I've been writing for children for many years. Other titles include The Clever Rat & Other African Tales and Tales of Abunuwas. This is the first in my pony series but there will be another one, Casper's Magic Wings, in the New Year. Ned is actually my real pony and does have a best friend, Valiant, who helps him feel more confident. Valiant was a police horse and was one of the horses on TV during Diana, Princess of Wales's funeral. He's a beautiful horse, now aged 30, and having a happy retirement. Ned is ridden most days by me or my daughter Emily and, at 23, shows no signs of slowing down!