J.O.P. Stable: The Twin Saga (Book 1: The Summer Finale)

Chapter 26:

Jewel's POV:

" All riders please remount! " A judge called from her stand that was set up at the E marker of the second shaded outdoor arena.

I swung my leg over Shadow and hopped on, settling myself into Shadows trail saddle. Behind me, Blaire mounted Flicka. We were in the final stretch of our obedience test, which had included things like throwing a blue, crinkly tarp over our horses, weaving them through garbage, walking them through a small rectangular pool filled with water and bouncing a beach ball around them. Now it was time for vocal commands. if Shadow or Flicka started doing what the judge called out without us telling them, they would be eliminated. this would go until there was only one rider and horse left.

Luckily, I didn't know anybody in this class besides Blaire, which meant harper wasn't here to try and win those bonus points that her team clearly didn't need.

" Walk! "

I sat deep in the saddle, keeping my legs as off from Shadows sides as I could without looking weird.

A few horses in front of me, a shorter girls sorrel chestnut started walking forward. The girls face burned red with embarrassment as she was called to leave the arena.

" Trot! "

Shadow flinched, but I tightened my grip on the reins before he could take a step out of line. He stopped before he had a chance to move.

Whew, close one.

I quickly glanced back. Blaire and Flicka hadn't moved either.

" Trot! " The judge called again, this time louder and with a firmer, coach like tone.

At least 4 horses took off at a trot when the tone changed. Their riders looked disappointed as they left the arena.

5 down, 6 more to go. Only 11 people, which included Blaire and I, had signed up for the obedience class, I guess everyone thought it sounded boring, but it had actually been really fun, and even Shadow seemed to be enjoying it, even though it had mainly been me making him come face to face with potentially ' scary ' objects, but like a pro, my boy handled it.

" Canter! "

Shadow still didn't move and I had to check to make sure he hadn't fallen asleep. He had his head down and i could feel him cock one hoof up. He snorted, either relived because he wasn't working, or bored because he wasn't working.

The judged called out gaits for a few more minutes until it was down to just Blaire and me.

" Ready to give up yet Halfler? " I teased.

" Puh-lease! " Blaire replied. " I think Flicka fell asleep she hasn't moved in so long "

We giggled.

" CANTER! "

I practically jumped out of my skin. Shadow bolted forward in a canter, sweeping along the arena. We passed the judges stand and I saw her microphone in her hand. Smart, get the horses all relaxed with softer tones then use the microphone.

I didn't see that coming...

Once I had Shadow back down to a walk, I glanced over at Blaire. Flicks head was up and her ears were perked, but she hadn't moved an inch. I smiled, even though Shadow and I didn't win, Blaire still earned the bonus points for our team.

That had to make us go up the ranks.

I guess we wouldn't know for sure until the awards ceremony, because all the rankings charts had been taken down once the bonus rounds started. Mom and Dad wanted to make the final reveal a surprise for the teams.

I just hoped it turned out to be a big surprise for the B.C Team....