Whatever it takes

6

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"Next up in the ring we have Elodie Wade with Limited edition." The commentator called over the speakers loudly as I entered the ring.
My first competition here in America.
Intermediate level test, I've done it often enough, no big deal.

I cantered into the ring, focusing ahead of me. Sit back. Salute. Trot on.
I've done it a lot of times, I can't exactly remember how many.

The only thing I was focusing on was my horse, what was beneath me, this is what I wanted.
I proceeded, exercise after exercise.

I did what I knew I had to do, I memorized it.
Step by step, it was familiar.
I thought about my mother, always standing there, watching my tests. I was very lucky to have her, she did everything for me.
She's proud of me, I hope.

Breathe in. You know what comes next.

Canter, let's go.

I put my legs slightly back, cantering on.

I focused on nothing but the test, not my breathing, not everyone around me, just this.
It was familiar, I liked familiarity, not so much change. But change is good, most of the time. This change was good.

Before I knew it we were done. I saluted and let out a breath. Phew, I did it.

I walked out of the ring, into the warm-up arena.

"Well done El!" Donna walked over to me, patting Eddie on the neck.

"Thanks!" I say. I was happy with how it went, not perfect ofcourse. He was a bit behind my leg, could be more active. Some transitions were a bit crappy but were working on it.

"It went well, some points to work on ofcourse but not bad for a first time."I told Donna as I walked on, cooling down for a bit.

As I was walking there I thought about a lot, like I usually do. I always know exactly how to fix the things that didn't go well, I know what didn't go well, but I just can't fix it in the moment.

Oh well, we will get there.

I walked out of the arena, getting off and walking over to the truck.

"Great Job! He did well for his first time back in the ring." Arthur said, petting the horse on it's head.

It did go well. It really did, but results make me nervous. I just always get dissapointed when I don't get a top 3 place.

But we'll see later.

We talked a lot, waiting for the results. Which felt like forever. But some food makes it better.

When they called for the results I always get that slightly nervous feeling.

Third place, Second place and then first. Not me.

I know I shouldn't feel dissapointed, but I do, every time.

"71.267%, good job, and a fourth place." Arthur patted me on the shoulder, handing me my protocol.

I looked over it, every number, everything they had to say. It was true, everything.

I breathed in, happy.

"Well, atleast we didn't waste our day." Arthur laughed as we walked back to the truck, beginning our way home.

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Sorry for taking so long! I just was really busy with school but summer break has started so I'll be writing more. This chapter isn't long or eventful but more will come!

Thank you for reading!