Briarwood Elite Riding Academy: Take the Reins

Chapter 24: Storm

That night I called my mom from my dorm room as my dorm-mates were beginning to get ready for bed.

âHi.â I spoke softly after the ringing stopped.

âOh Blair!â Momâs voice was a buzz on the other end; we hadnât talked in so long and I could hear the strain in her words. âHow is my baby doing? Youâre not calling to tell me you got eliminated are you?â

I chuckled; âNo, Iâm still around.â

âI knew it.â I could hear the pride ringing in the soft tones of her voice; âHow many of you are left?â

âEleven. Sunday someone else goes home.â

âAnd what is the challenge this week?â

âGrace; weâre focusing on dressage.â

âLike horse dancing?â

I laughed a little too loudly at that; my mother was completely oblivious when it came to anything equine, it was always my dad who knew and understood since he had come from a large family of riders and stable managers but mom tried hard to understand.

Thinking of dad only made me feel sadder yet strengthened my determination to continue on in the competition. I shook off the overhanging of self-pity and forced a smile.

âYeah; like horse dancing.â I agreed.

After talking for a few more minutes and discussing Woodwind National, mom yawned loudly.

âWhat time is it there?â I asked suddenly remembering the time difference between America and Canada.

âFairly late.â

âDid I wake you up?â

âNo! Besides I wanted to talk with youâ€Â¦it’s been so long…” Mom’s voice trailed off into silence.

“I promise I’ll call more; it’s just my schedule has been so hectic…” I murmured; I felt horrible about making excuses for not talking to my mother who was undoubtedly lonely at home.

“I know dear, I know. You don’t have to worry so much about your mom, focus on the competition and your dream.” Mom tried to laugh but it was obviously forced.

Silence enwrapped us for a moment before mom said; “Well I should get going to bed.”

“Alright, I love you.”

“I love you too, Blair.”

Mom hung up first and I listened detachedly to the droning on the other side. Afterward I fell into a fitful and tear-stained sleep; thinking only of my lonesome mother and my dead father.

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“You’re gonna have to carry me to the barn today.” Tatum groaned to me as left the Dining Hall and headed to the stable the next morning. “Every muscle is cramping.”

“Just think of your six-pack.” I joked.

“Dressage test day and I can barely walk.” Tatum whined.

“Don’t forget grand challenge day too.” Zoé chimed in.

“Not helping.” Tatum grumbled.

The happy chit-chat stopped as soon as we entered the barn.

“Good luck guys.” I said before we parted ways to begin tacking up.

As per usual I claimed a grooming stall by placing Winter’s tack down in one and then headed off to retrieve her.

Winter was trotting the fence line and I watched her dart around wildly for a moment; she’s nervous about something…