Bit By The HorseBug

Chapter 4:Riding Lesson

I just arrived at school. "Have a good day"The Slovenly bus driver said.

I watched the bastardized yellow bus,fade away.

I skipped up to the fence,that let the kids in.
"Good Morning Katie"Mrs.Kisko said. Mrs.Kisko is a helper at our school.

I straightened my cartoon horse shirt and became prepared to start a new day.

The school day seemed very long. I was just eager to go to my riding lesson.

As soon as the bell rang,I ran home as fast as I could. My mother was already in the truck.

"Let's go let's go!"She said. Taking a bite of an apple.

I ran up into my house,and put on my breeches,boots and chaps,then quickly jumped into our incandescent red truck.

"You excited?"My mom asked,pulling out of the drive way.

"Who are you riding tonight?"She asked,barley giving me time to answer the first question.

"Quinn"

My mom let out a long vexatious groan.

"You always ride Quinn"She whined

Quinn is an Appaloosa/Welsh Pony.

She is 14.1hh,and she is a great jumper.

"I Love Quinn"I stated.
My mom was left unresponsive.

We drove for another 10minutes. Until we saw the arenose sign that said "HillBerry Acres"
We took the turn,leading into the drive way.
There was pastures set all around.
I always look for this one black and white paint,that trots along with the cars from inside his pasture.
I never bothered asking for his name, I call him "Shadow" because he always seems to be there.

"We are here"My mom said,pushing her gear into park.

"Thanks"I mumbled as I quickly jumped out of the car.

"Hello Katie!" Holly said.

Holly is my instructor,she is 23 and very nice.

"How about you go catch Quinn,and I will meet you in the arena?"
I nodded and turned towards the barn.

"Have fun!"My moms voice said,as she pulled out. She never stays to watch,I don't think the horse community is her lifestyle.

I walked into the orderly barn.

There was 10 stalls,across each one was wooden letters,all painted different colours,used to symbolize the horses names.

As I walk by I say all of the names "Willow" "Gus" "Mylo" "Fiesta" "Promise" "Spartan" "Gracie" "Cocoa" "Anya" "Quinn"
I grab Quinn's black halter and lead,too match his bag colouring.

I go to Quinn's pasture and grab her. She is very easy to catch.

"Come on girl,let's ride"I tied her up to the tree,so we can enjoy the nice weather. I was taught how to tie a quick release knot,so I tied that.

I put down 1 flake of hay,so Quinn has something to munch on.

I started with the curry comb,a brush in a circular motion all over her bay fur.
Then with the hard brush,I took of all of the loose hairs and dust.
Then,the soft brush to make her fur all shiny.
I hoof picked her,and put on her black saddle pad,and hunter saddle.
I set the girth at the 3hole on each,until we go into the ring I'll tighten it there.

I put on her bridle gently,and met Holly in the ring.

"Good Tacking up skills Katie"She said,adjusting a few small things.

I hopped on.
"Now walk a few laps,remember always try for an inside bend"

"Make sure she is tracking up"

"Yes that's nice"

"Push her forward"

"Circle down here"

I circled

"Drop your stirrups"

I let my feet fall out of the iron bars,then quickly re adjusted my legs.

"Trot"

I trotted Quinn on an inside bend.

"Half Circle across the diagonal"

"Sit up straight"

"And waaaaaaalk"

We did a few cantering drills.

"Great job tonight Katie,your really improving"

I smiled as being praised
"Good job to you too Quinnie"Holly said,as she patted Quinn.

I hopped off and ran up my stirrups.

I walked my tired pony over to the tree.

Quickly Untacked,and fly sprayed her over.

I practiced the few tricks I taught her,and gave her a lot of hugs and treats

"Your such a good girl"I said.

I love her!I couldn't imagine a life without my Quinnie-Poo if only she was MY horse,I only get to ride her...

Then I let her go back into the pasture to eat.

I put my grooming kit,and Quinn's halter and lead away.

After I was done,I gave Holly her 20$and sat waiting for my mom.

After 10 minutes,our truck pulled in.

"Sorry sweetie,had an errand"She said.
I rolled my eyes and jumped in the truck.

The drive home was pretty quiet. Until my mom's phone went off.

A text message said "Yes, brown bay,14.1hh, 1000$ dollars,you want?"

Was my mom buying a horse?

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Ooooo cliff Hanger....

You will half to read the next chapter;)

Do you like the book so far?

I sure hope so:)
Love yas bye ~EquestrianLifee