Loving Spirit

him. Circle! Get him going forward! You’re riding like a ruddy girl. Bring him round again.’
    Luke didn’t look bothered at all by Len’s criticisms. He circled Gabriel, riding him through a series of transitions – walk to canter, canter to walk, trot to halt – asking for a new pace every few strides.
    Ellie paused to watch. It was hard to tell who was the better rider, Luke or Joe. Joe was softer and lighter on the horses, asking, not telling, them what to do, and Picasso was going beautifully for himagain, just as he had done the day before. But Ellie could see that Luke was also really good. He appeared to have perfect balance, controlling the horse with his long legs and strong seat. He rode effortlessly and without a hint of fear. When Gabriel was steady and listening again, Luke cantered him towards the fences and he cleared them perfectly.
    ‘Now, that’s better!’ Len said approvingly.
    Luke nodded. ‘Put them up. He feels like he could jump six foot today.’
    ‘He’s not a flamin’ show jumper,’ Len responded.
    ‘He’d jump it, though,’ Luke said with a grin. ‘So would I.’
    ‘Aye, well, we all know you’re a bloody lunatic.’ Len grunted, but as he turned away Ellie saw a certain look of satisfaction on his face. She could see he liked Luke’s style. His expression changed, though, as he turned to concentrate on Joe.
    ‘Figure of eight at trot and canter, simple change,’ he snapped as Joe trotted into the middle. ‘And keep the contact with those reins!’
    Joe concentrated hard, his face serious. When Len was coaching him, there was none of Len and Luke’s jokey backchat.
    By the time Ellie had finished sweeping, the horses were both working to Len’s satisfaction. ‘That’ll do for Gabriel,’ he said to Luke. ‘Take him in. Joe, you stay for another five minutes.’
    Luke rode out of the school and Pip, who had been waiting by the barn, came trotting over, stumpy blonde tail wagging. Luke’s eyes passed over Ellie as if she was of no more interest than a bug. But then his hand went to his breeches’ pocket. He fished his mobile out. It was buzzing. Swinging his right leg over Gabriel’s neck, he jumped down and threw the reins to her. ‘Here. I’ve got a call. Take him.’
    ‘And what did your last slave die of?’ she muttered, grabbing Gabriel. Luke wasn’t listening. He’d already taken his hat off and flicked the phone open.
    ‘Yeah? Oh, hi, babe,’ he said, his voice suddenly warm. ‘How are you doing?’ There was a silence and then he gave a short laugh. ‘Yeah. Me too.’
    Luke sauntered up and down, running a hand through his dark hair. Ellie shot him a glare. Suddenly the phone buzzed again. Luke checked the display as he was talking.
    ‘Sorry, look, Issy. I’ve got to run. Catch you later. Yeah, I will. Missing you already.’ He clicked the END CALL button and then clicked CALL ANSWER . ‘Hi, Jodie,’ he said. ‘Long time no see. So where have you been hiding yourself?’
    Ellie rolled her eyes. Honestly! Gabriel rubbed his face against her and she patted his neck. ‘Come on, I’ll take you to your stable.’
    Just then, Stuart, Helen and Sasha came back. Butas they reached the yard there was a clatter of hooves and two chestnut ponies came trotting out of the pony barn.
    ‘Barney’s out!’ shouted Stuart in alarm.
    ‘So’s Milly!’ cried Helen, already jumping off the horse she was riding and chucking the reins to Sasha.
    Ellie’s hand flew to her mouth, as she instantly realized what had happened. She’d forgotten Joe’s warning about putting the extra lock on Barney’s door. ‘Here!’ she gasped, pushing Gabriel’s reins into Luke’s hands.
    ‘What are you doing?’ Luke demanded.
    ‘Barney and Milly have got out!’
    She raced to help. The two ponies were dodging out of the way of Stuart and Helen. Barney trotted round, tail and head held high. Milly cantered to a patch of grass and began to grab at it.
    ‘Here, boy,’ said Helen, approaching Barney with her hand outstretched. But he just shook his head and trotted away, while Milly let Stuart get within a few metres and then shied and trotted after Barney. Ellie tried to head her off, but she plunged away, stopping only to investigate an empty bucket on its side. As she did so, she stepped through the metal handle. Giving a snort, she jumped back with it caught round her hoof. She ran backwards in alarm, stopping only when she reached the fence and then stamping