always wear our riding helmets, and most of the other riders have better manners than that."

"I think that's enough, Monica!" they heard Miss Lee call out.  "I'm not sure you are ready for your own pony if you can't follow the rules around here."

Miss Lee started to lead Ginger back to the barn to untack her.  Libby and her mom started to leave when Monica caught sight of them. 
"My parents will still buy Ginger for me if I want them to!" she said in a nasty tone of voice.  Monica stomped off toward the barn to look for her mother. 

Then Miss Lee noticed Libby.  "Why don't you take Ginger for a little ride around the ring, Libby?" she offered. "I'm sure the Pony Club members won't mind if you join them for a few minutes."

Libby happily agreed and mounted up.  She remembered to double-check the girth this time. 

Libby began to take Ginger through her paces and even took the little jump.  Her mother watched with amazement at what an excellent rider her little girl had become.  While they watched, Miss Lee told her what a caring and responsible rider Libby was.After a few minutes, Miss Lee had to take Ginger back to the barn.  Libby patted her on the neck.  "Thanks for the ride, Ginger" she told her.

Libby's mom didn't say anything as they got in the car and headed for home.  "Why don't I drop you and your brother at the pool?" she finally said.  "I have a few things to do before your birthday party this weekend."

go to Chapter 9 -- SOLD!