Tessa's Riding School

[Raven]

'This will be an amazing business opportunity,' Tessa explained to Kim.



'It won't need much work,' she said.



'Just a bit of tidying up and a bit of paint.'



'It will be wonderful!'

[Raven]

'Look at this ideal schooling paddock,' continued Tessa.



'Can't you just imagine all the happy riders here?'



'I'm buying it!' said Tessa.

[Raven]

After the renovations were complete, it was an exciting day when the first ponies arrived.





They were shortly followed by two more.



'We must have a Grand Opening Day,' thought Tessa.

[Raven]

A famous rider opened Tessa's Riding School.  Lots of people came.



They enjoyed the food.



And the children enjoyed exploring the stables.



But when the food was all gone, so were all the people.



Except for two children who actually wanted riding lessons!

[Raven]

They were the first pupils.



Though they were soon followed by others.  Tessa took the lessons.



While Kim worked hard in the office, accompanied by her new dog, Pongo.



'We need some horses for adults too,' said Tessa.



And so Kim (and Pongo) set off for the Horse Sale.

[Raven]

Tessa was very excited when Kim returned.



'A grey!' said Tessa, 'I love greys!'



'Oh no!' screamed Tessa.



'He's called Thomas,' said Kim, 'He's lovely.  I couldn't resist him.'



'But I've already advertised that we will now be giving lessons to adults,' despaired Tessa.

[Raven]

'Right,' said Tessa, 'I am going myself to the Horse Sale.'



'Now these are proper riding school horses,' she said, on her return.  Kim thought that they looked a little dull.



'And now we have Midnight too, we are ready for the excitement of adult lessons,' declared Tessa.



Kim thought that adult lessons didn't look very exciting.



But she had Thomas and Pongo, and she was happy.

[Raven]

Tessa had to admit that they needed something a little more lively.



'Spot is wonderful!' she said.



'He's very intelligent!'



'I still love Thomas best,' thought Kim.

[Raven]

Unknown to Tessa and Kim, Spot used his intelligence for his own purposes, also.



It was no trouble for him to open his stable door.



And to go visiting the other horses.



And the ponies too.

[Raven]

One night Spot let out all the horses and ponies - and Thomas.



And he led them away.



He led them to the Great Forest.



'The horses! The ponies!' cried Tessa.

'THOMAS!' wailed Kim.



The horses and ponies were never seen again.

But.....