Saddle Seat

Chapter 6

We entered the enormous building, and I inwardly groaned, earning a look from my aunt. We walked up some stairs to the clothing section of the equestrian store. The only thing I saw were breeches, breeches, and more breeches. My aunt's boots clacked against the tile floor as we walked closer to the seemingly endless array of riding pants. We picked out tan, brown, black, white, cream, navy blue, rust red, hunter green, and even managed a few pairs of jean-style breeches. In total, when we figured out what size fit me (I'm a 26) I ended up with a grand sum of 28 pairs of breeches. 28.

Continuing on to shirts, I found polos in every colour and style. There were long sleeve button downs, school-style polos, three quarter shirts, and just plain tees. I picked out pretty much one of everything. Now, I had 40 pieces of clothing, my 28 breeches and 12 shirts. My aunt had picked out lots of different riding socks. I just said yay or nay to each pair. On to boots.

My aunt sized me, then picked out a pair of Ariats, and Mountain Horse jumping boots.

"The Ariats you use for show, and the Mountain Horse you will keep in your tack locker. Ah! Tack!" My aunt exclaimed, all on the same breath. We ran downstairs to the tack section after buying everything upstairs. Saddles and bridles gleamed, and every colour under the sun of saddle pads, halters, and leads showed. It honestly hurt my eyes a little bit.

My aunt went to pick up Kate's new saddle and bridle while I picked out a lead and halter. I also needed to pick out saddle pads.

In the end, I had picked out a hunter green halter and lead set, and navy blue, hunter green, steel grey, black, white, teal, red, and pastel yellow saddle pads and polo wraps (whatever those are)

Lastly, my aunt fitted me for a helmet. I ended up with a lesson and 2 show helmets, all Charles Owen helmets, which apparently are kinda fancy. We had to cram everything into her car.

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At dinner that night, my aunt told my uncle about my first lesson.

"Isn't that terrific Arthur? In two days, she will be riding in the big leagues! Aren't you excited?" My uncle smiled, amused at my aunt's enthusiasm. I had to admit, I was enjoying seeing her happy myself.

"Yes honey, of course I'm excited! I can't wait for you to start taking Sadie to shows on Kate." He winked at me, and I chuckled. He knew just how to calm my aunt down when she got way riled up.

"Well, I best be going to bed. Early rise for the barn in the morning." I stated simply, picking up my plate and walking into the kitchen. On my way back, I kissed them goodnight and headed upstairs to my bedroom. I couldn't believe how fast things had changed. And how much more things were going to change.