OUR STORY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 53, 5 March 1943, Page 6

OUR STORY

CURLY AND NEDDY Ronnie, was never tired of watching the prettj' little Shetland, pony that Jived in the paddock at the bottom of his Granny's garden. Its name was Curly, and it belonged to Farmer Wellard, who was keeping it as a surprise for his young son Phil, away at boarding school. It w r as a friendly pony, and would take sugar from Ronnie's hand, and let the little boy stroke its: long silky tail. Ronnie longed to have a ride on its back. When Ronnie looked over the gate one morning the pony was not to be seen, but in its place stood a wise old donkey. Ronnie put. out his hand and patted it. "I wonder," he thought, "if he'd let me ride him." There could be no harm in trying, he thought . So. he climbed the gate, jumped down the; other side and the next minute was up on Neddy's broad back. But. not for long! Neddy startled and indignant, threw up his back legs and sent poor Ronnie sprawling on the grass. "Hallo! What's this?" asked a | voice.. It. was Farmer Wellard. When he had. helped Ronnie up, and heard what had happened, he said, "If you want a ride let's go and find the Shetland pony. She's a gentle creature and you'll soon get the hang of. it. What do you say?f' What Ronnie said you may imagine. That day he had his flrs't riding lesson. And it wasn't the last, for when Phil came home the two boys made friends, and had many a happy day together, taking it in turns to ride the gentle; Curly.