Stillwater Equestrian Academy

Chapter 6

Coach Scott stopped by the house and gave me and Maddie some more books to read and to study. Rodeo Pageants Rule Book, Rodeo Rule Book, Public Speaking Book, Rodeo History Book, Rodeo Pageants History Book, and Speech Writing Book. Plus books on posture, hair, nails, makeup, posing, and etc. We had our work cut out for us.

"Read the first chapter of each one." Coach said. "Study the first chapter of each book.

"You have a week to study. Then there will be a test on each one next week. One per day. It'll last for two weeks.

"Help each other with the studying. I will come by here in a couple of days and check on your progress. Ok?"

"Yes Sir, Coach." Maddie said.

"Yeah Sir, Coach." I said.

"Good." With that, he left.

"Great, how are we supposed to study all of these in a week?" Maddie asked.

"Don't worry, Maddie." I said. "I know this stuff already. So it's just a refresher course for me. So I'll be helping you study the whole week. We have all our classes covered. Even though it's the first nine weeks tests. By the end of the week, you're gonna know it all. Ok Maddie?"

"Yeah. And thanks. But I'm not much for studying. Never have been."

"Well Maddie, lucky for you, I'm a sucker for studying. And by the time this year is over, you'll be too."

"I doubt it, Stevie."

"Maddie, trust me on this. Please?"

"Oh ok, Stevie. After all you're my best friend."

"And you're my best friend."

"Ok, I'll trust you, Friend."

"Thanks Friend. But now comes something you're a little familiar with. Come with me."

She followed me outside. I found a six foot long board that was two feet wide. I laid it down on the ground.

"Maddie, stand on the board please." She did. "Stand tall." She did. "Chin up, chest out, and breathe." She did. "Walk to the end of the board, stop, turn sideways, and pose for the count of five." She did. "Turn and walk to the middle of the board, stop and pose with your left hand on your hip and turn your head and look at me." She did. "Soften your mouth and your eyes." She did. "Now walk to the end of the board in front of you, turn, stop and pose." She did. "Now, do it again." She did. "Perfect. Now add some glide in your walk, making it smooth." She did. "Perfect. Now do it again." She did all the while I took pictures.

I found another board and I practiced with her. "Relax your body as you walk, but keep your chin up and your chest out." She did. "Perfect. Now glide." She did. "Now do it again." She did.

We practiced until it was lunchtime. "Maddie, you did great today."

"Thanks Stevie. I appreciate it."

"Not a problem. Let's go eat."

"Stevie, when can I learn the routine in horseback?"

"It'll be on Monday, Maddie."

"Great Friend. I'm looking forward to it."

"So am I, Friend."

We ran into the house and into the kitchen. We grabbed our plates of Mac and Cheese, rib eye steak, and green beans plus our glasses of strawberry Kool-Aid and sat down to eat. After lunch was over, us girls cleaned the kitchen while the boys took out the trash and cleaned the living room. We made the best of Wednesday afternoon by playing Charades, then Uno, then Rummy, followed by Monopoly. But before we knew it, it was time for showers and then bed. So we headed upstairs. We talked a little bit and then I helped her as I made flash cards for her so she could study easier. Once the cards were done, we headed to our own beds and climbed in. We turned the lamps out and went to sleep.
*****
It was Saturday and we went into town. Maddie and me headed into Walmart. I grabbed a cart and we headed to the hygiene department and I grabbed Dove Body Wash, Dove Shampoo, Dove Deodorant, some feminine napkins, a tooth brush, tooth paste, and so on. Next we went to the towel and wash cloth section. She picked out purple and I picked out black ones and white ones. Next, we went to the stationary department. Maddie picked out a couple horse notebooks and I followed her lead. We found horse pencils and pens plus horse erasers. From there we went over to the makeup aisle. She found her colors and I found mine. Then we went to the snack aisle. I got Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Heath bars, and Reese's Pieces. Maddie got what she wanted. From there, we tried on some clothes and got what we wanted. Then came the shoe department. I found a pair of Stetson Cowboy Boots then a new Stetson Cowboy Hat. From there, we went to the electronics department. I picked up a set of blank CDS, a CD player, and ear phones. We made our way up to the check out and paid for our merchandise. Next we stopped at Braum's Ice Cream And Burgers. I ordered a double cheeseburger combo with a Coke and a peppermint ice cream shake. I paid my bill and Maddie paid her's. We headed out the Walmart door and walked back to the school. We sat under a tree and had our lunch and then our shakes. Then we threw our trash away and took our sodas into the house.