Alex looked at Princess in dismay.

The once elegant grey pony was covered with patches of smelly drying mud and streaked with grass stains. Her tangled mane and tail looked like frayed rope.

‘Wow! She’s in an awful mess, isn’t she?’ Alex found herself wondering whether there would be time to put her plan into action. But she had to try.

First though, she had an admission to make to her magical friend.

‘I’m… I’m sorry that I encouraged you to use your magic when I was cross. It was wrong of me, Comet. I know that now. Can you forgive me?’

‘Of course. Everyone makes mistakes,’ the magic pony said generously. ‘But it is what you do to put them right that is important.’

Alex felt a bit better. ‘Thanks, Comet. You’re the best. I’ve got an idea. This is how I can make it up with Saffron…’

The magic pony swivelled his ears, listening carefully as Alex told him what she had in mind. ‘… but we’ll have to hurry before Zoe, Saffron or my mum come out here.’

Comet nodded. ‘I will help you. But are you certain that this is what you want?’ he asked, his eyes sparkling mischievously.

Alex didn’t hesitate. ‘This time – definitely!’

She felt a familiar warm tingling sensation flowing down to the tips of her fingers. Large violet sparks ignited in Comet’s caramel-coloured coat and a cloud of tiny bright lights like busy worker bees fluttered into the air. The glittering little helpers spread out, gathering everything they needed before they got to work. Alex watched in astonishment.

Splash! A hose sprayed warm soapy water over Princess, washing the mud from her coat, mane and tail. Swish! Towels swept back and forth drying her. Rustle! Brushes buffed her coat, and combs gently untangled her mane and tail.

Princess sighed with contentment, enjoying being pampered. She even lifted each hoof in turn for it to be picked out, brushed and oiled. Finally she was finished. Her coat gleamed like silver and her mane and tail were brushed to glossy silkiness.

‘She looks wonderful. Thanks, Comet!’

‘I am glad that I could help,’ Comet neighed, as every last little glowing bee disappeared and the deep violet sparks faded from his coat.

They were only just in time. Zoe and Saffron were leaving the house and crossing the yard.

Saffron’s eye widened when she saw Princess. ‘Alex? What… Wow! I can’t believe it!’ she gasped delightedly. She was dressed in one of Alex’s jumpers and a spare pair of jodhpurs, which were tucked into a pair of her mum’s old riding boots.

‘How did you manage to get Princess looking like that?’ Zoe asked.

You wouldn’t believe me, even if I could tell you! she thought. ‘I love a challenge! Anyway, I didn’t want to hang around, getting bored, while everyone fussed over Saffron,’ she fibbed happily.