River Ridge Riding Academy

Chapter 15(Belle's POV)

Around 7pm, we were all back at the barn to put fly sheets on the horses to keep them clean then loaded into the buses to get to our overnight hotel.

I had a shared room with Jayed and as we were getting the stuff we needed out, we discussed the scores.

Hope had ended up getting third in jumping and fifth in dressage, Shay got fifth in jumping and tenth in dressage, Jayed also got a third in jumping and first in dressage, and I got second in jumping and sixth in dressage.

We were all very proud of our placing and couldn't wait for the cross country event the next day. I let Jayed shower first while Iaid out my clothes for the next day. When she got out, I took a quick shower and we headed out to get our bagged dinner the school had provided.

While there we saw Zach and Wes and walked over to where they were standing. All of us waited for Hope and Shay before asking if all of us could go eat in Zach and Weston's room.

Mrs. Simons agreed as long as we left the door open and were back in our rooms by 9:30.

"So are you guys ready for tomorrow?" Zach asked as all as he sat down next to me on his bed with Jayed.

"I know I am" Shay said in-between bites of food.

Hope nodded and said "I am but I'm also a little nervous."

We all continued talking and laughing while we ate before the girls all went back to our rooms to get ready for bed and go to sleep.

The next morning we were bused back to the show ground and the overall team got ready while the rest of us watched or talked to each other.

At around 11:30, I tacked up Danger to go get warmed up before our class. I only had him do a few jumps as to not wear him down.

As I walked over to hear the end of the awards, I heard that Hope got sixth and Shay got fourth. I congratulated them as they went to untack.

I was one of the last people to go so I walked Danger around and then did a last bit of warm up before heading to the starting point.

"Up next is number 174, Annabelle Blackwell and Danger Zone."

At the sound of a buzzer, Danger took off, the first jump was a simple log jump bounce. Danger soared over them and we headed to the next jump, an arrowhead. He got a bit of an awkward stride but didn't hit it.

After a few more jumps, we were taken into the woods where there was another log jump. As we neared the end of the wood, I saw the gate right at the edge of the trees. I steered Danger towards it but he didn't notice it as soon as he should have and spooked, veering off to the side.

I held onto the reins and tried pulling back to stop him. Eventually I got him to slow down and turn around to try the jump again even though it added a lot to our time.

Finally we made it to the last jump, a table jump which Danger took nicely.

I heard the announcer say my time as I walked Danger around to make sure in muscles didn't lock up.

After four more riders, it was time for awards so all of the competitors headed to one of the arenas and lined up.

The announcer began with the awards and go to my name, "In 14th place we have number 174, Annabelle Blackwell and Danger Zone."

I heard clapping from the side and smile as I accepted my ribbon.

After another minute the said "And in seventh place we have number 351, Jayed Smith and A Bird's Melody."

I smiled and gave a small clap for her.

"In second place, we have number 291, Zach Rogers and Bambi Eyed Surprise."

I clapped again for Zach as he did so well.

After the awards, I led Danger to the trailer where everyone else was loading up. All of the 3'6" team untacked outside the trailer, loaded up our horses, then our tack. It was only about 3 pm by the time the trailers left so the buses drove us to our hotel to pick up our things and shower.

About two hours later we checked out of the hotel and the teachers and trainers awarded the success we had by taking us to a restaurant to have dinner.

We spent a few hours eating and talk before getting on the bus for the hour drive back to the academy.

I settled into my seat next to Zach and I shortly fell asleep.

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(pic is the jump Danger spooked at)