Canterwood Crest Academy: The Rescues

Chapter 3: The Twins

The barn seemed even more beautiful now that the crowds of vehicles and horse trailers were gone. The black and white building gleamed in the sunlight and was an equal amount of beauty and intimidation.

I could practically feel the competitive energy as Caitlyn and I walked down the aisle, ducking under cross-ties and bypassing horses and riders alike. I kept my head down as we walked, worried a few riders may recognize me as the girl who lost control of her horse on the first day.

" Promise! " Caitlyn whistled when we were closer to the back of the barn, by the back door that lead to the outdoor arenas.

The beautiful chestnut mare with a striking blaze looked even more stunning than I had imagined. She stuck her head out of her stall and turned to look at us. She whinnied, her ears perking as we approached.

Caitlyn jogged the last few feet to the stall, throwing her arms around her horses neck. Promise lowered her head as if she was trying to hug her back and I was impressed with the strong bond they obviously had.

I smiled as I stood back, letting them have their moment. Pinned on the door of the stall was the gold nameplate that every stall had, with the horses show name, stable name and owner scribed on it, but Promises nameplate had little heart stickers on it, giving it a more personal feel to me. I should try that on Gracie and Cobalts plates, although I think Cobalt would try to eat the stickers when I wasn't looking.

" Ashley! This is my girl Promise! " Caitlyn spoke as she moved so I could let Promise sniff my hand. The mare seemed super friendly, nudging me, probably looking for treats. I laughed lightly. " Sorry girl, no treats "

Promise snorted and turned back around in her stall, munching on the hay from her hay net.

Caitlyn shook her head, laughing. " She's such a little piggy. Before I started to get more serious about riding and Canterwood she was so fat and out of shape. it took a lot to get her to where she is now... "

I nodded as I peered into the stall. Caitlyn's hard work was evident in the mares rippling muscles and slim shape. " The work sure shows... " I voiced my thoughts.

" Thanks! " Caitlyn chirped as she looped her arm through mine, the motion almost catching me off guard.

" Come on! I want to see your rescues! "

I frowned when she mentioned Gracie and Cobalt only as the 'rescues'. Yes they were rescued ex-raceshorses, but I think they could give the other horses at Canterwood a run for their money.

I quickly turned my frown to a smile before Caitlyn could notice and lead her back down the aisle to Gracie and Cobalts stalls. Cobalt was circling around, sticking his head out when he saw me, almost hitting me in the face with his nose in the progress.

" Energetic boy isn't he... " Caitlyn giggled as she let Cobalt sniff her hand. He seemed more interested in trying to nibble her sweater and for a moment I would think she would freak if he slobbered on the expensive looking article of clothing, but instead she just laughed louder, rubbing his forehead. " Curious too... "

I felt myself relax and smiled at her. " Yep, he's a model for the hotblooded side of a thoroughbred personality, but he's an amazing jumper! "

" I'll bet! Look at these huge muscles! " She stroked his neck. " I guess being a rescued racehorse has its advantages huh? "

My smile broke when she called him a rescue again, but it didn't bug me as much now that she seemed impressed with him.

Gracie, obvi wanting some attention, stuck her head out of her stall, still chewing a mouthful of hay.