Briarwood Elite Riding Academy: Take the Reins

Chapter 4: You Don't Have to Make Excuses for Pricks

The ring was never as imposing as it was then.

Only a few contestants were in the ring; doing looping circles and changing directions at the trot. I was thankful for the brief tranquility so I could fix my stirrup length and tighten Winter’s girth in peace.

After that was all sorted out I spotted a mounting block and quickly mounted up. I rode her along the rail at a loose, relaxed walk. Much like I had expected Winter’s walk gait was like melting butter; effortless and smooth.

Whilst I continued on down the rail I checked my heel position numerously; Sebastian is an international level trainer, I do not want him sneering at my heels!

After I felt content with my heel position I tightened Winter’s reins slightly and pushed her into a working walk. The sway and fluidity were even more evident and I knew instantly that she and I would get along wonderfully.

I went to push Winter up into a trot but out of the peripheral of my vision I could see a shadow creeping up on us.

Turning slightly in my saddle I caught sight of Justin riding his large steel grey gelding on the inside of the ring coming up beside us. I turned back around to look straight forward and shook off the growing anxiousness that was rising within me; why the heck is he riding so close?

Justin slowed Chrome’s pace so his gelding’s lumbering steps could match Winter’s dainty gait perfectly. He rode beside me close enough for me to feel the obvious pressure he wanted yet far enough away so onlookers would only see the action as friendly.

“Hey Canada.” He said not unkindly.

Uncomfortable, I shifted slightly in the saddle; “Hi.”

“So I wanted to know how it feels knowing you’ll be the first to go.” Justin asked, his tone horribly silky.

I stiffened and whipped my head around to face him; “What are you talking about?” I demanded.

“Oh just the obvious.” Justin shrugged nonchalantly; “Like the fact that all you Canadian riders will be gone by the third week. My money’s on you leaving first.”

“You’re an asshole.” I growled lowly so no one else in the ring could hear.

Justin laughed and looked around the ring as if he couldn’t believe his ears; “Don’t blame me Canada. I’m just stating the facts; “good” Canadian riders are a dying breed.” He used air-quotes to emphasize the word ‘good’ before he continued. “We all know the number of Canadian riders is shrinking and frankly I think they only included you for diversity.”

“You better realize something, the number of American riders at Briarwood is surprisingly small.” I snapped; I didn’t know if it were true or not but Justin was making me so angry and I needed a retort.

Justin narrowed his dark eyes and bite back; “And even lower for Canadians.”

“Why don’t you just go now?” I growled, tapping Winter into a brisker walk.

But Justin simply just didn’t want to give up or let the subject drop; he just kept pace with me.

“Tell me how did they find a moose graceful enough to make you look like a decent rider? I am quite curious.”

“Shut up!” I yelled far too loudly; the hot angry that had been welling inside of me exploded out of my mouth almost without me knowing.

At my random outburst Chrome spooked under Justin nearly sending him into the arena sand and everyone else in the ring turned to stare at me with heavy confusion and unmasked annoyance.