Chasing Dreams

Chapter Three-Champions

Nearly a week after Liberty arrived I find myself loading Thunder onto a horse trailer for our first show of the season. His black mane is up in a neat gypsy braid, while my hair hangs damp around my shoulders. He nudges my shoulder in concern as I clip him into the cross ties, sensing my anxiousness. It's not even light out, but the barn is bright with lights as riders buzz about with horses, tack and hoof black. I triple-check my equipment and attire, before closing the trailer door and getting the truck.

My mom focuses on the road, but glances at me every now and then as I pull my hair into different styles, finally making a even French braid. Adjusting my collar I pull out the class list, my first class is at eight o'clock, meaning I'd have just enough time to get in a quick warmup before the arena became too rowdy with horses. I glanced hopefully at the trucks behind us hoping to glimpse my trainer, but it was just an old pickup on its way somewhere else.

When we reached the hosting stable in what seemed to be a very short amount of time, I found that I was prepared and ready for the day. Pulling on a sweatshirt over my dress shirt, I took in the scene before me, there were quite a few people, horses, and trailers
were scattered around. I carefully opened the side door of the trailer and checked on Thunder who was happily munching on hay. I decided to leave him there for the time being and went to get the patterns I needed to memorize for the hunter classes and equitation classes.

Noticing I had extra time I went to the ring to watch the higher level classes. The horses were quite impressive and tucked themselves up expertly. The first one to finish with a nearly clear round is a tall thoroughbredy looking gelding with a large blaze. His rider made faces and gestured to a large triple combination while talking to her trainer. Noting the way the horse has to turn right off the third jump I can understand why she didn't go clear. I can't even begin to imagine the skill it takes to maneuver such a course. Thunder might have been able to with the right guidance, but my skills lay in cross country courses and intricate dressage moves. The point behind showing here today was to prepare for the upcoming three day events.

In a frenzy I ran back to the trailer to get Thunder tacked up and warmed up before our first saddle class. I pulled the saddle cover off and hoisted my Rodrigo Pessoa Gen X XCH and saddle pad onto his back. After sliding the saddle pad back onto his withers I grabbed my girth and put it up to the third notch. Thunder turned and flicked an ear as if to say "Already?" I tightened the girth on the opposite side and pulled my stirrups down.

I pulled the reins over Thunder's head then mounted. Clicking my tongue I urged him into an easy trot as we made our way to the warm up ring. Our first class would be a hunter class with 12 other riders. Concluding that I wanted the best possible ride I decided I'd work the different speeds of the trot for a warmup then wait, so he wouldn't loose his energetic spark that has a way of catching the judge's eye. The competition would be stiff despite this only being a local show. I noticed Jessica Rivers, one of the best riders at Ocean Crest, though very arrogant atop her grey gelding Ocean Crest Candor, one of Jenny's foals. Very stiff, indeed.

Patting Thunder's neck, I entered the ring and began a collected trot. He obliged and barely needed my cue before settling into a extended trot, then a working trot. My reins tightened ever so slightly as I slowed him to a walk and exited as other riders funneled in around me. Thunder snorted and switched his tail just to scare the other horses, sending Jessica's gelding sideways. She landed with a thunk in the dirt and sent a glare towards me. If glares could kill, I'd be dead. Thunder seeming overly pleased with himself exited far too joyfully. Leaning forward so my face was near his ears, I whispered how bad that was even though it was extremely funny.

When we lined up to wait for the class Jessica made a point of staying far away from my mount. I stifled a laugh, though I didn't blame her for distrusting my arrogant little gelding. I would perform fifth, so I took the time to go over the course in my mind. Enter at a balanced trot, followed by a canter once around then do course, simple.

I watched Jessica's gelding, but he lacked charisma. It was almost as though he was being dragged around the arena. Hopefully Thunder wouldn't look like that. It was a clear round and better than the others, but I used her mistakes to my advantage, noting what speed the judge seemed to like better and so on.

Entering the ring I posted in rhythm to my horse's strides. I kept my back erect and heels down. Thunder kept his pace lively and adjusted according to my cues. When it was time to head for the jumps Thunder pricked his ears and could have been the poster child for ideal jumping horses. I ticked off the strides until the jump was upon us. He coiled and sprung with grace and agility. We went about the ring in this manner, until we were at the final jump, a simple vertical. Seeing an extra stride, I rated Thunder accordingly.

Stretching my arms forward I lifted out of the saddle as Thunder launched into the air. I felt him change slightly. It was subtle, but knowing my horse too well I prayed he'd wait until I'd exited the ring. A buck would ruin our perfect round, especially since it was judging the horse! We landed nicely but Thunder was a time bomb, waiting to light up. I clung to his composure and managed to keep him at bay. As soon as we escaped the judges eye I let him have his head, knowing I'd suffer dearly if I held him for too long. We hit the dirt lane with a stream of hardy bucks followed by head tossing then a calm walk. My mom rolled her eyes at my horse's antics. Luckily most everyone was at their trailer, warming up or waiting for their class in the wing.

She gave Thunder a pat and said she'd be back with the class list so we could plan out the rest of the show. Just as she went jogging to our trailer Jessica made her appearance and I being the nice person that I am told her what a good job she did. Obviously feeling quite proud she replied cheerfully "I hope your horse wasn't too terrible, after all I could use a challenge." She gave her pageant queen smile and trotted off leaving me gaping. I barely grasped the fact that the announcer came on as my mind tried to grasp why she hated me after like fifteen minutes, I concluded she was pure evil and that I should keep my distance.

"The placings for class twenty-three were as follows: first place to Amber Worthington and Zeb's Heavenly Thunder*pause*second place to Jessica Rivers and Ocean Crest Candor*pause*third place to Kennedy Winter and Flying Ace..." I leaned forward and wrapped my arms around Thunder and he in reply reached over and bit the toe of my boot.