Indeed Maiya had never hung on to anything quite so tightly in her life. One nudge from Phoenix's strong thighs and Kaytoo lunged into full throttle.

They galloped down into the valley, across the stream and up the other side through pastures. As they approached the hedgerow dividing Arthur's garden from the farm, neither Kaytoo nor Phoenix showed any signs of slowing. Maiya squealed when Phoenix leant forwards taking her with him and to her terror and amazement they cleared the hedge. A moment later they slammed to a halt outside Emmy's kitchen window.

 

'What eh?' Emmy's startled face looked up. Before her was a snorting horse's nose, so she raced outside to see more.

 

Phoenix jumped down and when Maiya slid off sideways he caught her at the bottom.

By the time Emmy appeared, Phoenix had remounted and all she could see was a broad-shouldered man and the bum of a huge horse cantering off down the lane.

 

'Oh my!' cheered Emmy, 'I think this calls for drinks and gossip in the garden.'