Briarwood Elite Riding Academy: Take the Reins

Chapter 22: Horse Show Blues

Winter jigged her head; attempting to break the contact of the reins and thrash her head about. We stood on deck by the end gate and Winter's energy was sizzling in the nearly scorching summer afternoon. Yet I knew she wasn't nervous; I knew she was eager to prance into the ring and show everyone what we had.

Helen was quickly polishing my boot tip that had been smudged with arena sand as I watched -- with extreme anxiety - Chance's round.

It was going well and was quite technically pleasing yet I knew by the way Chance was riding that his time would be slow; especially since Lost in Translation had nearly refused the first fence, sending their time backwards.

The other rounds had been overwhelmingly perfect. Every competitor had brought their A-game today and I knew it would be a tough class to pull a ribbon in. Zoé's round could be compared to flying and she currently held the fastest time.

"Take a sip of water." Helen offered; fishing out a water bottle from her backpack.

"Thanks." I mumbled; grabbing the bottle without taking my eyes off of Chance's ride through the combination. The water was too hot to be considered tasty.

Suddenly a hand clapped down on my right leg; opposite of Helen on my left side. I turned to be greeted by Zoé, Tatum and Ben.

They had all finished their rounds and were lounging about the ring watching the rest of the rides; sweat dusting their foreheads and Tatum rocking crazy helmet hair. Amelia would be on deck after me and was currently sitting back and watching in the distance; I knew they'd wish her luck once she was on deck too

"We came to wish you both luck!" Tatum smiled; having to squint to look at me thanks to the sun.

"It isn't a hard course." Zoé said coolly whilst reclining against the fence of the ring.

"Says you." Tatum rolled her eyes, earning a slap on the arm from Zoé.

As they bickered I couldn't help but laugh lightly as Ben approached.

"You'll do wonderful out there, just keep a strong pace riding to third and your time will be impeccable." Ben murmured.

"I'm not entirely sure it's gonna be a smooth ride." I replied, glancing at the daunting seventh oxer.

"You know how to ride Winter better than anybody else; you're a team." Ben said gently; drawing me out of my anxiety.

As I stared down into Ben's mossy eyes I felt a warmth overwhelm me; he didn't have to tell me how much he believed in me, I could see it in his eyes, I could sense it in the way he looked at me and I wanted to prove that I was deserving of such admiration.

Suddenly Winter jerked her head sideways, the reins slid considerably in my hands yet thanks to Helen I didn't lose them completely. I blinked out my dreamy state and was brought quickly back to reality.

"Exiting the ring is number 100; Chance Spring riding Lost in Translation." The loud announcer spoke over the crowd as they clapped; Chance was just finishing up his curtesy circle and I was quickly propelled into the ring before I even had the chance to say bye to Ben or my friends.

"Entering the ring is number 111; Blair Thyme riding Winter's Sweet Kiss."

I picked up my canter from a walk instantly knowing the timer had already begun.

The first vertical was simple enough yet Winter's energy wouldn't let her simply just jump it; she just had to over jump the first jump of the course, sailing a good few hairs over it.

Yet in her descent she stayed nice and soft; staying collected yet powerful.

I gave her a bit of leg asking her to lengthen her gait evenly as we rounded toward the oxer. Like the first fence Winter tucked beautifully over it and landed like a dove.