The Eventer's Club 2: Junior Year

Chapter 10:

Ashleigh's pov

I sigh for the the hundredth time today before rubbing my eyes tiredly. After some bad sessions with the horses, I felt like a complete idiot. Eve and Jake seem to be questioning how I was often. And to be honest, I didn't have the heart to tell Eve that I wasn't coping. Even after we promised that there would be no secrets.

This past month I've been extremely stressed since there's so much work to do and very little time. I'm barely able to balance riding Venus, Beauty and Florence while trying to training Winter, Spring, Miora, Comanche and Belle. Which might I add, is a lot of horses for one person.

I just finished riding Florence about 10 minutes ago and I catch myself in a trance. Eve and Jake had gone off together to hang out with Hugo. I declined, wanting to be alone for a while. Today's session with Venus had been our worst by far, I was just lucky she's the kind of horse that'll never refuse a jump. I knew deep down it was my fault but I just didn't want to admit that I needed a break from training. I sigh again and lead Florence back to her paddock before getting Beauty.

I quickly toss on my helmet and his halter before jumping on bareback. I can't start avoiding riding bareback too as it's plays a vital role in maintaining my balance. And out of all the horses, Beauty is the most forgiving. I steer for one of the trails and pick up a canter. This afternoons ride is going to be stress free, and I don't want to be thinking about school.

I find the open field I had been to earlier this year in summer. Nothing has changed and it was nice to be back. When ever I had a chance I would take Beauty or Florence down here. Either to race around, jump or even just to sit in the grass and relax. I decide to do the latter for now. After today's call from my mum, I felt homesick. I missed my parents like crazy and couldn't wait to see them in the winter holidays like they promised. Only 2 and half months to go.

Laying out on the grass, I stay still and take slow breathes. That helped calm the churning feeling in my stomach. Beauty pauses eating grass just to nudge my face and stare at me. It was one of those 'what are you going to do?' looks. I sit up and start to pat his face, then all of a sudden he jerks away to start circling. Luckily I had the lead rope tied over his neck so it wouldn't be anywhere near his feet.

"What are you doing" I laugh as Beauty stops next to me and gets on one of his knees. The other knee follows and with a huff he lays down entirely. Since he was right next to me, he nudges me again. I pat his neck and give him a treat which disappeared within milliseconds. As he starts to lay completely on his side, I slowly rest my head on his neck. I start to follow his slow breathes and keep my mind clear. Something about doing that was extremely therapeutic.

I don't know how long we stayed like that. But I did know that I was thankful of having a horse like Beauty in my life. He was something special.

...

It was starting to get dark now so I made my way back. By the time I was at the barn, people still seemed to be rushing around busily. Beauty stayed close to me as always and was happy to find food in his stall once we got back. He chomped away happily while I went to put my back up helmet in the tack room under his gear. I'm met by the worried look of Eve who paced around the tack room.

"Where have you been, I've been trying to call you" Eve says with a stressed voice.

"Sorry, I took Beauty out for a ride and didn't realise I left my phone in my room" I reassure, waving my helmet around with a small smile.

"There's something wrong with Venus" Eve sighs, making my blood run cold.

"What do you mean, where is she?" I ask quickly putting my helmet in its spot.