Chosen- CCA Super Special

Chapter 2

"Again," Kim demanded.

Sweat poured down my face and trickled down my back. I could feel the eyes on my back, watching me, always judging. Cricket tossed her delicate head impatiently. I took a deep breath and erased all thoughts except for Cricket and myself. Chomping at the bit, she took her head and braced against the bit, pulling strongly. I sat quietly, gave a little half-halt and played at the corners of her mouth. She relented and I gave her a quick pat for carrying herself properly. I felt relaxed in her elastic trot, rising in time with the beat. Keeping my back soft and relaxed I guided her onto a circle and asked for a canter.

My back tensed once more and she shut down immediately.

"Feel the swing," Kim intoned.

I relaxed my back again and concentrated on the feel of my seat bones swinging to her stride. Gently, I asked for a canter and she floated through the transition into my hands.

"There. Now the jump."

I circled, taking my time, concentrating on the flow. I had to be relaxed to move with Cricket. My body angles had to be open to absorb shock. I wanted mold her into the frame I wanted, not force her. Satisfied, I let her out of the circle and kept her body completely straight. Hips relaxed, I reminded myself. Cricket, the wonderful girl that she is, went easily towards the jump and let me find a good distance. She rose over the jump and my hip angles closed, my body in perfect balance with her, neither ahead nor behind the motion. We landed and cantered off on the right lead easily.

"Excellent," Kim said with satisfaction.

I sighed in relief and slumped a little.

"Don't you dare stop riding on me!" She reprimanded laughingly.

I gave her a big smile, sat up straight, and brought Cricket back to the line of horses. Ana snuck me a quick smile and a high five. Brielle's eyes twinkled.

"That's enough for you today, Lauren. Ana, you're up."

Ana and Breeze, the lanky roan mare she rode, surged forward without a trace of movement. I admired Ana's riding style. No one was quite as quiet of a rider as she was. Breeze needed a light touch, and Ana's perceptive riding complemented the fiery, sensitive mare.

Breeze swung into her ground-covering canter, and I knew how hard Ana worked to stay so still and balanced in that huge stride. Ana took her time and didn't let anything rush her. I wished I had more of that as I rider. I was prone to getting nervous and rushing through things just to end them. She left the circle easily and they arched over the jump as though it were nothing, floating away easily.

"We need to get you two into some eq classes now don't we?" Kim smiled.

Ana blushed, "That would be nice. Breeze is perfect for it."

"You're not too bad yourself, young lady. Keep that cool, confident manner in the show ring and you'll excel in the equitation ring."

I gave a little whoop. "Ana Carson and Summer Breeze, this year's ASPCA Maclay Finals Champions!"

Ana stuck her tongue out at me.

"She'd certainly get you noticed. I can tell you there aren't too many roans," Kim smiled.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Ana cautioned, smiling.