Canterwood Crest Academy: The Rescues

Chapter 6: The Plan

" I can't believe they would plan to do something like this! "

I quickly shushed Caitlyn as we walked around the arena, warming up our horses. Caitlyn had Promise tacked up in beautiful light blue wraps, bell boots and a saddle pad. The mare stretched easily, keeping pace with Gracie, who could've been a bit more relaxed, but it was her first time in the indoor arena after all.

" I mean " Caitlyn's voice was lower. " I knew Missy was trouble from the minute I heard her making fun of you, but I never thought she would stoop as low as sabotaging two other riders tryouts... "

I nodded. " I know, and it wasn't just her, she's got her whole group in on it... "

Caitlyn shook her head. " Its awful... "

I shrugged, pushing Gracie into a trot. Her trot was floaty and smooth, unlike Cobalts, which was bumpy and often too quick. Again Promise kept pace with her and the mare exhibited big, long strides even though Caitlyn looked to be holding her back.

I pushed Gracie into an extended trot just to keep up with the taller mare once Caitlyn let her go faster.

" I won't let them get away with this " I spoke. " But we can't go to Mr. Conner without proof, there's no way he'll believe us... "

We turned the corner and I broke away, circling Gracie 20 meters at a long rein. She bent around my leg as she turned and I patted her neck, glad she wasn't trying to lean to avoid bending.

" So what do we do? " Caitlyn asked, circling at the other end of the arena.

I thought for a moment. " Well, they don't know that we know where they're planning on putting our bridles. I say we do nothing... "

Caitlyn nodded in understanding. " Okay, I'm following you so far... " I was impressed that she could look at me and talk while still making beautiful 20 metres circles with Promise.

" Let them hide the bridles and let them think they've won. We know where they're going to put them so it's no real harm for us "

Caitlyn and I both turned down centreline and halted a few feet from each other. Gracie mouthed her bit and lowered her head while Promise stayed perfectly still.

Caitlyn smiled. " Good idea! But I say we get even with them "

I frowned. " What do you mean? "

" I mean, if they hide a piece of our tack, we should hide a piece of theirs...but somewhere less obvious than the hay loft "

I shook my head. " That sounds way too risky, we could get in a lot of trouble... "

" But so could they! " Caitlyn defended. " Come on Ashley, they have this coming! "

I bit my lip. My gut was telling me it was too risky but I didn't want to disagree with Caitlyn after she had just stood up for me against Missy.

Going against my better judgement I nodded, making her smile. " Okay...lets do it! "