Penny knew it was time for her to start school, but she had such a sense of peace that she didn't want to leave her farm. Sometimes it was so hard trying to be a big girl! She sighed, and then decided to fully enjoy the day. She made her way to go see Bessie. She ducked under the fence and slowly walked over to her friend in the pasture. She petted Bessie's nose and explained about her big day tomorrow. She fed her a few treats and then with one last pat went across the pasture to the one bordering it where Wilbur was. She would miss Wilbur the most, especially their early morning rides. Now she'd have to go to school instead of riding. Penny wasn't too keen on the idea of cutting back her riding to just the afternoons. "Hey, my friend," she cooed as she approached him. She played with his forelock and touched her face to his velvety nose. She leaned against him, talking for what seemed hours, telling him of her big adventure the next day and her feelings about it. Soon, she knew she had to move on if she were to see everyone that day. Feeding him, she played with his mane then reluctantly moved away. She gave him a kiss and then headed down to the south meadow. She went through her routine with Matilda and then went to the old oak tree, chittering away with the chipmunk, laughing at his eating of her treats. She waved good-bye and went into the woods to say her greetings to the other animals. She munched on her nuts and apple as she thought over what the next day would bring.
Totally engrossed in her thoughts, Penny happily continued on her path into the woods. She appreciated the bond she had developed with the animals during her many adventures. She could talk to them, tell them her innermost secrets and know that they understood her; especially the horses. She dreamed of becoming a horse breeder, trainer and boarder someday. She loved the smell of leather saddles and the feel of running a brush down the horse's body.
Penny prided her knowledge and skill of horses and excelled at the many local horse showings she competed in. She had a rainbow of ribbons decorating her bedroom to prove it! She knew one day she would compete at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington, Florida in the National Horse Show. There, only the best of the best competed. It wasn't just the thrill of competition that compelled Penny to the sport. Penny felt as if she belonged in the stables. Penny loved the feel of the sun warming her face and the breeze in her hair while riding. Being atop a horse to Penny was like being on the top of the world. Some of her first childhood memories were associated with horses and the farm. She cherished the first book she ever got about horses that she received on her 5 th birthday and when she got, Wilbur for her 6th birthday. She'll always remember the first time she bridled and saddled him and took control of the reins. They had an instant rapport and a special bond indeed.
Complacent with her daily routine, Penny let the many talks of safety her mother gave her lapse into the back of her mind. Although Penny was very responsible at the tender age of twelve, daydreaming seemed to monopolize her mind during her walks.
Penny suddenly realized that the most interesting about the beginning of the school season was that she could continue advanced riding lessons, improving her skill and maybe putting her on the list for the advanced competitions in the state. Although Penny had time to practice her moves during the summer, she missed the ambiance and camaraderie of the school, the different levels that mixed at the end of the last course.
She also realized that as she was entering into the seventh grade, she will have to squeeze in time for learning new languages. Since last September, her school initiated classes in Far Eastern languages for those students who qualified for them, and Penny was one of the ten in her class who made it.
"Oh well," she thought out loud. "I'll find a way to do it all. I think this is going to be one fulfilling year after all." She made a mental reminder to check her riding gear; the special riding pants and rubber boots were getting too tight for comfort. She had grown so tall since last year that she would be needing a new set of riding clothes, more for her age.
"Penny, Penny, where are you?"
"I'm coming, Mom."
As Penny approached the back porch, she saw her mother talking on the telephone in the kitchen.
"I'm talking with Mr. Harmon at the riding school. He wanted to know if you're still interested in trying for the coming season trials."
"Yes, of course I am!"
"Hello, Mr. Harmon? Yes...yes, that's right. I see. All right, I'll tell her. Thank you for calling. Penny dear, I have good and bad news for you."
Penny could hardly wait to hear what the good news was; she wished she did not need to hear the bad news. Mr. Harmon called to say that he could accept her for the riding lessons but she would need to take them on Saturday's as he was too busy to do it through out the week. Penny was quite happy to be getting into his riding class but she was very sad because this meant she would not have the time to spend with her friend's the animals. Sunday would only be a short time to visit with them as she needed to go to church and then had lots of home work to study.
She could not spend anytime with them during the school week. Oh! my what can I do?
After sleeping on the matter at hand over night she had a brain storm of an idea. She would ask her mother if she would allow her to take her books out to the meadow and study with her friends. She promised to learn everything and her mother could ask her questions on her home work after supper. This way she could have some time with the animals she loved and still be home before dark.
Her mother smiled and said they could give it a try. But she would need to keep her studies. Penny was only too happy to agree with her mother! She looked forward to a new year at the new school, and her riding lessons with anticipation. Penny knew she was one very lucky girl to have this fall into place.