The Fall

Chapter 24

I looked over to the judge and halted. She glanced at me, smiled, and nodded. I kicked Willow into a canter and began. The whole thing was a simple course with two foot jumps. Nothing much. The only problem was that Willow was starting to get tired. I could tell because after the first jump he lost his pace. I tried to keep him going but he only quickened a short distance then slowed down. Despite his lack of speed, we made it to the last jump. Willow was now breathing hard. His head hung low as we cantered. Turning the corner, he looked up at the jump.

I dont think we're going to make this one...

There was about ten strides between us and the jump. Our extended canter turned into a collected canter. If I hit this we will place second. We are still the leading time but one penalty could bump us down to second.

"Come on boy! Just one more!" I said clucking to him.

All of a sudden he sped forward slightly throwing me back in the saddle. I regained my balance and loosed the reins.
One, two, three, four five six. I counted evety stride in my head. Seven, eight, nine, ten, jump! He kifted his legs up and over the jump. His back legs barely made it and chipped the pole. We landed with a loud thump and he stopped short, walking.

I cant believe we actually did it!

I looked back to see the pole wobbling. The crowd gasped. I crossed my fingers hoping it would stay. It rolled back and forth a few times, then stayed in its place.

"Yes!" I shouted.

I dismounted and hugged Willow's neck.

"Good boy!"

I led him out of the ring to meet Jenna. She smiled widely and gave me a hug.

"You looked really good out there!" She said.

"Thanks but Willow doesnt. He's full of sweat and I dont think he can do much more. Thank god this was the last class."

We walked together back to the trailer. Right as I thought all was well, Lily came up to me. She was definitly not happy.

"Sasha! You made me lose my chance to win! What is wrong with you?!" Lily yelled.

"First of all, you're the one acting like a brat. That's why your mom slapped you. I didn't cause that. Second of all, how do you know I did it? There's like ten other girls that hate you," I replied.

"I know you did it! You're just upset that I cut your stirrup leather! Stop acting like a little kid!"

I was about to reply when her mom butted in.

"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?" she yelled.

Lily flinched violently. Turning around she pulled the most innocent looking face.

"Nothing mother. What did you think I said? Im just talking to my friend Sasha here."

Friend?

"DON'T START THAT CRAP WITH ME! DO YOU KNOW WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF ANYONE FOUND OUT? YOU'RE SO STUPID SOMETIMES!" her mom screamed again pulling Lily by the arm.

She's probably going to be in worse trouble now.

I hooked up Willow and quickly slid off the saddle revealing his sweaty coat. Jenna helped taking off his polo wraps. Then I grabbed the lead rope clipping it the the bottom of his halter. The show was in an area with lots of money so they had built a place to wash horses. Jenna and I started to wash Willow in the wash racks. Soon he was clean again and all we had to do was wait for him to dry off. While we waited we watched the pony jumpers in the show ring. They're so cute! Jenna seemed to like watching them too. Once in a while she would point out the ponies she really liked. You're probably thinking I left Willow alone. If I turn around I can see him standing quietly. Also, Lily is sitting on the bleachers crying next to her mom who was still not happy. But then it hit me. We still have her tack in the truck!

"Jenna!" I hissed. "We have to put her tack back in the trailer!"