Welcome to my world

Germany

Germany was defiantly the favorites. Because of Germany always having different style jumping course that most countries don't try. However this year Ireland was ready, I can not say that our team was ready last year, wait let me think. We were defiantly not ready.

Germany was the last stage of the junior world champs because the stage in Holland had been cancelled. Josh and I had excised our horses for about an hour before three of the American team came towards us.

"Hi Greg." Alex my friend called out as he started to canter towards us. "Oh no here he comes." Damon laughed as he came out to see Alex, Sam and William. Sam and William compete in Ireland normally but represent America, while Alex competes in Germany but I have competed against him a couple of times.

Having competed in Germany gives you the upper hand in these types of tournaments. DJ and Drew had also came out to see what the commotion was about because Alex had almost fallen off. "Wow there." Josh called out after Alex had regained his balance on his horse Badger. Badger was a 10 year old gelding, Danish riding pony. William rides a 6 year old mare that is still very green and honestly I cannot remember her name. Sam rode a German riding pony, gelding. He was a beautiful black solid horse.

Josh and Damon love playing practical jokes on us, when I say love I mean absolutely love playing pranks on us. Today it was poor Drews turn to feel the full impact of Josh and Damons prank.

They ran out of the room so they would not be caught in the act, because no one likes being caught in the act no one at all likes being caught in the act.

Drew and I walked in about two minutes later pretty happy at our round we had just done. But that was soon to change because Drew was the first one to walk into our room.

"Josh! Im going to kill you" Drew yelled as he stormed out of the room. Something you should know about Drew is he is a perfectionist. He hates it when people mess anything up. That is why he is sharing a room with me, because I am so, so tidy. Actually I really am not. I should tell the truth. Anyway it all went downhill from there for Damon and I. Damon was sad because Drew only thought Josh had done the prank, and it went down hill for me because I could not get Drew to shut up. Josh, Damon and I changed his sheets for him and everything which made him happy.

The world champs second stage was tomorrow. We had all had about 5 practices on a course similar to the one we are doing tomorrow so we could get use to the tight turns and the different jump combinations that we have not done before. DJ and Drew had knocked three rails off out of the 5 rounds. Josh, Mathew and I had cleared 4 out of the 5. Ok, I know what you are going to say, I should have cleared it yes, but I have an excuse, I have a reason. It is because, ok I really do not have an excuse. Damon cleared all 5.

The night was very loud, we were all excited and nervous at the exact same time, Drew was talking super fast. Josh was louder then usual, which I thought was impossible and Mathew and DJ were playing hide and seek in their room to pass time. I cant say I was the only sensible one, but you see I just want to make it look like I am the only sensible one. "Hey Greg, do you want to play hide and seek with DJ, Damon and Drew and of course me" Mathew asked as they came up behind me.

"What is Josh doing" I asked as I walked towards them. "He is talking to coach about nationals in 5 weeks." I shrugged my shoulders as to end the conversation before someone realises I should go out there too. Oh well there is always tomorrow, next week, next month.

The next day we had to wake up pretty early because we had an hour drive to the show grounds. Josh, DJ and Mathew went into the first car that left first, while I went with Drew and Damon in the second car. Lemonade Troy and Chester were all quiet, but that changed at the show grounds.

When we got to the show grounds it was so loud already and it was so packed. we were actually one of the only teams there. We walked towards the stables we were allocated and put our horses in the stalls. We feed them and while they ate we went to get our tack from the trucks. "Greg, do you know where my girth is." DJ asked as he started throwing everything on the ground. "Stop you idiot, or you will have to polish everything before we have to practice." DJ looked down onto the ground as he looked to see if any of the stuff was his. "Is this it" I asked picking up a girth from the left of the truck. DJ nodded as he grabbed it and ran off like a scared child towards a stranger if the adult had found something of the kids.

"Dork" I whispered as I started to pick up all the tack DJ had left on the floor. "Hey" Josh said as he walked up to me after putting his tack in the stables. "Do you want any help." I nodded and it took us 10 minutes to get back to the stables.

3 hours later and the world champs had began Josh was the third person to jump. He jumped a clear round however it was very slow for Josh and I could tell something was on his mind. He had not been the same since the talk last night and it was bothering me. I didn't want to ask because Josh always shares when he is ready. Mathew was second followed by DJ followed by Damon followed by Drew and the last person to compete was me.

I just had to be beat Drew to win the junior world champs and I was so excited because one Drew was coming first and if I lost we would still win. and two I just really wanted to beat Drew for a number of reasons.

To everyones surprise Germany's top rider is coming fifth.

I rode out into the arena for the last time in the junior world champs. Lemonade started t canter to the first jump. she lifted herself off the ground and landed the jump perfectly. never in doubt not to touch the rail. I went over the next three jumps with ease. As I prepare my self for the last three Lemonade prepares for a jump too, We sail over the next three leaving the last jump. I concentrate as I begin to turn towards the jump. Lemonade's mane floats up and down on the back of her thick neck.

We prepare to jump, we jump, we land. It is that easy we clear the jump and gallop towards the poles to where the finish to the course was.