Making the Connection

Chapter One~ Completing the Run

       I winced as the large horse’s feet pounded the dirt on the arena wall closest to me. The light chestnut colored gelding kicked up some dirt that eventually blew my way. He rounded the third barrel and made a quick dash for the finish. “And that was Cindy Smith and HeyGoodLookin with a time of 14.32,” said the announcer. He had a deep but clear voice that was easy to hear. 

        “Hey, Olivia,” I spun around and saw Lindsey making her way through the crowd. “I could use some help.” I hesitated at first, knowing that she wanted me to help her get ready for her run. I finally found my feet and reluctantly walked toward her.

      Lindsey was my best friend and had been since like, the second grade. Going into ninth grade now had really brought us together. Girl drama and issues could really strengthen a friendship. I still remember the day when I had started my period and didn’t know until the ‘cool’ girls pointed out that I had stains. They were saying some mean things that made me want to die right there in the hallway. Lindsey must have been nearby and immediately came over. She told the girls to back off. They shot Lindsey a snobbish look as they strutted away as chill as possible. Lindsey took off her sweatshirt and tied it around my waist. She escorted me to the bathroom then left to go to her locker. When she came back, she provided me with the necessary items including a clean pair of jeans. Gosh, I loved that girl so much that day.

        I’m pretty sure Lindsey was in a hurry because the barrels had already started and she hadn’t even warmed up yet. I followed her dark hair that was shiny among the sea of people. Lindsey had a skinny stomach and deep, green eyes. She was so perfectly beautiful that she didn’t even have to wear makeup. I am not one to have a negative body image though. I am thankful for my naturally curly, light hair and sky blue eyes. I didn’t wear makeup either except for the occasional mascara.

        I entered the barn which had that dense, musty, stench of horses. Okay, maybe I was exaggerating a bit but, let’s just say horses are not my favorite animal. Then why am I at a horseshow surrounded by easily twenty of them? To support my best friend who loved horses.  The barn actually felt cool compared to the Ohio, summer heat outside. I found Lindsey’s stall which was halfway down the aisle. She was inside laying a green blanket atop the dark bay, horse. “Easy, girl.” Lindsey spoke soothingly to Lacey. She acknowledged me and explained, “She knows what we’re doing. We’ve been doing this long enough.” I smiled, letting both horse and rider know I approved. Lindsey smiled back.

        I moved out of her way as she exited the stall. I followed her to her tack box sitting outside. I held up the lid as she grabbed the saddle, resting it on her hip. “Get the breast collar please.” I did so quickly and followed her back to Lacey. Lindsey threw the saddle onto the 16 hand high horse with ease. I waited until Lindsey was ready and handed her the breast collar. She connected it quickly and went for leg wraps. She had me put the bridle on. Don’t think  that I liked this horse. The main reason I trusted Lacey was because I trusted my best friend. We had Lacey ready in under five minutes, which should’ve been a new record.

        I went first out of the stall followed by Lindsey and Lacey. Once outside, I attached the number 2543 on Lindsey’s back. Lindsey’s dad approached and his sturdy build helped Lindsey mount in no time. In case you were wondering, Lindsey and I both lived in stable households, which is a formal way of putting but ‘twas true. Neither of us were troubled teens that fought with our parents all the time. We were good students with good grades. Anyways, Lindsey clicked to Lacey and they headed off to the warm-up area. “Why did Lindsey start getting ready so late?” Her dad, Mr. Howell, was addressing me.

     “I’m not sure, Mr. Howell. But by watching the people before her and with my lack of knowledge about barrels, I’d say she knows there isn’t much competition.” Mr. Howell nodded in agreement and we both found a spot on the arena wall to watch.

        “Number 2543 to arena please,” we finally heard the announcer say. The gates opened and Lindsey entered at a trot. She passed the start line and started galloping. Lacey really did seem to know what she was doing. The team turned the barrels easily and finished in no time. “Thank you. That was Lindsey Howell on Lacey Strings with a time of 12.89, the best time of the day so far.” Mr. Howell and I both stood and cheered. Lindsey exited the arena sitting tall in the saddle.