Barn Troubles

I slip the latch off the gate as I enter the field just in front of the quietly lit barn. Another show morning, where you have that tingle of butterflies and the grass is dewy and the air is slightly misted.

It was five A.M. When I arrived at the farm in pajamas. I had only been able to ride June for the past week, since a couple weeks she had been lame from loosing a shoe.

I greeted my chestnut mare gently as she nudged into me. I led her into the barn and into the wash stall to bathe her.

"Well good morning!" Shouted Amy, my best friend who also happened to be a great rider and my barn buddy since we were 7.

"Ugh. Good morning." I said with a slight grin. "What classes are you showing in today?" I asked groggily as a picked up the hose.

"Probably like five or six at the most. A few hunter jumper 2' 9" and a few flat," Amy muttered, seeming sort of tired again.

I spray June down until the Appendix's coat lays flat. I mix some baby shampoo and chestnut enhancement, and spread it all over her body.

Next, I take a little scrubby thing and wash her. I continue by rubbing conditioner throughout June's mane and tail. I drape a cooler over her back and lead her into a cozy stall with awaiting grain.

Amy takes our place and leads her grey gelding in.

"Good morning girls!" My sweet instructor calls from the barn doors. "My goodness, Maggie, June is looking fabulous this morning," Brenda calls again.

Another car pulls up and Sarah steps out, Jasmine is following close behind in an expensive luxury car. Amy and I grin in unison at Sarah, meanwhile Jasmine grumbles about catching her horse.

I let my girth hang a tiny bit after tacking up. It's just about time to load and I slip my old leather halter over June's ears, caressing the gold nameplate.

__________________________

It was warm and dark in the truck. The trailer swayed rhythmically in motion with the Christian/country station.

I couldn't help but to grit my teeth at Jasmine. Her horse, Bolt, is beaten and mistreated, give him a break. She is always rude, and spits at the beginners when they come around. One of us would definitely slap her upside the head, but we are only 13 and would be sued from her rich and fancy family. Some things just don't make sense in this world...

Amy woke me up as we pulled into the grassy field used for parking. I had drifted asleep for almost an hour, and now it was seven-thirty and light outside.

I tied up June to the trailer, changed, and returned with her bridle. I slipped the bit into her mouth and waited for Amy to mount.

We notify Brenda that we are heading to warm up. I edge my mare into a trot in the sand arena. I can feel her movement underneath me in the deep footing. It took a lot to whip her into shape, but soon we are soaring over a cross rail like it's three foot.

"Woah there, cowgirl!" Amy exclaims when she catches a glimpse of June over jumping. She continues though, "You better hold on tight in the 2'6" round!"

I laugh, finally catching some emotion. I return to cantering some other low jumps, and an oxer.

The announcer comes over the intercom as I enter the ring, "Maggie Smith riding June Bug!"

I canter a half circle and approach the first jump, which isn't very inviting. We take a long spot and I get left behind a little. Immediately after landing, I focus and half halt to finish the course.

I come out of the ring, now the morning is warmer, and drink some water. I come through and win Champion in one division, and a fifth in another class. Then, I take a moment to chuckle.

I watch Amy and Sarah own the ring in the higher divisions, since their horses are fit. I stand proud, ready to praise Amy for yet another champion. We smile and exchange looks as she exits the show ring.

__________________________

After barn chores, I get home and run to the shower. It was a chilly day for May, but here in Virginia it's pretty much always comfortable. The water is ice cold, but I let it wipe all the dirt, grime, and sweat off of me.

As soon as I am dressed I receive a text from Amy: "The show was SOOO much fun! Congrats Amy, I hope once June is in better shape we can do three foot together!!!"

I laughed and texted back:"I will whoop your butt fo sho... I'm so excited, we only have one week of school left!!!! Eeekk. Friday after the barn you are coming home with me for the best sleepover ever!'

With that I fell into a deep sleep.

__________________________

What a miracle, last week, no homework. I burst out the double doors of my middle school and rush to the car in a hurry.

I pull on my tan breeches and a pair of Tuff Rider socks. I switch to a t-shirt and finally put on my comfortable paddock boots and slip my new half chaps over them.

I'm relieved when I finally arrive at the barn. As I walk in I find Clara sprinting down the aisle. I quickly grab the six year olds arm, "walk please. You wouldn't want to spook Cocoa, would you?"

The girl shook her head and Brenda comes out of the tack room holding all of the tiny tack for Clara's lesson.

I smile and greet her, "Need some help there?" She grins back but passes on the offer. My instructor is a great one who is always experienced and doesn't like other people helping her out. Guilt, but neither do I.

I bring in June and Thunder, Amy's gelding from the back pasture. I might as well just trail ride around with Amy when she gets here.

Brenda only has the one lesson, so they stay in the ring. Amy and I tie our lead ropes to our halters as reins and hop on bareback.

For the next minutes we gossip about Jasmine and riding skills. We approach a hill at a canter and Thunder takes off at full gallop.

With a halter on Amy had little to no control. This part of the trail was a mostly open field with a fence bordering the top. Thunder headed straight for it. He chipped in like he would refuse, but instead took a huge leap over it, bound for the lake on the opposite side.

THUD! Amy hit the hard dry ground and painfully held her body in a small ball.

"Oh my gosh! Amy! Hey are you alright?!" I yelled as I dismounted beside her.

I didn't blame her, but she whined to hold back her tears. "How could I be do stupid? Thunder is usually good!"

I replied wisely, "You took a hard fall, but don't be hard on yourself because it wasn't your fault." Then I joke, "We all know the grass is greener on the other side."

I grabbed Amy's wrist and helped her onto her feet. For my luck, she put on a smile and dusted off her breeches.

I lead June over to Thunder to calm him down. He gets distracted from trotting circles and eating grass, then walks over.

"Need a leg up?" I say reassuringly. Amy nods and I heave her up onto the 15.3 hh horse. Finally I jump and swing my leg up and over and sit comfortably.

We continue by jumping a few logs and playing down in the water. The lake that connects to the field and the trail is our favorite spot. It's shady, the water is warm and glistening, unlike regular lakes with algae and mud. There are cattails and bright flowers dotted around the outside which is the nicest touch. On a wooden dock with a small white bench which just tops off the whole place.

As we admire, I have memories of all the best times of riding, the falls, recoveries, catch rides, blue ribbons, connections with June. It all brings tears to my eyes, I wouldn't want that all to just fall apart.