Saddling Up {thewattys2015}

Chapter Five

I put Elle on cross-ties and curry comb her back and pick her hooves. I leave in the stable aisle while I go into the tack room. I grab her bridle and saddle. I go back and set the saddle and bridle on top of my trunk. I grab a gold coloured saddle pad and put it on her back. I untangle the stirrups and try not to plop the heavy English saddle on her back. I set it up correctly and tighten girth. She used take in a breath of air and let it out when I was done tightening the girth causing the saddle to slide.

I slide on her bridle and push the bit towards her. She strikes the ground with her hoof, but accepts the bit. I snap on my helmet and take her off cross-ties. With the reins in hand, I guide Elle out of the stable. When near the outdoor arena, I grab the reins in one hand and push off the ground and land in the saddle.

I urge her into a fast walk and we enter the outdoor arena. Mr.Rossi had set up some jumps already so before we took the course, I did a warm up lap of trotting and positioned us before the first jump. The course consisted of two verticals, one oxer, three faux bushes and one huge final vertical, looked to be about 4"6. I gathered the reins and squeezed the sides of her belly, urging her into a trot, then into a canter. We cantered in a small circle then headed for the jump.

I counted the strides, 1...2...3...4... JUMP! Elle left the ground and tucked her back hooves tightly to her body and landed on the ground, without clipping a rail. 5 strides later, She lept over the 2 verticle. I smiled and patted her neck. One ear flicked back towards me in response. We took on the four other jumps, only knocking the rail at the oxer. I let Elle have more rein as we approached the final jump. She asked for a bit more by tugging on the reins. I hesitated. Should I trust her? Too late. Elle took off and I flew through the air over her head.

THUD. A body landed in the packed sand of Windsor's outdoor riding arena.