The Course That Started It All

Chapter 1

It was the day before the biggest show any of us have ever been to. Even though we were all super nervous, there was too much to do to worry about tomorrow. I had to take care of Opal, clean all my tack and show boots, and I also have to help clean out the trailer. I was almost finished clipping Opal when Amber walked up and asked to talk to me. I said ok and asked her about it. She said that she did not want to talk here and that she would rather talk in her office.

I was so nervous that I did something wrong that my palms begin to sweat. When we got into her office and the door was shut she told me I was not in trouble. I sighed in relief before I could stop myself. Amber laughed a little, but after a few seconds she started talking. She asked me if I remembered the gelding that came in about a week ago. I told her that I did but why? She said that I was ready for the next level in horseback riding and it was time for a new horse.

I was shocked but the first words I said were, doesn't he belong to someone already? She said yes but the owners are selling him because their son had moved up and wasn't riding him anymore. She then asked me if I would like to show him tomorrow. I said that I would love to, but I don't think my parents will buy him. Amber said not to worry about that.

I had almost forgotten, but as soon as I remembered I blurted out "But what about Opal?" You can still show her to if you want to. I could have some of the other kids get her ready for you so you can go take care of the gelding. I am getting tired of them running around here. I said thank you and went to leave, but Amber stopped me. I turned back around and said yes. She said I forgot to tell you his name and breed. Oh yeah, that would come in handy I said laughing. She said that his name was Infinity, he was 17.6 hands tall, he was eight years old, and his breed was a Dutch Warmblood.

She said that his halter should be hanging on his stall and to do whatever I needed to do to get him ready. I asked her if I could ride him to see what he was like and she said it was up to me. After I left her office I headed towards Infinity's stall. I had seen him once before but I never really got a good look at him. I stared at him for a solid five minutes just studying his body shape. He was in perfect shape, not underweight and had great muscles in his back and chest. I decided to ride him so I could get a feel for him since I wouldn't have to bathe him, clip or pull his mane seeing how it was all already done. Well except for the bathing but there wasn't a speck of dirt on him.

It also wasn't super hot outside so as long as I didn't work him hard he wouldn't need a bath at all. I put his halter on him and tied him outside of his stall with a quick-release knot. I ran a hard brush over him and picked his feet. Which I have to say were in perfect condition. After I finished with his hooves I tacked him up with my saddle and saddle pad. I thought I would have to get another girth but to my surprise, it fit him perfectly. Once he was tacked up I peeped into Amber's office to ask her where Infinity's bridle was and she said he had a spot in the tack room with his name above it, and that it should be hanging there.

I found his bridle easily, it had little green rhinestones across the browband and I have to say I was jealous. I got my helmet, bridled Infinity, and led him to the outdoor arena. He stood perfectly still while I tightened his girth and got on. I asked him to head to the rail at a walk and he did so instantly. I walked, trotted and cantered him, and since he didn't seem to be hot or sweaty I jumped an 18-inch jump course that was set up in the bottom half of the arena then called it quits. I cooled him down and took him inside to untack and run a quick hard brush over him. I had to admit I really liked him and I had only ridden him once.

After he was untacked, brushed, and back in his stall, I headed over to the trailer and finished picking it out. I realized that I hadn't seen my friends all day. I wondered what they were doing but I also started to wonder what class I was going to do with Infinity. I knew that I was doing 18 inches with Opal, which made me wonder if I would be jumping higher or lower with him. I don't think Amber would let me jump lower, but I am not sure. I guess I would just have to wait and see. I finished cleaning out the trailer and put up my pitchfork.

On the way back in to check on Opal I bumped into Logan he said hey and asked how my day has been. I could tell he was in a hurry so I told him we could text later. He said thanks and hurried off to his mare Harmony's stall. After I made sure Opal was taken care of I cleaned my tack and boots and then after I asked Amber to make sure I could go. I called my mom to come get me. Since I had to get up at four the next morning.