ON HOLD - Life as a Teenage Equestrian

Chapter 3: Party Prep

I rode Fiesta out to our small arena and began working her on the flat. Her training was fine, but I needed to keep her supple for the World Equestrian Finals soon. Gosh, I was so excited for the Finals. I didn't expect us to do that well, but hey. It was a very upperclass show, and I felt priviledged to even be chosen to compete.

I popped her over a few 2ft verticals, grinning to myself as I reveled in that feeling you get that makes you feel like you're flying. Oh I would never grow tired of that feeling. Which is probably why show jumping is my favorite part of shows.

As I was letting Fiesta walk on a loose rein to stretch her legs and cool out, swinging my feet free of the stirrups, I heard Allie calling for me by the barn. "Out here Al!" I told her. She followed my voice to the arena and stood by the fence, watching Fiesta walk around. "Okay, so as soon as you put her up we're headed to your room. I've laid out an outfit, all you have to do is jump in the shower and let me do your hair and makeup." I watched her face grow more and more excited as she talked. This party must be big for her. I chuckled and swung off Fiesta's back. Running the stirrups up and bringing the reins over her head, I headed for the gate. Allie fell in step with me as I started walking towards the barn.

"Okay Al, just give me a minute to untack and let her out." I said with a half smile as I unbridled Fiesta, slid her halter on, and clipped her into the crossties. I looped the bridle on my shoulder and pulled the saddle off, noting with a smile that she didn't have a huge sweat mark. Hurrying to the tack room I put the tack back on its proper racks and then led my big grey baby out to her paddock.

"Fine, I'm all yours." Allie squealed and grabbed my hand, taking off in a run towards the house. I rolled my eyes but smiled and willingly followed her inside. She all but stripped me and shoved me into the shower, and I shook my head at her the started scrubbing the layer of dirt off me. Once I had shampooed my hair I stepped out and wrapped myself in my bathrobe. I squeezed the extra water out of my hair then went and sat down at my vanity. Allie gleefully set to work drying my hair. I closed my eyes and let her pull and twist my hair however she wanted, knowing that she had good fashion sense and wouldn't make me look horrible.

After what seemed like ages, she exclaimed, "Okay! What do you think?" I opened my eyes and studied my face. She had done my hair up in big, loose curls that fell over my shoulders. My makeup was minimal, complementing my naturally smooth complexion. I wore a thin coat of mascara and purple eyeshadow mixed with some light silver glitter. Other than a sheer coat of gloss on my lips, that was all the makeup she'd applied. She had a smug look on her face as I complemented her skills. "Thank you. Now, go get dressed." She told me, handing me a bundle of clothes and pointing to the bathroom. I went in and looked at what she'd handed me. A pair of purple and white galaxy leggings with a white, billowy high/low shirt. A small purple belt was all she gave me to accesorize with. I shrugged in agreement and quickly got changed.

She gave me a huge grin as I walked out into my room again. "I love it!" I blushed slightly and did a spin for her. "It's all your doing." I told her. She handed me my purple wedges. "Alright, I've got your overnight bag all ready for you. Lets go." She said as she started for the stairs. I followed her down and wrote a note for mom, telling her I was staying the night with Allie.

"Let's do this." I said, determinedly.

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Woo! Finally got chapter 3 posted! Love you guys!

Ericaa