Without Limits

Chapter 5: Part 1

Chapter 5: Part 1
Day 1
Tomorrow is the first day of Castle's Eventing. It is a three day competition. The first day being dressage. A test of manners, flexibility and movement.

The second, show jumping. It is competitively riding a course of fences, including other obstacles, with penalties for errors.

The third and final day is cross country, a test of endurance. The fences are mostly wooden logs, with a water tray and other obstacles.

If you do well enough in all three regions and place in the top five overall, you'll qualify to move on to Finals.

It is the biggest competition of the year, and countries all around the world compete. Vanessa says that I am finally ready to compete.

♘♘♘

Today we are supposed to drive our horses over to Castle's Eventing. We pre booked Fame a stable in the barn nearest to the show jumping arena.

I grabbed Fame's lead, and we walked over to the stables, passing other competitors dropping off their horses. I recognized one or two of them from previous shows.

When I arrived at my stable, my grooming kit, black jumping saddle, black bridle and the rest of my show equipment were all placed beside the stable door.

♘♘♘

I woke up at six this morning. With the help of my mom yelling my name from her bedroom across the hallway. I dragged myself out of bed, and walked to my desk in the corner of my room, where my clothes lay neatly folded. I had chosen them out last night, before going to bed.

I pulled on my bleached white jodhpurs, and white show shirt. While doing up the buttons, I grabbed a black tie out of a draw in my closet. My recently clean show jacket, hung up on my door, grabbing it, I walked downstairs in my pink, polka dot socks.

"Grab a breakfast bar, we'll have breakfast there." My mom said, walking down the stairs. The small cafe came to mind, it is located near the judges boxes.

Grabbing a breakfast bar, I walked into the garage, walked to the back, where my riding boots stood completely polished.

♘♘♘

"Are you sure you're ready for this?" My mom asked sincerely.

"Yes Mom," I reassured her, grabbing her hand.

"Okay, let's go. Could you bring the bill?" She asked the waitress.

The waitress came back, and took my half finished croissant away.

"I'll be right back, with the bill." She said smiling.

"Which class are you doing?" She asked, taking out the brochure we got from the main office.

"Elementary Test 2" I replied.

"It's starts at 12:00, in one hour," she said looking at the brochure.

"Here is your bill," the waitress said, passing us the bill. Interrupting my mom.

My mom signed the bill and passed the waitress her card. She slid it through the machine, and put in her five digit password.

I grabbed my sponsored backpack, and threw it over my shoulder. My mom grabbed her handbag, and we began walking to the stable.

♘♘♘

After walking around the arena twice, trotting and cantering. My heart pounding hard in my chest. I took deep breaths and readied myself. You are ready Britney.

"Thank you everyone for joining us for the annual Castle's Eventing." One of the judges announces from the judges box.

"Number 16, Shannon Wilcocks," the employee by the gate said. I remember Shannon from a previous show.

Shoot! I'm number 18.

As Shannon did her second loop, Vanessa emerged from the crowd.

"Breathe," she suggested calmly.

"You know this test backwards and forwards. Just trust Fame." She continued, "do your best. You have nothing to lose, I believe in you." Her words of encouragement, propelling me forward.

"Number 17, Zoe Adams," the gate attendant instructed.

The words slowly starting to dissolve. The nerves taking over again.

I looked over to Vanessa once more, when I saw a boy standing beside her.

"Is that?" He came closer, it is, Matthew.

"Hey Britney." He said smiling.

"What are you doing here," I asked overjoyed.

"Aunt Nikki said I could come with," he said, pointing to her sitting with my mom, "and she introduced me to Vanessa."

I'm happy he's here, but it's just extra, unneeded pressure.

"Number 18, Britney Taylor."

"Good luck!" He said with an encouraging smile.

The butterflies turned into aggressive snakes, biting at my stomach. The pinching in my throat unbearable.

I entered the arena, the speaker distorting my name. My instincts kicked in. The snakes disappearing, like they didn't happen.

♘♘♘

I trotted to X, halted and saluted. Remembering every part of the test. I trotted, then turned left at C.

I started my 10m circle at E. Then the next half circle right at B. Fame bending perfectly, his movements swift. Finishing the half circle, I trotted to V. Doing another circle right at V. Continuing to R, I changed rein in medium trot, and continued to P.

Slowing to a walk at C. Changing rein at HP. From a walk to canter at F. At AC, I gave him a nudge and continued a tree loop serpentine. Each loop reaching the long side of the arena.

Changing rein with a simple change of leg, at X. Fame pulled his head in, working in a frame. We circled 20m at C.

Another change of rein at S. Trotting at X. Turning in at A, halting at X and saluting.

Walking out of the arena, I sighed relieved. I had tried my best.

♘♘♘

Waiting for the placings for dressage, is almost as frightening as the actual test. Butterflies hitting the insides of my stomach once again.

The first judge stood up, with the certificates in her hand.

"We appreciate the effort everyone has put in to this. It was extremely difficult to decide the winner and the second place. There was only half a mark separating them." The judge explained, "without further a due. The winner is, Allison Lorence." Everyone clapped, I still held my breath. Anywhere in the top 3 is great. It is a huge achievement.

"In second place is, Britney Taylor." My heart stopped, I came second! My mom, Vanessa, Aunt Nikki, and Matthew, all crowded around me. Each giving me a hug, and congratulating me.

♘♘♘

A.N.

From now on: I'll post a new chapter every Monday. If I can't: eg. Exams, I'll tell you.

If you want to see more, eg. Outfits, I have a board on Pinterest.
Pinterest Board: Without Limits
My name on Pinterest: sarahmca100

Teaser: Day 2: Show Jumping
Day 3: Cross Country
Results (Final Prize Giving)

xxx
Sarah