The Pale Horse of Barston Drove
Last month, one of our readers was walking two dogs back down Barston Drove
(about where the broken glass still is) when she saw two riders approaching, a
lady on a horse closely followed by a young girl on a cream pony. Quickly
getting the dogs on the lead, she stepped back onto the verge to allow the
horses to pass. As the leading horse drew level, the rider called out her
thanks while the dog-walker continued to wait for the pony. But where was it?
Swiftly glancing round, nowhere to be seen at all. VANISHED! Into thin air, or
so it would seem. "But where is your little girl? The one behind you on
her pony?". The lady turned and looked puzzled. "Well"she said
slowly "I used to go riding with my daughter, but she's grown up now
and lives in New Zealand!"
Word gets round swiftly in this village, and it was not long before a further communication came to light. It would seem that another Barston Drove dog-walker has also been followed by a mystery pony, more than once hearing the sound of hooves behind, and on one occasion, apparently so close as to cause him to step quickly aside onto the verge. But then.. .no pony!
SO, if any cream ponies in the neighbourhood think they might have been trotting down Barston Drove on November 24th, please get in touch with the Crier. That would be one clop for yes.. .