Saddlestone Connemara Pony Listening School | Roisin and Rhubarb: Saddlestone Connemara Pony Listening School, #2

By Elaine Heney

Living in Cork with her beloved Connemara pony Rhubarb, nine-year-old Roisin dreams of becoming an international event rider. When she wins a place at the globally renowned Saddlestone Connemara Pony Listening School in Galway, her dream seems within reach. However, after a shocking upset at the Irish National Eventing Championships involving her idol George, Roisin's world is thrown into chaos.  Does this mean the end of Roisin and Rhubarb's eventing journey? Or is it a fresh starting point for a new adventure? Unravel the unexpected twists in this captivating tale at the Saddlestone Connemara Pony Listening School. 

 

This book is perfect for horse-crazy kids aged 7 upwards. It also includes educational horsemanship and horse training lessons, including tips on bridle fit, horse health, groundwork and kindness, based on the principles of good horsemanship.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elaine Heney
• Release date: Jul 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223242727

Book preview

Chapter 1

The early sun peeked from behind the rolling green hills of Cork, casting a blanket of golden light over the sprawling farm.  Roisin walked into the paddock as the sweet smell of hay filled the air.

Her heart leapt as Rhubarb, her much loved Connemara pony trotted over to meet her. His dun-coloured coat shimmered in the morning light making him look as if he was made of gold. Roisin reached out her hand, gently patting Rhubarb's soft mane.

We make a great team, don't we Rhubarb? she asked.

She felt a deep connection with him, almost as if they spoke the same language. Rhubarb’s warm gaze met Roisin’s and she  knew he understood every word.

Rhubarb was a 12 year old Connemara pony. Roisin had studied all about the Irish breed known for its gentleness and bravery.  Rhubarb was 13.2 hands high and  Roisin and Rhubarb did lots of dressage and showjumping competitions together. But for Roisin, nothing beat the thrill of riding cross-country with Rhubarb.

Remember that first cross-country course we did together in Kerry, Rhubarb? Roisin asked.

Her face lit up with a wistful smile as she recalled their past adventures.

Rhubarb responded with a soft snort, his warm breath brushing against her face. He remembered too. His ears pricked up with attention as she continued.

It was a little scary at first, but you were so brave. You were so careful approaching every jump, and I knew then we could do anything together, Roisin said, her voice filled with pride.

Rhubarb responded to her words by nudging her hand gently, as if in agreement.  Yes, they made a great team Roisin thought, her heart full of joy. She couldn't wait to spend the whole summer with Rhubarb.

That afternoon, Roisin and her Mum sat into their car and drove into Cork city. It was time to do the weekly grocery shopping at the local supermarket.

As soon as Roisin stepped into the shop, her heart gave a happy little jump of joy. There on the top shelf of the newspaper stand was the latest issue of PonyTime magazine.

Roisin’s eyes sparkled with delight as she saw the magazine’s glossy cover. It showed a photo of George, the well-known Irish event rider and his horse Superstar, looking every bit the champions they were.

Mum, look! Roisin pointed at the magazine excitedly. It's the new issue of PonyTime. George is on the cover with Superstar! Please can we get it?

Her Mum, pushing the shopping cart, turned to look at what had caught her daughter's attention. She smiled as she saw the magazine.

Ah, George and Superstar eh? They've done well in the eventing world.

Yes, they've won so many competitions, Roisin said, her eyes glued to the magazine cover. And Superstar is so amazing. Do you think Rhubarb and I could be like them one day, Mum?

Her Mum paused, looking at her daughter's hopeful face.

Of course, Roisin, she replied, squeezing her daughter's shoulder reassuringly.

You and Rhubarb make a great team. You just need to keep working hard and believe in yourselves and you can do anything.

With that, Roisin smiled. She looked again at the magazine, her heart filled with dreams of Rhubarb and her gracing its cover someday.

She picked up the magazine, ready to dive into the world of eventing champions and, hopefully, gather some competition tips and advice.

Could I get this, Mum? I bet there's so much I can learn from George and Superstar.

Well, Roisin, you are working hard at school and you are being very responsible with Rhubarb, her Mum replied.  So I think it's a well-deserved treat.

Her mum smiled, reaching for a copy of the magazine. She handed it to Roisin whose eyes danced with happiness as she held the PonyTime magazine close to her.

After the grocery shopping, they headed to a cosy coffee shop. The sweet aroma of pastries wafted through the air, mixing with the smell of brewing coffee.

Roisin was sitting in