Silverstud Equestrian Camp

Chapter 2

"Mum, please just come and get me!" I pleaded helplessly into the phone.

After I fell off whilst trotting, I broke down inside. I had brushed it off and ignored the silent snickers of my peers as I excused myself to calm my beating heart. Now, as I sat on the toilet in one of the stable bathrooms, all I wanted was to curl up in bed with a good horse book where everything went perfectly. Relaxing to the sound of traffic seemed more like heaven now than this place of my lost dreams.

The horses gave me excitement, but after riding three times in my life, and falling off stupidly for two of those three, horses seemed to be best observed in my case.

"Sweetie," Mum said sadly. "This is just a bump in the road,"

"And on my self esteem," I said sarcastically. "Mum, most of these people have been riding since they could walk, and the people who haven't at least can stay on whilst trotting,"

"What happened to all the books you read about horses," Mum stated. "You know, get back in the saddle,"

I shook my head, even though Mum couldn't see it.

"No Mum, that's different,"

"Well, I'm not coming to pick you up,"

Tears pierced the back of my eyes. Not at the fact my own mother just rejected picking me up, but because I have only dreamed of riding my favourite animal forever, and now I have the chance, I want nothing else to do with horses in the flesh.

"I'm sorry, Kiera," Mum continued. "But I know you can ride this out, literally,"

"But--"

The phone beeped before I could rebuke Mum's argument. I sighed loudly and banged my head against the wall. I wasn't sure how I was going to face anybody. The soft click of the bathroom door and light footsteps on the tiles made me subconsciously push myself further against the wall inside the cubicle I had taken refuge in.

"Kiera?" I recognised Jackie's voice.

I stayed silent.

"Kiera, I know your in here," I could now see Jackie's feet.

"Why are you here?" I said. "To laugh at me,"

Like everyone else would at school, I added to myself.

"Kiera, no," Jackie said.

I shook my head.

"Don't lie to me, I know everyone is laughing at me," I said, almost laughing at myself. "Come on, I'm the newbie that fell off whilst trotting,"

"Just," Jackie paused. "Let me in, Kiera,"

I sighed heavily as I stood. I moved slowly as I tugged the lock on the door, allowing Jackie to enter the cubicle. She looked me in the eye as the door creaked open. Her eyes showed concern, and her mouth sadness.

"No one rides perfectly on their third ride," Jackie said softly.

"We were trotting," I stressed.

"Your new to riding, and Ms Jackson said to me that Red has a bumpy gait," Jackie stepped closer. "Come on, everyone is sorry, not laughing, well, except Annabelle,"

I laughed at this.

"Of course," I said, wiping tears away. "Are you sure I should go out, now I look like a wimp,"

"No you don't," Jackie shook her head. "Besides, Lucas seemed very worried,"

She looked at me suggestively, bumping my shoulder. I shook my head and rolled my eyes, punching her arm. A smile was present on my face as we walked out. Jackie assured me I looked fine. I took deep breathes as we approached the arena. Ms Jackson had continued on with the lesson, and Red and Maya stood tied up outside. Jackie mounted and watched carefully as I faced the sudden fear I felt. I approached Red carefully, the spark in my chest I had felt earlier today had been replaced with tightness of fear. My hands shook as I reached up to touch the beautiful horse that stood before me. Red turned his head slightly, looking at me with large eyes that melted me. He snorted and shook his head as a fly annoyed his muzzle.