Alone In The Big Leagues

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

I blink in surprise. "Why, yes, sir. I'd love to take Zane and I's career to the next level."

He beams at me. "Good! I've seen your shows and all the skill that both you and your horse have. I must say, that's the best I've seen someone be in a long time. Well, in that age category, of course."

I smile at him and he continues. "You both can make it and I'd like to be the one who takes you both to the next level."

"Well, of course I'd be honored to have you bring us both to the next level!" I say with a smile on my face.

"Excellent! I'll be in touch." With that, he turns and leaves with my father following at his heels.

I laugh and turn to Zane. He bobbes his head at me. "The next level Zane! Can you believe it?" I hug him. "The best part is that we get to go together." He stands there with me still hugging him, softly blowing air through his nose and on my back. I laugh. "Come on lets go get tacked up."

I leave Zane in his stall and get dressed into my competition clothes. Tying my hair up into a bun and slipping my riding cap on, I walk back to Zane's stall and ask the stable groom to saddle him up. He agrees and I make a note to pay him out of the kindness of my heart. He probably doesn't get paid a lot anyways.

I walk out to the ring and begin to walk the jumping course. There's a lot of other riders here, too. That's normal though. Off in the distance, I see Lottie yelling at the poor boy who I asked to saddle Zane up.

He quickly grabs Lottie's horse's lead rope and leads it away quickly. Her horse is truly beautiful. He's a pure white stallion with a gleaming coat. His mane and tail are neatly brushed. His tail flows out behind him and his mane is neatly braided. He holds his head high and proud like.

I look back to the course and follow the five girls in front of me to the entrance and exit. I then walk to my father, who's leaning up against the fence, looking at the course. "Dad?" He tears his eyes away from the course to glue on me.

"What Jewel? Shouldn't you be getting ready?" He sneers at me. I look down not able to meet his eyes. "I was just wondering if I could have some money?" He sighs and shoves some cash into my hands. I softly thank him and walk to the stables where Zane is.

I walk through the door way, look down the hallway to see the boy brushing Lottie's beautiful stallion. He softly talks to the horse as he strokes him with the brush.