Wild

Chapter Four

The trailer pulled closer to the barn, while Pheonix, Samurai, Moxie, and Moon waited to be loaded. Phoenix had been practicing on the slant load and had grown accustomed to the trailer and enjoyed it. They were each loaded in turn with blankets and leg raps for the long journey to Vermont. Moonie turned to Sam "I can't wait!"

* * * * *

Moxie pulled hay out of her hay net and sighed as the trailer jostled after driving through a pot hole. Trees blurred by. Phoenix yanked on her tie, but was otherwise well behaved.

As the trailer pulled closer to the nearing showgrounds, Moxie noticed that in the still dark early morning many people were already there and the smell of well-oiled saddles emanated. She spotted a familiar face, Eagle her son, who showed here regularly as a hunter "Hey Moon! Eagle is here! Remember him?"

"How could I forget him?!" He replied before pulling as much hay out as possible with one bite. He leaned forward to see if could catch a glimpse of his flashy friend.

* * * * *

"Would the entrants for Class Two: Model Pony please be in the wing! There are 24, please be ready! First call for Class Three: Model Championship!" The announcer's voice called across the showgrounds as Grace rushed to trot Phoenix over to the ring. Rose followed quickly with Moon close jogging beside her, groomed to perfection, his sleek coat gleaming in the sun.

"First up is Medomak Meadow Te-Bar shown by Rose Farrwood! Would Te-Bar please enter the ring! Second is Western Sky shown by..." Moon quickly entered the class at a walk and modeled well, showed his gaits appropriately in each direction, earning a smile from the judge.

When Phoenix entered she followed Moon's actions and stood relatively square. Her floating trot caught the judges eye, though she did kick- out, which the judge missed to Grace's amazement. She was quite proud when she heard "In Class Two: Model Pony, first place: Medomak Meadow Te-Bar shown by Rose Farrwood*clap, clap*, second place goes to Diamond Devil shown by Katie Freed*pause, clap, clap*, third to Pony Kisses, by Alexander Trister*clap, clap*, Fourth to Flight of the Phoenix by Grace Farrwood*Clap, Clap*..." Moon snorted as Rose hugged him happily and trotted him over for her ribbon, which she proudly displayed on his bridle.

Moon and Phoenix were quite impatient after standing while 34 horses showed their gaits and models. They found it quite irritating being last, but Phoenix took it personally and gave a hefty sigh when any horse passed, which was followed by and ear pinning and a small kick, causing her to receive a scolding.

Moon took second place and Phoenix took 9th, which was pretty good considering this was her first show. They were taken back to the trailer, where Moon was prepared his showmanship class for Phoenix was tied, with her halter and left to eat hay beside Samurai, who was about to enter a showmanship class. Phe couldn't do showmanship because she had decided that she didn't like the show halter during the warm up.

"How'd it go?" he asked turning to look at her as she snuffled the braiding elastics off the wheel well.

"Moonie got first and second. I got fourth and ninth!" She exclaimed proudly. She wished Moon good luck in his class and the same to Sam.

She was so enthralled in eating, she almost didn't notice them come back. Moxie was saddled and prepared for english class, while Moon was tacked up for jumping. "Did you win?" She asked, turning to survey any ribbons they might have won.

"I got a first and Sam got a sixth, because he didn't stand square enough" Moon said staring at Sam, who just shook his head.

"That's okay, Sam. Good job, Moon" She called as Moon was led to the jumping arena.