>>Orla walked, trying to seem normal, but going to the stables on the winter solstice wasn't normal for anyone who didn't look after the horses. Unfortunately she had liked horses enough to spend all her free time around them. She was much more likely to be seen in the library.<<

This doesn't seem to fit together. Did you mean "hadn't liked" instead?

>>“North Square is about five days ride away<<

That should say "five days' ride" above.