Excerpt of Sweetbriars: Leaving The City by Hollie Anne Marsh

“When Odette reared, she was most likely trying to tell you something,” mum said as she leaned on the fence of the stall. “Horses can be like children. They require loads of patience, love, and training. But mark my words… in time they will give you their trust and respect, and you will always learn something new.”

Diane looked like she was about to choke on her coffee when Violet called Tabby Tabster, and Cate resisted a smile. “I will leave you poppets to get on with your horse things,” Diane said in a stiff but not unfriendly voice. The girls said goodbye to Diane and rode back to the stables. On the way Tabby exasperatedly declared there was no point telling her mum anything about horses.

Spot refused a jump one day, and Violet went over the handlebars, jumping the jump for him! When Mum ran to help her, Violet began laughing and saying, “Finally, finally!” as she lay on the ground. Then she stood up and brushed the dirt off her legs. “I had to fall sometime, and now I’m a real rider. The only damage is a stain on my new jodhpurs!” This incident made Cate think Violet was a bit mad, but it also made her love her even more!