too much trouble to keep Molly in tip-top condition for a prestige horse show this weekend.

But now the heartbroken Warwick youngster has been told her big day with Molly is off. For organisers of the HMS Malabar show have declared it against the rules for a mule to enter. They said some horses get frightened by mules.

That argument, however, cuts little ice with Tori and Molly's owner, Mrs.

Moyra Benbow, from Watch Hill, Warwick.

They point to Molly's good nature, stressing how well she gets on with other animals. Moreover, they say show director Dr. Paddy Heslop told them he saw no problem with Molly entering.

Said Tori: "I was so looking forward to riding Molly. She is really lovely.

"She is just like a normal horse, but with bigger ears.'' Tori added: "I am very upset because it took a long time to train Molly. Now all that time has been wasted.'' Mrs. Benbow said 11-year-old Molly -- "faded brown with white splotches on her behind'' - had taken part in a horse show before.

"She is really sweet, and everyone loves her.'' Molly was being trained for the Saddle Club of Bermuda's two-day show.

Tori, who lives near Warwick Academy, paid regular visits to Mrs. Benbow's home to groom and ride Molly, who measures more than 13 hands.

"We have a number of horses and ponies, and Molly gets on with them all,'' said Mrs. Benbow. The plan was for Molly to take part in the more light-hearted gymkhana events at the weekend.

Mrs. Benbow said Dr. Heslop had assured her Molly would be able to participate. But now the show committee has knocked the idea on the head.

Dr. Heslop said the show was governed by Bermuda Equestrian Federation rules.

Under them, nothing except horses could enter.

"Personally speaking I had nothing against the mule entering, but the decision had to be made by the committee. I had just one vote.'' Dr. Heslop said there was a 3-2 vote against Molly taking part.

"I believe there is a feeling that some horses are frightened of mules,'' he added.

"Some horses get upset, particularly if a mule happens to bray.'' Mrs. Benbow, who is on the Equestrian Federation's rules committee, disputed whether Molly would have flouted any regulations.

There was nothing under Federation rules forbidding a mule from taking part, she stressed. And as far as Molly frightening other horses, she exclaimed: "That is a lot of nonsense.'' DOWN AT THE MOUTH -- Molly the mule gets a cuddle from her rider Tori Ward.