Something to Prove

Chapter 9: Morning Lesson

I woke up bright and early on Monday morning. Which was a first. But I was sooo excited about my first lesson! I made myself a mug of tea to calm myself as I dressed in beige breeches and a hunter green long sleeved shirt. I wrapped a soft brown scarf around my neck to ward off the morning chill and pulled on my polished black tall boots. Checking to make sure I hadn't woken Carly, I tiptoed out of the room, pulling my wavy light brown hair back into a ponytail.

The stable was quiet at this hour, only a handful of students milling around, preparing for their morning lessons. I smiled and said good morning to Nichole Allen, one of the other intermediate riders, as we passed in the tack room. Carrying my tack in one arm and my grooming kit in the other, I hurried over to Fallon's stall.

"Morning, gorgeous," I said quietly. Fallon blinked sleepily and let me lead her to the empty cross-ties outside her stall. "Let's get you nice and shiny. We've got to make a good impression, kay? That means being on your best behavior. Got it?" Fallon gave me an innocent look. Laughing quietly to myself, I proceeded to sweep the dandy brush over her pale gold coat. After detangling her dark brown tail and picking her hooves, I started to saddle her. I let the familiar routine of tacking up distract me, not wanting to get nervous. I smoothed the green saddle pad onto Fallon's back, grinning at how we matched. Next, I hoisted the heavy English saddle up and fastened the girth, proud of how the leather gleamed. A few minutes later and Era had on her leg wraps and bridle, I had my helmet on, and we were walking towards the indoor arena.

I pulled on my super soft brown leather gloves and mounted. Apparently I was early, because nobody else was in the arena. I took advantage of the space and started warming up. One by one, riders trickled in. My riding class consisted of four other riders; Nichole, and three boys I didn't know. We rode in silence as we waited for Mr. Connor to arrive.

...

"Now drop your stirrups and sit the trot." Mr. Connor's voice echoed around the arena. We'd been doing flatwork for about half an hour, and I thought my legs might fall off. "Troy, keep Gavin's head down. Aspen, sit deeper in the saddle." I shoved my seat bones deeper into the saddle and focused on not bouncing so much. "Good, everyone. Now take back your stirrups and canter," Mr. Connor instructed. Fallon listened to Mr. Connor and started to canter before I was able to get my stirrups back. I fought with her for a couple of strides before she came back to the trot. Sliding my feet back into the stirrups, I forced Fallon to keep trotting while everybody else cantered. When I finally gave her the signal to canter, Fallon shot forward. I felt myself blush a deep red, and played with the reins in my hands to get Fallon's attention back on me. Mr. Connor watched my struggle, but said nothing. I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing... Focus! I yelled at myself. Losing focus was my worst habit and was Fallon's favourite excuse to act up. Lucky for me, Fallon felt like cooperating. The rest of the lesson went smoothly.

"I'm so glad that you made the team," Nichole said to me as we cooled the horses out.

"Thanks, I'm super relieved to have the testing process over." I liked Nichole, she was uber sweet.

"Want to trail ride after class sometime?" she asked.

"Totally!" We exchanged phone numbers, and I felt a warm feeling spread through my stomach. I had made another friend! Quite the accomplishment for someone as shy and socially awkward as me. Maybe I would find my place at Canterwood after all.

...

I know this is kind of dull and boring, but things will be picking up soon! I promise!