Soaring Higher

Chapter 5

We stand with our horses in the arena, waiting to be instructed to get on.

The obstacles look hard, but admitting that would probably switch me into beginner. Plus, Roberta, my pony club coach always tells me I'm a bit nervous at riding in new conditions, but once I'm on the horse I'm fine.

I sure hope so because my thoughts are interrupted by the footsteps of Erin. Before offering me a leg-up, she slides her hand under Rooster's girth, making sure it's tight enough. Her hands hoist me up onto Rooster.

I feel like I'm high above the ground, even though I'm a few feet up. I guess that's the result of riding too many ponies. I collect my reins and wipe the sweat from earlier on my breeches. I direct Rooster onto the track, mostly with my legs at the same time trying to encourage him to pick up a brisker pace. He has a slow yet big walk, which makes it a little hard to do circles and such.

After one lap, Erin decides to begin the lesson.
'So if you haven't all already met in the bunk, we're going to play a little game to all get to know each other.' She explains, 'How to play is, I call your name and if it's not your name, go to the middle, and if it is; trot a lap.'
I nod in unison with the other girls, except for one who only releases a scoff.

'Okay, ready?' Erin says, 'Abagail.'
I steer Rooster into the middle, practically begging for a faster pace while the trotting horse booms up behind me.
'Henry.'
'Emma.'
'Casey.'
Still in the middle.
'Leah.'
'Malia.'
A few more names fly by, and I watch closely for each one, their posture, their pace, their focusing. That's in fact how I learnt to ride, I watched.
'Emery.'

I watch closely at Emery. Ally, for one, actually has a pretty fast trot which needs half halts every few seconds. The brisk pace gives Emery an uneven post, setting her forward more and more. Emery ends her lap with a grin on her face. Emery has always liked the fastest horses. So have I, but then again, Emery's always been the one with good luck.

One more name is called until I'm sure I'll be after.
'Amber.'
I watch this girl, who seems to be pretty good.
She has rich blonde hair and every feature of her face looks dainty and beautiful. At the same time, her eyes aren't kind. Her beauty is only on the outside.
She passes us on her black tall horse like she owns the place, and emerges into a medium pace trot. Every step of the horses pace is elegant, and he seems to be enjoying the attention. This sets me off the wrong way.

After the lap of showing off, I'm called. Nervous, I find us trudging to the track. Erin nods me on, expectantly. I start trotting him. I experience a very bouncy slow post. I kick at his side squeezing, every time I get the chance; only making him faster for only half a second.
I hear some sneers, and flush.

I remind myself, I'm trying to impress Erin, not them.
Once we're all done- I notice Erin is mounted on her horse.

'Who wants to go on a trail?'