Horse Academy (1)

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

It was about 5.50pm and I was making my way to the announcement arena with Storm. Storm's mane and tail were re-plaited and his coat glimmering against his bridle and saddle. I had put on his navy blue saddle pad once again to complete his look. I had my also navy blue show jacket on, beige breeches, black tall boots, helmet and my straight blonde hair out into a perfect neat bun to make me blend well with Storm.

My mind was else where though, I needed to do well to get more points. This show was our last chance to get into states. Unfortunately I had missed many qualifying shows earlier in the year due to an injury Storm attained. This was our last chance to tally up the points. but I guess it doesn't matter anymore...

My heart sinks when I remember he's up for sale.

Walking into ring 3, I noticed the grandstands weren't filled up to much. They mainly held contestants families and friends. It was now about 5 minutes until we started, and many more riders arrived.

"Name please" an elderly lady asks me as I line up with the others.

"Taylor Hastings" I say.

"Your riding Wind Storm, correct?" she questions.

"Yes" I answer, keeping my smile.

She ticks me off before marking off some more people, when she is done another lady gets all the riders attention.

"Okay so we are doing this is a certain order as we cannot have every horse and rider in this ring at once. We will start by doing the beginners all the way through to the advanced. This will also apply with the rest of the announcements. So in a minute the all competitors that aren't in the beginners classes, will leave the ring and head to ring 2b. Someone will be sent over to the ring when your class is up" she then takes a breath

"IF you do NOT come with the rest of the people and are late, then you will not be allowed in the ring. Now that we have that cleared up, could all riders that aren't in the beginner classes start following me to ring 2b" she finishes turning around and heading to the exit.

As we arrive in the ring the lady speaks again.

"If you wish to see the other announcements, we have ties on the railings and people watching the horses. But it's your responsibility for getting back in time. After you're done you can head back and get ready for the cross country ceremony" the lady finishes.

I knew tonight was going to be eventful, many people were here. There were older competitors and trainers along with families and friends. I decide to go check out the announcements for 15 minutes then head back to hang with Storm. Even though the competitions were over I was still nervous, I just want to know if I did well or not.

Time flew by and before I knew it, it was our turn, I follow the group of over 20 riders and their horses to the ring. I was about 6 or 7 people/horses behind the leader which as usual, if Tiffany. A guy ticks our names off before ushering us into the ring where a lady was speaking. I could see the ribbons on the tables, my stomach clenches. Why did Tiffany put herself next to me?

"Don't get your hopes up, only I would be able to get Storm to pull off a dressage test that is better than Breeze's" she states snidely. I roll my eyes.

Greeeaaatt more criticism for my BFF Tiffany...

Another woman begins to speak and I zone out completely, that's until she starts announcing the places.

"In 4th place, Tiffany Lea riding Song in the Breeze".

Wait, that can't be right!

My head snaps to my right looking at Tiffany. Does this mean I have BEATEN her!?! Excitement poured over me, the older lady from before smiles and hands a ribbon to her. Tiffany gives her a fake smile.

"In 2nd place is Mia Clarke on-"

Oh my gosh I need to pay attention, wait that means-

"and that leaves Taylor Hastings on Wind Storm in 1st place, congratulations Taylor" the lady says.

Ohmygod! Ohmygod! Ohmygod!

The elderly lady walks up to me "Congratulations, I really enjoyed watching you ride today, you and your horse are very talented, I look forward to watching you in the future, it was a close call between you and Mia, you had a point over her" she says smiling.

I smile back as I shake her hand and take the ribbon she offers me. I also get handed the piece of paper with my marks, which I immediately passed to mom.

Phase 1 is done.

I proudly clip the silk blue ribbon onto Storms bridle and give him a massive hug. After posing for a few pictures, myself and Mia, the girl who came 2nd, begin to chat.

"Congratulations!" I said cheerily to Mia.

"You too, we almost had it" she laughs petting her beautiful horse with a pretty red ribbon clipped to its bridle.

"Almost" I said jokingly.

Everyone mounts their horses and I lead the victory lap followed by Mia and the rest. Afterwards I exchange numbers with Mia, who to my surprise, was an EFA student. Maybe I wouldn't start my new year alone!

It is currently 7.53pm and I'm about to go out to the cross country announcements. Mia and I had been talking for a bit when we were called over to the arena. Yet again for the 2nd time that night we enter ring 3, Mia stands next to me as we wait patiently again for our place and names to be called out. Thankfully, Tiffany was all the way at the other end of the arena, most likely embarrassed that I had beaten her in the dressage.

"In 3rd place is Taylor Hastings on Wind Storm", cheers come from the crowd, I smile.

Third place was great, and I recieve another ribbon, except this time it was white. I give Storm a well deserved pet, he had definitely pleased me today. This meant I could make the points for state finals. All I have to is not mess up badly tomorrow. But what if we qualify for the state finals and end up not competing...?

"That now leaves Mia-" I turn and face Mia.

"Great job! You got 1st" I said grinning at her, she was beaming.

"I'm so glad my hard work paid off" she says excitedly as she's passed a blue ribbon.

I pin Storms ribbon into his bridle, with Mia leading the victory lap. I felt as though nothing could put me down today.

"Amazing job, a 1st AND 3nd. That puts you into second position at the moment" Emily says excitedly jumping up and down with me.

My mum gives me a massive hug, "Storm did all the hard work" I tell them beaming.

As I lead him to his where I'll cool him off, Emily left with her parents. I still didn't know why she went to all the trouble to come down and see me ride but I wasn't complaining. It was great having her here with me!

After cooling Storm down and feeding him, I decide to put his show rug back on.

It was a shame I didn't own Storm. Jazz still has a choice in selling him, a voice nagged in the back of my head. Sadness fills my stomach, I don't know what I'll do with out him, it's not going to be the same if he gets sold...

"When he gets sold" I whisper to myself.