The Little Friends Riders

Before we show you everything, we'd like to introduce ourselves first. We're Lisbeth, Mika and Vanessa, and we all share the same hobby: riding! We're at the riding centre every day, looking after the horses Leopold, Pippa and Kasper and helping with the stable work. But the nicest thing is that we can ride every day ... in the jumping arena, but also across the fields and through the wood behind the riding centre. Today we're up especially early because the big jumping competition takes place this afternoon. Vanessa and Mika have already put on their competition jackets. Once the horses are ready, we can get going. So: Quick — into the stable and saddle the horses!

The Little Friends' Stable

Take a look at everything there is to discover at the Little Friends riding centre! Here is the large horse stable. When we arrive, we always open the big stable door and all the windows first to greet Pippa, Leopold and Kasper. There are three stalls in the stable, one for each of our horses. We'll introduce the three of them to you in more detail in a moment.

There is lots to discover around the stable: at the back there is a hose for cleaning the stable and the animals. In fine weather we can open the roof so lots of sunshine comes into the stable. Next to the horse stalls there is plenty of room to store feed and riding gear. That way we have everything close at hand. Beside the stable there is another horse box. This one is also spacious and offers plenty of room for a horse, feed and riding gear.

Right in front of the stable is our riding arena: that's where we train with the horses and practise for the big Little Friends jumping competition! A fence surrounds the grass arena. Later the riders will jump their horses over the small and large obstacles on the arena! Speaking of horses … where are Kasper, Leopold and Pippa hiding?

The Little Friends' Horses

Pippa, the white mare with the grey spots, is still in her stall and waiting for … carrots! A little treat before the competition is important, and this evening she'll get her horse feed. Leopold, the handsome Haflinger, is just being led to his stall. And Kapser? The brown stallion with the black mane is still kicking about in the paddock. We riders look after all the horses together, but each of us has our very own favourite horse: Lisbeth and Leopold are best friends and like going out riding the most. Mika gets on really well with the spirited Kasper and Pippa is a good show-jumper, which is why Vanessa often takes her to jumping competitions. Feeding, grooming, mucking out the stalls … there's loads of work at the Little Friends riding centre, but we always have lots of fun too!

Right, we have to hurry now, because it's almost time for Vanessa and Pippa to set off!

The Little Friends' Big Jumping Competition

Look — Vanessa and Pippa are riding onto the arena with the obstacles. We're all keeping our fingers crossed for them! Our friend Milla is watching and is very excited too, because she also loves being at the riding centre.

There — Pippa is already jumping over the first obstacle with Vanessa on her back – hooray, they made it! Now comes the big obstacle. Pippa jumps … and her hind hoof catches a pole. Oh no, she didn't clear that obstacle. What a pity, but you know what? Practice makes perfect and next time Vanessa and Pippa will certainly manage it.

At the end every rider receives a small prize. Mika, of course, also gives Vanessa a flower and a medal: "Don't be sad," he comforts his friend, "you took part and you did well. If you keep practising hard, you'll probably win the competition soon!"

What do you think — can Vanessa, Pippa and the others reach first place at the next competition with your help? Then ride, play and practise diligently with us and our horses!