Back in the Saddle

Chapter eleven

Chapter 11

I fiddled with the straps to my bag as I sat in the car. Mom, Grandma and I were on our way to the airport where we'd catch a flight to Florida. The thought of spending the weekend in the sunny state despite the winter seemed like such a relief compared to the snowy January days spent here in Virginia. More importantly, however Meagan would be performing in a very challenging competition. One that could potentially put her competing against the country's best equestrians.

The flight to Florida was quick, considering I fell asleep for the few hours we were on the plane. We soon landed in the airport and as soon as I got off the airplane I immediately could feel the warm 60 degree Florida winter temperature. Florida was much more different than Virginia. Instead of rolling pasture fields there wasn't much to see for the land was very flat, not a hill insight. Even in New York past the cities, the terrain was rougher. However Florida has it's benefits the palm trees were gorgeous and the heat was worth it. Maybe not so much in the summer though. 

"I bet we could go to the beach, in this weather!" I joked but my grandmother gave me a knowing expression "Just because it's warmer here doesn't mean it's beach temperature. I'm sure the water is chilly."

"Look! There's your father and Meagan!" Mother said as she pointed in the crowd. Sure enough they were there holding a small sign with red sharpied letters stating "Meagan's fans". 

"That's what we're labled as now? Not even her family?" Grandma chuckled. 

Mom ran up to them and grasped Meagan in her arms "Oh, it's so wonderful to see you! How's Isaac? Are you guys ready for tomorrow? Are you nervous?"

"Of course I'm nervous!" Meagan laughed "And Isaac is doing very well, he always settles in so nicely." 

"Yes he's a good boy" Grandma chimed in. 

"I just wonder how he's adjusted to the heat." I say

"Oh trust me, everytime I've worked him outside he's become a big sweat bucket. However he should be fine for the duration of the competition." Meagan replied. 

 "Well let's go see the big boy" Mother said while squeezing Meagan in a half hug. 

***

Fresh Tree Stables was a cute little place but no where near the beauty of Eraser Park. The fenced pastures were flat with only some small trees dotting the land for some minimal shade and the white barn stood out like a sore thumb. We pulled up in the gravel driveway and parked outside the barn. Meagan jumped out, "Alright guys, ready to see Isaac?" 

"Slow down, hunny" Grandma said as she climbed out of her passenger seat. 

 As soon as everyone was out of the car we made our way up to Fresh Tree's barn. The inside looked much more expensive than the outside. Really silly, I thought for the horses care more about their pastures being lush and rolling rather than the top notch stables in the barn, just one more reason why Eraser was "old fashioned". As I walked the haylessley swept aisles I realized as a tourist "hotel" barn it was all about making sure the owners had the right treatment. 

"And here he is" Meagan said while slipping a carrot from her back pocket and handing it over the wooden stall door. Isaac walked over and gingerly took the carrot from her hand munching it down. 

"He looks great" Mother said while petting his glossy red head. 

"He's well prepared for the competition tomorrow, I'd say, he looks like a star" Grandma agreed.

"Thank you, I've been spending a lot of time getting him to look top notch and for him to stand out, we have a big few days ahead of us, and apperance among a thousand other things play's it's role." Meagan replied

Of course apperance wasn't something you were actually graded on, but looking your best and having your horse look incredible was extremley important in competitions, especially in the dressage arena. 

                                                                                        ***

The next morning we woke up early, at 6:30 am and Meagan was still up much earlier probably doing last minute things at the barn before her big day. We'd have to be there at eight when the competition would begin so I headed down stairs to have breakfast and then washed up really quick with a shower.

The drive to the show grounds was short and before I knew it I was beginning to get nervous for Meagan. The smell of hot dogs and the noises of horse whinning were all too welcome though and I started to jump to the possibility of me showing. Wait, but no, the last time I showed was with Chance and although I have gotten mostly past the memory the idea  of showing again terrified me. For now I'll just enjoy my leisurley hacks with Honey and continue my training with Firm. Showing was already nerve racking enough from the side lines.

The day was rather long as the sun began to climb in the sky. At ten Meagan had performed her sequence on Isaac and had done, what I had thought, was a perfect performance but the scores would not be posted until the last rider rides and it being noon now, I'd expect only a few more riders to take their turn. 

The announcer called James Bagwell on Gengei and my mother told me he was the last rider, I watched his white gelding go through the performance striklingly but near the end faults were made in his extended walk. Only means good news for Meagan when a mistake by another is made.

                                                                                         ***

 By the end of the weekend, we were all exhausted as we boareded the plain, I didn't even want to think about Meagan and Isaac's condition. Isaac himself was in a trailer headed back with Dad driving him home.

During the weekend, Meagan had done wonderfully only earning a small penatily in the show jumping arena for knocking a pole. However her dressage score was strong and she earned no points againts her in the exciting cross country course. 

I had every expectation that the Olympic scouts would adore her from the way she preformed. 

"When will we find out about the scouts?" Grandma asked 

"In another couple weeks" Meagan answered "Which is bittersweet, I'm exhausted after the competition and could just use the time to recuperate before hearing the big news but at the sae time I would just like to know!" 

"I know, honny, you did so amazingly though I doubt you have to worry about the scouts" Mother said while kissing her on the head

"Couldn't have done it without Isaac." Meagan replied.

(uh sorry about the incredibly short and very not in depth chapter, I've been stuck for such a long time I thought I'd post something and just go back and edit once I finish the book :)