There's More to Danger Than "Dangerous"

Chapter 18

~one week later~

      Danger and I had been practicing for the show all week and now we were headed to Dew Drop with Danger neatly bathed and brushed until his coat shone. I looked out the window as we pulled in and parked.

      I jumped out of the car and jogged to the trailed to unload my horse. I unlatched the door and backed Danger out, his coat, thankfully, was still gleaming. I tied him to the side of the trailer and got my tack and brush bag out to start grooming.

      Once I had run the brush down his back a few times and picked out his hooves, I set the white half pad and saddle on his bay back. Next I grabbed the girth and put it on, tightening it after walking him around for a moment.

      Finally I headed over to the sign in booth and got my number, 207, then took Danger to the warm up arena. There were only about 4 other riders in the ring so I warmed up on the rail while some of the others were going over warm up jumps.

        After a few laps I started to jump as well but luckily there was only one other girl left with her chestnut mare.

      "the 18" eventing class will begin in 15 minutes, will the riders please head to the dressage arena" a voice said over the intercom, which scared Danger and he picked up a speedy trot around the arena while I tried to calm him down using a soothing voice and pulling back on the reins every once in a while, not enough to hurt him but enough for him to know I meant it.

      I finally got him under control and walked him out of the arena before dismounting and leading him to lead him to the dressage arena.

      A girl on a palomino gelding was half way through with the test, her horse was really good and listened to her commands easily. She was soon finished and saluted.

      "Thank you Alice Hemmings riding Requiem" the intercom said "Next we have Annabelle Blackwell riding Danger Zone"

      I mounted again and took a deep breath, "We can do this Danger." I walked him to X and saluted then trotted to M. Next was a cross canter to H.

      Danger moved very smoothly through the movements but then it was time for a half pass at A. I asked Danger for the pass but he ignored it. I tried once more but this time he reared up slightly and I held onto his neck so I didn't fall as he landed.

      After his feet hit the ground I was ready for a bolt but instead he went back to the extended trot before giving in to the half pass. I smiled slightly as we trotted to X and saluted.

      "Thank you to Annabelle Blackwell riding Danger Zone"

      Danger and I walked out of the arena and waited for the other riders to finish to get our score.

     After all the riders had gone the judges took about five minutes to decide the final scores. "In third place we have Annabelle Blackwell on Danger Zone."

      I smiled widely and hugged Danger as they read off first and second place. At the end they said the scores would be posted with all the others at the end of the 18" classes. Now it was time for cross country.