Buddha on Pride

Chapter 7

i waited impatiently for the names to be called at the awards ceremony at the end of the day. my heart pounded as i shifted my feet in the grass below me. With Buddhas reins in hand, i couldnt keep my eyes off of the announcer, fidgeting papers on the podium that sat high on the wooden stage. He adjusted the microphone and began to speak, which words went in one ear and out the other until they announced the placings and the awards.
" Now onto placings for our last division, the Advanced Jumpers set at 4 foot. We will go from bottom-up.... "
I couldnt stand this, 6th place, 5th place, 4th place were all called and i hadnt been named yet. My head began to spin.
" 3rd place, Emma Hinsmen. 2nd place, Sara Pitchfield, and in 1st place with 469 points for the day and a horse swap is... Kaci Oz' Follder! Congratulations to all competitors today. One moment while we get our sponsors organized for the $10,000 scholarship. " He stepped away from the podium. A few moments later, 4 people and one large check stood in the center of the stage; the announcer was now back at the podium.
" It was very close but Im proud to say that this years Youth Jumper competition scholarship goes to... miss Jessica Peters with 472 points! "
My heart sank, i thought i may puke but swallowed the guilt. It was very sportsmanship like, but i couldnt help it.
I looked at my mother hoping she had something to say, " Sweet heart, i know you worked hard for this and you deserve that but theres always next year. you did beautifully! Maverick and Buddha did amazing and they have shown how hard you trained for this when you went out there. "
" I know mom, but i wanted this so badly. Win or Loose we tried our best! Thats all that matters. " I said with a slight smile.
" Youre absolutely right, Kaci. Im very proud of you! " She exclaimed putting her arm around me as we walked back to the trailer.
" Excuse me! " I turned as a middle aged woman began approaching us, " You are Kaci Oz' Follder, yeah? "
She had a british accent, which was very defined.
" Yes. " I said.
" I was one of the judges that judged you today, and i normally dont do this but you did amazing today. You were very very close to getting the scholarship and i really hope you try again next year. This horse right here is phenomenal! He isnt for sale by any chance is he? " She asked.
" No, sorry. But thank you! " I said.
" Well if you ever do sell, please give me a call, " she handed my mother a card.
" That wont be necessary, he will be in the family for a long time! " My mother said , ripping the card and sticking it in her pocket. I smiled at the sight of this.
We turned, and returned to our trailer. I untacked, brushed, and then loaded Buddha into the trailer and began to drive home. I watched out the window as hills began rolling in and mountains came into view, thats when i knew we were close to home. We pulled into our dusty drive way, leading to our home which was about a mile into the hills.
The pastures started to come into view as I watched the horses graze at sunset. It was a glorious view which i had the gift to see everyday. God had blessed our ranch with a beautiful sunset and sunrise everyday, rain or shine. I took for granted sometimes that this picture of something i see everyday was painted in my mind. But i never let go of that, because every morning and every night, it reminded me that god has painted a new picture for everyday. And that was the most grateful thing i could ever imagine.