Fern Creek Academy Book 1

Chapter 11: First Ride

When the whole class was ready, Ms. O'Connell asked each student to say their name. She started the lesson by placing some trot poles and a few jumps down on the arena's sandy floor. The class was asked to go one at a time through the poles. A few girls were first, then came Hilary's turn, she gently nudged Rilby with her feet, he started to trot, ............up........ down.... up.... down, Hilary rose in rhythm to Rilby's stride, it was very simple.

"Well done, Hilary," Ms. O'Connel commented,"keep your heels down, hands still."

Hilary completed the jumps and then went to the back of the line. The rest of the class completed the test.

Ms. O'Connell was pleased with the class's level and ability.

"I think you will all do FCA an honor," she said, smiling broadly,"although we still have a long way to go, I think we should start this lesson with our canter and change of lead. Can anybody tell me which is the correct lead?"

Hands shot up and the lesson started, it was the most enjoyable time of Hilary's life, learning with kids that loved horses just as much as her and getting taught by one of the best teachers.

Hilary enjoyed the whole lesson and, when it was finished, she wished for more.

"That was amazing," she related to Emma back in the stables,"I wish we had more of them."

Emma grinned."Don't worry, we have Equine Care and Health on Wednesday and then Vaulting on Thursday, you can also ride whenever you want on the weekends."

That brightened up Hilary's day and, by bedtime, Hilary was thoroughly exhausted and happy. The only thought that was bugging her was her encounter with the rude Amanda in the morning. If she bugs me again, Hilary thought determinedly, she'll be in for it. She fell asleep with happy thoughts that first night at FCA.

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Hilary thoroughly enjoyed her first week at FCA. The Equine C&H (Care & Health) on Wednesday was second best to Ms. O'Connell's riding lessons, problem was, Amanda was in it too. Hilary was greeted by an icy stare from Amanda's sea green eyes. Hilary ignored her and followed the rest of the girls into the welcoming Equine C&H classroom. Their teacher, Mr. Norton, was kind and patient.

Most of the lesson took place in the stable, where the girls could get a hands on experience with the horses. Just as Mr. Norton was giving an interesting demonstration on hoof care, Amanda stepped in Hilary's way, blocking her view.

Hilary was annoyed,",Please move, Amanda," Hilary whispered quietly, not wanting to disturb the lesson.

"Not likely," Amanda sneered back.

This girl was getting on Hilary's nerves, Hilary quietly walked around the back of the group and came up on the other side with a clear view of the demonstration. Amanda hadn't noticed yet that Hilary wasn't behind her. Hilary watched with relish as Amanda turned around and gave a jump, finding Hilary had disappeared.

"Amanda Hawkins," said Mr. Norton sternly,"Please turn around and face me."

Amanda played the act meekly.

"Yes, sir," she said, and as Mr. Norton turned away she poked her tongue at him. Nobody saw, besides Hilary. Amanda looked around and, finding Hilary, she gave her a death stare and ran her finger across her throat ominously. Hilary looked back bravely, trying to be bold, she hated this girl Amanda even more since she'd arrived.

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After lunch, Hilary decided to go and put her name on the list for the vaulting lessons, Emma went with her.

"I hate Amanda," said Hilary vehemently," How can you stand her?' She asked.

Emma shrugged "Guess I just got used to her,"

Hilary wasn't satisfied."Does she annoy everybody or just me?" She asked, put out.

Emma put her hand comfortingly around Hilary's shoulders."She annoys everybody, not just you, you shouldn't let her get on your nerves."

Hilary nodded, she would try hard to ignore Amanda and maybe Amanda would ignore her too.

They both strolled down to the noticeboard in the courtyard and scribbled their names down on the growing list of will be vaulters.