Changing Strides

~Chapter 22~

  I mounted Moon, my nerves crackling in the air like lightning. I fastened my helmet tighter. I led Moon into the warm-up arena. Others rode their horses, keeping them collected and calm. Except for the occasional greenie. I started out by stretching out Moon, giving her simple flexibility exercises to make her supple.
  Then I slowly brought her to a canter around the ring. She was alert, and I could tell my nerves were getting to her. I took a deep breath, sitting deeper in the saddle, bringing Moon into a light canter. She gracefully collected her head, her movements were definite, yet elegant. Her transitions were wonderful. For the first time since hearing the show, hope fluttered within me, I can do this. With my confidence growing, Moon relaxed and became even easier to maneuver.
My stomach dropped when I heard my name, "Claire Willow and Dynamic Blue Moon, please report to the judges." My muscles tensed as I exited the arena.
I sat stiffly on Moon's back in front of the judges. The arena seemed so empty, I was a show jumper for a reason. I took a deep breath, trying not to let my fears reach Moon. The judges nodded and I saluted.
  I coaxed Moon silently towards the first mark. Moon's strides were smooth, gliding over the ground as if she didn't touch the ground at all. Her transitions were soft, yet defined. We flew through the course. I only thought of the next moves and the nerves washed away as I realized that Moon was unfazed. Not by the crowds, the empty arena, nor the nerves I toned the arena to.
   I finished with the salute at X to the judges. My nerves had calmed, but settled within me once again as the judges scribbled down notes. They waved me off and the crowd erupted in clapping. Then, I heard one voice and looked to the crowd. I locked eyes with Ben, he locked eyes with me. I tore my gaze away, I tried to focus on congratulating Moon, but his face was burned into my mind.
  I dismounted Moon, rubbing her withers as a thanks for her work. I was quickly joined by Miss. Woods, Meg, and Sammy. They showered me in praise. Then I spotted Ben shuffling his feet a little distance away. I waved him over and he nervously approached. I introduced him to the group and they greeted him warmly.
I made my way back to the stall. I slowly cooled off Moon, her damp coat quickly forming a nasty layer of grim. After washing and drying Moon off, I gave her a well deserved groom. She fell asleep in the cross tues, and I hesitantly woke up the mare. She blinked open a sleepy eye, I held her lead rope and she reluctantly walked into her temporary stall. That's when I saw one of our grooms from our stables whistling down the aisle. He saw me, stopped his tune, and darted into the nearest tack room.
Then Miss. Woods approached and I whispered the event that just happened. "Okay, thanks Claire, I'll keep an eye on him. Go and rest, you have the rest of your events and you need to be energized."
  I nodded realizing that the fatigue was setting in. I walked off, pracrically running over Ben. I greeted hin and then failed at stiffling a massive yawn, "Oh my gosh, I am soooooo sorry. I'm just exhausted. How was your event with Star today."
"It was alright, we could've done better. I just wasn't firm enough with the reins and my heels cramped so I didn't have perfect posture. Star seemed to enjoy it though. Afterwards, he pranced around the yard like he was the king."
We both let out a small laugh, "That's good Ben. I'm sure you guys did fine."
"Yeah, we'll see what the judges have to say. How did you think it was?"
"Actually, it went surprisingly well. Though I was so tense. Luckily, Moon was unfazed and just followed my commands. She didn't even glance at the crowd. I was honestly shocked. Ms. Woods must've walked her within the boisterous crowd. Or something, it was a miracle. But, I don't know if I could call that a good ride. It was all Moon."
"But I like you, so I like your horse. What's the difference? I love horses...just like you."
I knew these words, but once they were said, it was different. It seemed more magical, to hear the words, truthful and strong. Pleaded to be liked. It was the music to my ears I was waiting for my whole life. I grabbed his hand and squeezed it. His eyes grew wide, "I like you too. A lot."
I smiled and he smiled back. There were no words said for the longest time. The silent void was filled with horses shuffling and eating. Others walked around, busying themselves with tending to their horses. I just stood there with Ben. I wished those minutes could last forever. But of course, nothing would.

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Cross country was the next morning. It was an odd order, but we didn't choose it. I tightly wrapped Moon's legs, giving extra padding to her tender leg. I then put a coat of hoof polish on her hooves. Her coat was back to its glimmering gray coat. Her mane seemed to glow a brilliant gray. Her coat was accented my her bright purple leg wraps, with two strips of vivid green on each leg. This was matched with a purple saddle pad, edged with the same green trim, our stable colors.
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I tried I calm myself as the official signaled us off into the cross country course. We tore away from the start, breaking into a fast canter. I reined Moon in a bit, I could tell she was a little excited. Though she complied and slowed to an easy canter as we leaped over smaller logs.
  We came to the water jump, I could feel Moon tense a bit. We didn't like the water, nobody did because you didn't have good traction landing. She bravely rushed into the water anyways, gathering her hunches underneath us as I lifted out of the saddle. She flew over the jump, landing roughly in the water, but nonetheless, safely. I pressed her forward, encouraging her into a faster pace.
  The forest was a blur around us, I concentrated on the upcoming jumps, trying to maintain speed. As we landed, clearing a gate, I saw the finish. I pushed Moon into a faster pace to reach the finish. I slowed her into a canter as we crossed the finish. I looked at the clerk and he waved me off.
I gave Moon a congratulatory pat on her sweaty neck. I dismounted and loosened her girth as I led her away from the course. Sammy praised me on my time, she showed me her phone. She showed me my time and I stopped, frozen. I took in a sharp breath continuing the walk to the stalls, cooling off Moon. Our time was fast and we really did have a shot at winning this show. Though the excitement isn't for the prize, it's my redemption. To prove, I am back, and here to stay.