One sunny afternoon, Darcie put on her shiny riding hat and climbed proudly onto Toby the pony. She sat up tall, just like a real horse riding champion.
Toby was a kind, gentle pony. His steps were a little wobbly at first, but Darcie held on tight. Together they clip clopped along the country lanes, where the flowers waved and her family cheered.
Darcie giggled as Toby trotted happily in the sunshine. They were the best team in the whole world.
After their big adventure, Toby felt sleepy. So Darcie led him back to his cosy stable and tucked him in with fresh, soft straw.
“Night night, Toby,” she whispered.
And Toby gave a little snuffle, which meant, “Thank you, Darcie.”
© Ian Kirke 2026
@ iankirke.bsky.social
All photographs reproduced with kind permission of Emma Ellis