July 2009 Story Contest

Best Pony in the World by Alyssa & Cocoa  age 9

One rainy afternoon ten year old Kelsey Redfern decided to ask her favorite question: When can I get a pony? When she asked her mother the question she got the same answer as always. Kelsey, your father and I will talk about it. Now please stop asking! But mom, said Kelsey. You always say you will talk about it but you never do! Okay! I promise I’ll talk to your father tonight. If I don’t I’ll pay you ten dollars. Then Kelsey went up to her room.

As she sat down at her desk she heard a meow. It was her big orange cat, Cleveland. Oh! Sorry Cleveland, it’s your dinnertime. As she scooped out cat food for Cleveland she thought about where she would keep her pony if she got one. Suddenly she had an idea. There’s an old stall with a paddock attached to it at the back of dad’s workshop. Kelsey was just thinking of names for her pony when her mother called: Kelsey! Can you call Shawn for dinner? (Shawn was Kelsey’s thirteen-year-old brother.) Sure mom said Kelsey. When Kelsey was outside she heard shouts coming from behind the house. Shawn! She called. It’s time for dinner. Okay Mom, I’m coming! As Kelsey ran inside the house she laughed to herself. Shawn had thought she was his mom!

After dinner Kelsey got into bed, but before she could close her eyes Kelsey heard her mother say Tom, Kelsey wanted me to talk to you about something. With that Kelsey jumped out of bed and tiptoed to the start of the stairs and listened. Kelsey wanted me to talk to you about getting her a pony. What do you think? Well, she does do a good job of taking care of Cleveland, I think she’s ready to move onto a bigger animal said her father. Kelsey did a quiet jump and mouthed yes! But where will we get the pony asked her mother. We can drive up to Black Mountain Ranch tomorrow said her father.

I’m going to check on Kelsey said her mom. Kelsey ran quietly back and jumped into her bed and closed her eyes so her mother wouldn’t find out she was eavesdropping. The next morning Kelsey woke up early and ran to the shower before Shawn got there. Then Kelsey went downstairs and fed Cleveland. Kelsey heard her mom coming into the kitchen.

Good morning Kelsey! Your father and I talked about getting you a pony and we have decided you can have a pony. We’re taking you to Black Mountain Ranch to pick out one. Just then Shawn walked into the kitchen. You’re getting a pony?! Why don’t you get a bike instead? You don’t even have one. Quit it Shawn said Kelsey. After breakfast Shawn went off to his friend’s house. Then Kelsey and her parents started off to Black Mountain Ranch. When they got there a woman came out of one of the buildings. Hi! I’m Shelly the owner of this ranch. Can I help you? Yes, I’m Kelsey and I’m here to look at ponies. Then Shelly took Kelsey and her parents to look at the ponies. When Kelsey was looking at the ponies in the third field a pony came up to the fence and nickered at her. I think I know which one I want laughed Kelsey. That’s Lilac said Shelly. She’s a purebred mustang mare. Do you want to take her on a test ride? Yes said Kelsey. Shelly got a saddle and put it on Lilac.

First Kelsey walked Lilac. Then she trotted. You two did very well Shelly told Kelsey. Can I get Lilac Kelsey asked. Of course you can said her father. While her parents paid for Lilac and her tack Kelsey put Lilac in the trailer. Kelsey, Shelly said there’s a town called Wiggins about ten miles from here. We’re stopping there for brushes and other stuff for Lilac. Then they got the stuff and went home. When Kelsey put Lilac in the paddock she cantered around the paddock, having a great time. When Shawn got home he actually said something nice about Lilac. She’s beautiful he said. When Shawn saw Kelsey staring at him he said didn’t you already know that? Shawn was running towards the house he tripped over Cleveland who meowed loudly and dashed into the paddock. Shawn picked up a rock and threw it at Cleveland. Before Kelsey could do anything Lilac ran over and blocked Cleveland. The rock hit Lilac on the side. Shawn, said Kelsey’s father, you’re grounded! But Dad, I have a basketball game! You’re not going to it he said. Kelsey ran over to Lilac. You’re the best pony in the world she said.

The next morning Kelsey was taking Lilac on her first trail ride. Then Lilac whinnied. Three more whinnies answered her. Suddenly three girls on ponies came out of the woods. The girl on the Connemara pony spoke. Hi! I’m Pam Crandal, what’s your name? I’m Kelsey and this is my pony Lilac. My pony’s name is Lightning said Pam. Then the girl on the Shetland spoke. I’m Anna Harley and this is Acorn. Then the girl on the Welsh pony spoke. I’m Lulu Sanders and this is Snow White. Where are you riding to asked Pam. Off Main Diner answered Kelsey. We’re riding there too said Anna. My Mom owns it. Do you want to be friends forever asked Kelsey. Sure said the Pony Pals. Their ponies nodded as if to agree. Lilac, said Kelsey, you protected Cleveland and helped me make new friends. You really are the best pony in the world! I love you!

The End