The team that had the lowest average time for all of its members would win. Penalties would be given if any team member crossed the start or finish line more than five seconds from the last team member. Course checkers were disbursed along the way to make sure teams did not stray off course and to offer assistance if needed.
In setting the course, the checkers made sure there would be choices at any interval, one advanced, and one easier to accommodate riders and horses at all levels of skill and conditioning. Having such choices made the event one of strategy, as well as skill and preparation. Time penalties would be given if a team went off course or failed to check into any of the appointed checkpoints.
“Royal Blue Team! Mounts to ready!” The start official looked at her clipboard and read the names of the participants into her hand-held microphone. “Team Leader Chadwick Bleauvelt IV riding Smokey Mountain; John Maison riding River’s Edge; Ruby Maison riding Maison Dixon and Tess White astride Percival’s Gapman.”
Jessica had made sure that Hoyt’s name would appear with Bleauvelt’s team. She looked over the crowd and saw Hoyt with his other team members. They smiled at one another, and Jessica brought her focus back to the start of the pace. Her eyes briefly scanned the spectator boxes. The tall, dark head stood out from others bent over programs. Michael Conant was looking directly at her.
Jessica felt color rise in her cheeks, and she became angry at herself.
“Five. Four. Three. Two. One. Good Luck.” The start official logged the start time on her clipboard and watched the riders go off across the meadow and over the first two obstacles. They were in perfect unison. She nodded her approval and got the next team to the mark.
The first part of the Hunter Pace was over well-marked, easy terrain. Red flags dotted the meadow and led toward a trail in the trees. The climb up the mountain started gradually. Jessica was third in line after John and Ruby. Mr. Bleauvelt followed closely behind her.
They took the fences and the streams with ease. Each horse and rider was enjoying the fine day and had a hard time conserving their energies for later in the course. John set an easy pace and the strides of his red chestnut mare were relaxed and long.
The first three checkpoints were passed, and the climb began to get tougher. The course now was set so that the fastest route was straight up the hill. The team members knew that most other horses would not have the energy at this point to take a direct route. John stopped briefly and checked on each horse and rider with a critical eye. Mr. Bleauvelt had been critiquing each horse’s performance up to this point from the rear position and nodded that they were able to take the direct route. The riders positioned their bodies over their mount’s shoulders and gave the horses a loose rein. The horses were adept at finding their own way and surged up the mountain.
Jessica talked steadily to Gapman and monitored his breathing and pulse carefully. He nearly danced up the hill with delight at the challenge of it and easily overtook Ruby on Maison Dixon. His ears were pricked forward in attention to the terrain and flicked back whenever Jessica’s voice changed in warning or praise. She was thrilled at how much fun they were having and gave him frequent pats on the neck to say thanks.
The course then leveled off and followed the top spine of the ridge and the horses had a chance to catch their breath. The view was spectacular. The late morning sun was casting its light down into the several valleys below. Rivers and lakes glistened, and the last of the dew shimmered softly in the shadows stunning Jessica with its beauty. Closing her eyes, she took in the smells of the horses and the churned up earth and was comforted by their aromas. They cantered easily four abreast through one clearing. Everyone was smiling. Days just didn’t get better than this.
Mr. Bleauvelt made a point to ask each rider how they and their horses were doing. He patted Smokey Mountain on the neck and took a sip from his flask. It seemed to Jessica like he was beginning to enjoy himself. He was still focused on bringing in a winning team, and she knew he would not let himself get too caught up in the moment. But it was Smokey Mountain that concerned her. Flecks of foam fell from his mouth as he worked his bit in frustration. The horse wanted to be in control that was in direct conflict with his rider. Bleauvelt yanked the horse’s head around to reassert his dominance. Jessica flinched.
The trail turned sharply downhill, and several course flags forced them over fallen trees and down a small stream. They nodded at the course checkers and continued down into the forest. The sound of rushing water was growing louder.
Around a sharp bend was Jackman’s Ravine. The ravine was a deep gash in the earth’s crust cut still deeper with waters rushing to join those of the Pine River. The air was charged with the sound and the additional crisp scent of the cold tumbling water. Without a word, John turned northward to find a crossing point, and Ruby turned south. Jessica and Mr. Bleauvelt walked their horses slowly in a circle to keep them moving so their muscles would not stiffen in the cold, damp air. It was only a few seconds before they heard three short bursts coming from John’s direction. They headed northward and Ruby bounded to meet up with them. They saw John on an outcropping of rock overlooking the ravine.
“This is the narrowest point to cross here.” John indicated the spot in front of him. It widens for another half mile or so, and after that it stays too wide to jump. The map said there was a decent bridge about a mile more if it comes to that.” He looked at Ruby.
“The course markers are not any more than a quarter of a mile that way. If we cross here, we won’t have to double back so far.” Ruby was breathing hard, not from exertion but from exhilaration.
The team looked at the point John had chosen. The outcropping of rock was part of what may have once been a natural bridge over the chasm. Time had chewed away its middle and left the rock and a smooth span of earth on the other side. The side of the ravine they were on was five feet higher than the other side, and the span to jump was nearly twice as wide. It was an easy jump for this group of skilled riders, but missing it would be a disaster. The ravine floor was over 100 feet below.
Mr. Bleauvelt looked at each one of them. “The horses are getting tired. Do you think it’s wise?”
“Well, jumping down to that level is a cinch,” John cocked an eyebrow in challenge to his wife.
“We’re up for it!” Ruby smiled as she patted Maison Dixon’s neck. She looked at Jessica, “Miss White? How do you feel about it?”
Jessica looked into the eager faces of her teammates. “I’m ready and Gapman can earn his name!” Gapman’s neck was arched and he chewing his bit with impatience. The big animal curved his body in as he pranced in a circle. He was having the time of his life and did not like stopping to chat with the other horses. He wanted to move.
“Okay, then. We’ll cross here. Original order.” Mr. Bleauvelt circled Smokey Mountain back up the hill to get an ample approach. The big gray horse tossed his head and flicked his tail several times.
Jessica watched Bleauvelt’s horse with concern. She had seen him do that on other occasions in the past when she was training him, and it always meant that his bad attitude was going to show. She looked at Mr. Bleauvelt.
“Give him a decent approach from the right and keep your legs on him. If his nose goes up, stop the approach and try again.” Jessica had to shout her instructions over the din of the water.
“I know how to ride my horse, thank you,” Mr. Bleauvelt responded with a noticeable toss of his head.
John was first over the ravine. River’s Edge had to make the approach two times before she allowed herself to make the leap. The red mare’s nerves showed, and she over-jumped and nearly crashed them both into a tree. John quickly corrected and turned to watch the others jump down to him.
Ruby and Maison Dixon followed. Ruby skillfully guided her horse to the edge and asked the horse to jump at the perfect moment. They easily cleared the distance. She drew up alongside John.
Mr. Bleauvelt clucked Smokey Mountain into action. He pulled the reins sharply in an effort to gain the horse’s attention. Smokey Mountain’s tail flicked in protest and his nose carved an indignant arc in the air. His rider had taken a straight on approach, and the horse took offense. Smokey gained more speed to make the jump and then, without warning, stopped at the brink of the ravine on stiff legs in protest. Mr. Bleauvelt was unseated and soared over the horse’s head toward the abyss. His flight was jerked to a stop with a sickening snap. The horse’s eyes ringed white with terror, and he began to bolt away from the disturbance, dragging the fallen rider entangled in stirrup leathers, beside him.
“Heeyyyooo! Smokey! Heeyyyooo! Stop! Whoa! Whoa!” Jessica whirled Gapman to the edge of the ravine and yelled up at the shaking animal. At the sound of her voice, Smokey Mountain stopped his retreat and cocked his ears forward to listen to her familiar voice. Jessica could see Mr. Bleauvelt. He didn’t move.
Without another thought, Jessica brought Gapman out away from the edge and gave him all the rein he needed. She squeezed her legs together and urged him forward over the ravine.
“Stop!” John yelled, “Don’t be a fool! You’ll never make it back over!” He could see Jessica’s set expression. Her head never turned to his voice.
The jump to the low side of the ravine was easy. The distance the riders asked their horses to cover was little more than a stride of the big animals. Making such a jump from a higher point to a lower one was a simple task. But asking the horse to go back up was asking for more than a leap of faith. The site to guide a horse safely to land was over ten feet away and five feet up.
Gapman approached the edge of the ravine at a fast gallop. Jessica felt his body tense as he realized the feat she was asking him to do. From this access, Jessica could see the swirling waters below and wished she had not started the approach. Obstacles like the one she was about to ask Gapman to leap were meant for only the most seasoned, and foolish, of horse and rider teams. She barely knew Gapman’s abilities. She also knew that stopping at this point would send them both crashing down to their deaths.
Gapman cocked his ears back to listen to the voice of his friend. Jessica forced herself to sing the commands in a little three-note tune. Her voice cracked, and her mouth was dry.
Jessica’s heart sank as she felt Gapman pause at the edge.
“Come on, Gapman! COME ON!” Gapman sprang forward and sailed to the rock outcropping. The rock was bare of any dirt to land on, and his shod hooves slipped and skidded along its surface, unable to gain a hold. Jessica, voice strained but steady, kept talking to her horse and urged him forward. Finally, one of his hooves took hold, and he bounded over to the other horse.
Jessica quickly dismounted and knelt beside the fallen rider. Mr. Bleauvelt moaned in pain as she removed his leg from the stirrup.
“Hey. Fancy meeting you here,” Jessica joked as she carefully guided her hands over his legs, watching his face for signals of pain. From her years of experience on the ski patrol in Utah, she knew drawing a person into pleasant banter would help determine the existence or magnitude of head injuries and general shock.
“I don’t think you should move. You just had a nasty fall. John and Ruby can get help at the next check point for you.” Jessica gauged his responsiveness to her words and actions.
Mr. Bleauvelt winced in pain as he stood up. “No. I’ve got to finish this event. I have never not completed a hunt, and I won’t start now.” He brushed himself off and looked at Jessica then back to the ravine. “I thought you crossed?” He was bewildered and stunned. He looked at Smokey Mountain. “There’s no way that horse is going to make the leap. I guess I’m going to cross at the bridge.” He looked down and tested his weight on his leg. Color drained from his face as pain registered. “I’m sorry to cost the team all that time.” He brought his hand to his head.
Jessica reached her hands out and steadied the swaying man. “No. I’m worried about getting you help soon and jumping here is the fastest way. Smokey will take the leap for me, and I know Gapman thinks it’s just a walk in the park. Are you Okay?”
“Yes. Fine. You’re sure Gapman won’t refuse to jump like Smokey?”
“Positive. Let’s trade horses for the ravine jump, and you can ride Gapman the rest of the way back. We’re almost done with the course.” She assessed the stunned man critically. “If you’re up to it we can go.” Jessica ran her hands over Smokey Mountain’s legs to make sure they were not injured.
“I said I’m fine. Just a little shaken up. I’ve taken worse falls. My ankle hurts, but it won’t impact my riding. My head will clear as we ride.” No further argument would be tolerated.
Without wasting any more time, she helped him mount up on Gapman and adjusted his stirrups. Smokey Mountain stiffened in confusion at the change of riders. Ignoring the gray, Jessica gave some simple instructions and was pleased to see Gapman sail over the chasm again for his new rider. From her vantage point, she could see how much the horse loved what he was being asked to do. Jessica felt a flash of pride for the animal.
She brought Smokey Mountain up to the ravine on a right approach. Coaxing him with her legs and voice, she made it known no more attitude would be sanctioned by her. His tail twitched once in defiance, but he made the leap easily.
Jessica gave both horses a big hug and a rub on their necks. All four riders quickly rode for the course flags spotted earlier by Ruby.
Another twenty minutes of riding down the hillside brought them to the final stretch to the finish line. This portion of the course was along the far end of the meadow and was set with several smaller obstacles to give the spectators something to watch as the teams finished the pace.
The Royal Blue team entered the clearing and heard the crowd swell with applause and cheers. On Mr. Bleauvelt’s signal, they took the jumps two abreast and urged their horses forward to a gallop. It was a stunning sight and all riders were beaming with pleasure when they crossed the finish line.
Jessica dismounted and quickly went over to Bleauvelt. She helped the injured rider down and motioned for someone to get the field doctor.
In seconds, she was surrounded by a number of people, each performing their assigned task for the day. The horses were led away by grooms for cooling down and proper care. The field medics gently assisted Mr. Bleauvelt away, with grave ceremony. Others tended to the riders. John handed her a wet towel, and she used it to wipe her face clean of the dirt she had accumulated over the day. She looked anxiously over to where Mr. Bleauvelt had been brought by the doctor and several others.
“He really took a bad hit. I hope he’s going to be okay.” She looked at John and Ruby and gave a sly smile. “Aside from that, it was a pretty fun day, eh?” The three team members stood together and grinned like children. They were ushered into a small tent and given glasses of sherry. Jessica, unaware, drank her sherry in one gulp.
“AH! I thought that was water!” She sputtered and laughed at herself and others joined in the merriment.
“Quick! Give this girl more ‘water’!” John shouted with mock urgency. They laughed again as Jessica’s eyes misted.
They had to wait a while before all of the other teams finished the course. Jessica looked anxiously for Percival’s Proper Purple and was pleased to see them canter easily across the finish line. After the initial flurry of attendants were through with them, Jessica caught Hoyt’s and ClaireAnne’s eye and motioned them
over to where she was standing.
Hoyt was exuberant. “What a day! What a beautiful ride that was! Didn’t that view from the ridge just take your breath away? Gapman! How was he? Ya’ll just have to tell me everything!”
Hoyt and ClaireAnne downed several sherries while Jessica gave them a briefing on the event.
“Gawd, child! Your team jumped over the ravine!” Hoyt gasped and sputtered.
“Well, um,” Jessica responded contritely, “the whole team jumped down, but Gapman made the jump back up for me.”
“Sweet Suzanne in Savannah!” Hoyt’s eyes darted to his horse to make sure Gapman was indeed safe.
“Tess! You could have gotten both of you killed! What were you thinking?” ClaireAnne asked in disbelief.
“I really am sorry I took a risk like that with someone else’s horse,” Jessica kept her eyes glued to her boots, “but Mr. Bleauvelt gave Smokey Mountain a bad approach and Smokey gave him a pretty bad fall. My only thought was to get him some help. But you know, in a way it was worth it just to see for myself Gapman leap that ravine. Hoyt, you have a real champion there. He has a huge heart and loves the rough stuff.” She paused and gave the Percivals a wicked look out of the corner of her eye. “And besides, Chad Bleauvelt now owes you. Big time.”
“The snobby Bleauvelt paying homage to a humble hardware store owner. That’s more than perfect!” Hoyt gave ClaireAnne a boisterous bear hug.
John and Ruby walked over to the smiling trio. “They are going to give the awards soon. Chad won’t leave to get an x-ray of his foot until he finds out who won. And even then he swears that he’s going to go to the party tonight. He’s as crazy and stubborn as ever.” John looked at Hoyt and complimented him on Gapman. “That is one of the finest horses I have had the pleasure of working with. I certainly hope his trainer will have time to work with my old hacks.” He glowed. “You did some fine work out there today, Miss White.”
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