Unbridled Beginnings

Chapter 23: The End

"Hayley, can we talk to you alone for a minute?" Jack asks.

I look back at Hazel, Janet and Damien to see their confused expressions. I never told any of them that I was keeping Mayfield Ranch a secret to my foster parents. But then again, I definitely wasn't expecting them to show up to watch my performance.

I nervously stand up and walk away with Alison and Jack, leaving Hazel, Janet and Damien puzzled to what's happening. They lead me all the way to the fence of the arena which has now cleared of the busy crowd of people. As soon as we reach the fence they turn to face me and Alison speaks up.

"Hayley, I'm sure your wondering why and how we got here and also you probably think we're mad at you," Alison says.

"Well, we we're mad when we first saw you in the ring on that horse," Jack starts. "But as soon as you had finished your performance we had changed our minds completely."

My mouth hangs wide open and I don't know what to say.

"I...I..didn't-," I begin, but Alison cuts me off.

"That was amazing Hayley! We had no idea that you could do such a thing. We are both so proud of you."

Jack nods in agreement, proving that Alison is being truthful. 

"But just so we know whats going on, can you tell us why your here?" Alison asks.

"Um... Well, Janet and Damien who are back over there at the float hired me to work at Mayfield Ranch as their trainer," I begin once again. "Although instead of paying me, they let me keep Sharki at their stables. The pony that you saw me riding in the ring is called Nova. I've been training her to compete at this show for unbroken horses. The prize money is $100,000 and that's what Janet and Damien need to save Mayfield Ranch from bankruptcy.

Jack and Alison don't get a chance to reply because a lady's voice starts to boom over the loud speaker.

"Listen in everybody! Listen in! The judges have added up every competitor's score and decided on the final place-getters. This is the moment that you've all been waiting for!"

As everyone around the show grounds clap, I quickly walk back to the float with Alison and Jack.

"Third place goes to... Toby on Jesse!"

My heart thuds excitedly as I wait anxiously for the final announcement.

"Second place goes to... Nikki on Heaven!"

My hands twitch wildly and my stomach leaps as the clapping quiets.

"Now, the judges had a tough decision deciding on one winner so the prize money of $100,000 will be split between these two competitors." The lady announces.

My mind races. If I win this the prize money it will only be $50,000. That will help Mayfield Ranch but its still not enough to save it. I don't get a chance to think things through very well because the loudspeaker starts booming again.

"The winners of the 2015 Unbroken Horse Challenge goes to... Hannah on Jive and...-"

My breathing is heavy and my heart pounds in my chest.

"-Hayley on Nova!"

I leap up and Janet, Damien, Hazel and my foster parents come to hug me. We all have huge smiles on our faces even though Janet, Damien and I all know that Mayfield Ranch is still in dilemma.

The lady orders Hannah and I to come into the arena to receive our prizes. I mount Nova bareback and trot her over to the arena being closely followed by Janet, Damien, Hazel and my foster parents. We line up next to each other inside the arena while the huge audience watches us receive our prizes. Three judges come to shake our hands first and then we each have a thick wreath of flowers put around our ponies neck's. One of the judges then approaches us and hands us the cheque of $50,000. Before our lap of honour, we thank all of the judges.

I click Nova into a fast canter around the edges of the arena, followed by Hannah. The winds whips in mine and Nova's face as the sand flicks up beneath her hooves. I lean down to pat her before coming back to a walk after our victory lap.

The audience claps as both me and Hannah exit the arena.

When we all arrive back at the float I tie Nova up and give her two apples. We all begin to help pack up to leave for home when Alison and Jack stop me.

"Hayley, we think you deserve this." Alison says, as they hold out a white ticket.

I take it and look at the contents.

Mayfield Ranch

$50,000

11th December 2015

"Whats this for?" I question, attempting to give the cheque back.

"It's the other half of the prize money that you earned. We think you deserve it after that performance." Jack replies, pushing the check back towards me.

I jump into their arms and hug them tight.

"Thank you so much!"

I gather the two cheques together and hand them to Janet.

"Will this save Mayfield Ranch?" I question.

Janet and Damien both look at me and then at the cheques.

"Yes it definitely will Hayley! Thank you!"

They hug me and thank my foster parents as well.

"Hayley, I've been meaning to ask you this for a while now, but I had to wait for the right moment." Janet begins. "Would you like to start a business to train problem horses at Mayfield Ranch?"

My heart skips a beat.

"Of...of course!" I stutter, now a huge grin across my face.

"Great! I think the name Unbridled Beginnings is perfect." Janet says.

"Definitely."

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A/N:

I really hope you guys have enjoyed reading this story! Tell me what you think about the ending in the comment section below. I am hoping to publish a sequel for this story, though the name is yet to be decided! What do you guys think would be a good title?

Thank you so much for reading! :)

Taylah