Take It From Me

Speechless

"And in second place, Sutton aboard Sampson." Ambers voice rang over the arena speaker as a parent volunteer walked toward Sutton, handing her a shiny red ribbon. Easton and Beckett cheered as both Hunter and I were smiling, snapping pictures of Sutton.

"Congratulations!" I hugged Sutton as one of the staff took Sampson off her hands, "How about you go get a treat from our trunk for Sam so he knows he did well too?" Sutton nodded, her brothers following along into the barn.

"When do you go on?" Hunter asked, his blue eyes twinkling and his smile creating delicate lines on his face.

"Soon," I smiled, "I will change once the kids get back." I was reading over the jumping course for my division and Hunter placed his hand on my arm.

"Go ahead, take your time. I'll go find the kids." He kissed my cheek and we parted ways.

"Thank you," I said to the unfamiliar staff person who handed Corona's reins to me, "Hey buddy." I rubbed his cheek and checked my tack before adjusting the stirrups. Walking into the arena gave me butterflies, the kind I got before a big concert.

"Good luck mom." Easton said, leaning up agains the railing.

"Thanks sweetie." I lead Corona up to the mounting block and swung up into the saddle. He felt energetic, like today wasn't a typical lesson day. I joined into the warm up with several other students, most of whom were half my age or younger. Corona pricked his ears around, snorting occasionally in delight.

"Alright division three, class A, Hunter equitation, judging begins now." Amber's voice was replaced by the judge giving us instructions. After the equitation class, we rode through a Hunter under saddle class. In what felt like an instant, the jumps were set and we were waiting on the rail for our turn. "Jenna Grace aboard Corona." I nudged him on and we moved into the canter, opening with a large circle and navigating toward the first jump. In no time at all, I was pointing Corona to the last jump, a red, white and blue oxer. He cleared the obstacle with room to spare and the crowd cheered. I caught my breath and patted his black, sweaty neck.

"Such a good boy." A few other riders finished the course and the last one was disqualified for her horse refusing the oxer twice. We lined up to hear the judges announce the classes. The younger riders helped hand out the ribbons and I was awarded two seconds and a first making me the reserve champion, overall second place.

"Congratulations to our champion Sydney Day aboard Jett," the judge handed her an embroidered jacket and shook her hand before turning to me, "our reserve champion is Jenna Grace aboard Corona." I was gifted an embroidered jacket as well. After the staff retrieved Corona, the kids came running over to congratulate me.

"Mom you were great!" Beckett wrapped his arms around me. I received congratulations from everyone and I turned to Hunter.

"How about we go out for an early dinner?" He nodded and we all headed toward the car.