The Eventers Club 3: Starstruck

Chapter 20:

Ashleigh's pov

"Oh Flo! Don't be such a grouch" I snicker as I brush the mare.

For the whole morning I've been with Florence, she's been stomping her foot impatiently and side eying me. I knew she could get restless at times, but lately she's been a little melodramatic. Dr Candice was coming out soon to do a checkup on her. I was guessing that she was in season, but with how the girls are acting, it's as if she's pregnant.

Rolling my eyes, I check her over to make sure she doesn't actually have any problems. Her back wasn't hurting, and she's not worried about me touching her girth area. It was more towards her barrel where she started being a sook.

Once I'm positive she's fine, I put on her tack. This morning I was planning on taking her for a gallop. Being an energised, run all day kind of horse, Florence needed to be exercised very often. Morning gallops had become our routine. I couldn't even imagine what she would be like without them. A nightmare probably.

As I begin to walk to the mounting block, the twins and Eve stop me.

"Where are you taking her?" Eve asks worriedly.

"For a run?" I said, feeling like I had to ask for permission.

Jewel shakes her head. "It's probably best you don't, just until we figure out what's going on with her"

"I do this every other day-" I start.

Eve cuts me off. "I agree, you don't know if it'll cause her pain"

I huff in frustration. "She was fine when I tacked her up, and she doesn't seem uncomfortable"

Normally I wouldn't question the girls of their decisions, but I knew that if Flo wasn't taken out soon, then she'll put holes in the barns walls.

The girls glance at each other in doubt before Eve speaks up. "Well maybe just take Beauty, or even Navarre out. Just to be on the safe side..."

I sigh. "But Beauty and Navarre don't need to be exercised, if we just keep her pent up until Dr Candice arrives, she'll jump out of her own stall"

Sky shifts on her foot almost nervously. "Well what if she misbehaved and threw you off?

"Guys! Seriously!? I've dealt with her misbehaving before. Can you just stop?" I grumble.

It irked me that they didn't think I was capable of riding her.

"Give us a second" Sky says.

The girls turn around and mutter something to one another. I don't quite catch their words. Instead of waiting, I turn Florence around and take her to the back exit. Hopefully by the time they turn around, I'll be long gone. Sliding the smaller back door open, Florence charges through eagerly.

"Easy, you nearly ran me over" I scold.

The mares head flies up as she looks around. It was as if she hadn't been outside in years. I felt a little guilty that I went along with the girls plans to keep her stalled. She doesn't mind being stabled when she's at shows or genuinely tired, but all throughout the day is another story. She just gets wound up.

When I get her to stand, I place one foot in the stirrup and swing into the saddle. It was rather difficult since she was so tall. As I settle into the saddle, I could feel how tense Florence was. Although she wanted to go, I had to walk her for a couple minutes. There was no need for an avoidable injury.

As time flickered by, the scenery changed from green rolling hills to pine trees. The woodsy smell that filled my senses relaxed me, and I began to feel Florence relax too. Checking my phone, I had been out for only ten minutes and already had a dozen texts from Eve.