After her lesson, Meghan put a blanket on the pony and put her in a pasture to run around. Meghan watched the magnificent pony canter and gallop around the field. Meghan let the pony run around alone, and she went to water some horses. She brought the pony back into the barn an hour later and fed her lunch.

She left Rose Hurst with Ann at 2:45 p.m., because they wanted to get on their best riding clothes for the Christmas Eve ride that started at 4:00 p.m. and ended about 7:00 p.m.

At 3:30 p.m. she was back at Rose Hurst in her best riding clothes. She took the pony out of her stall and groomed her again. Then Karen came down stairs.

Karen pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket and said, "Will you please make a list of the horses and riders for the Christmas Eve ride, Meghan?"

"Sure," Meghan said taking the paper and putting the pony back in her stall.

"Who do you think I should ride tonight?" Meghan asked the pony.

"Neigh!" the pony answered. It kind of sounded like she had said ME!

"I'm sorry, but I can't ride you, beautiful," Meghan said sadly. "I really, really, really wish I could, but I can't. Well, I will just have to ride Steppin Out then. Sorry girl, but I have to go ask the volunteers who they want to ride."

Ten minutes later, Meghan had her list of horses and riders. She went back to the pony's stall and talked to her and gave her some carrots.

"You're the BEST pony in the world! I really wish I could ride you or even better, own you. You are the pony that I have always wanted."