by Toni Mari
Kate hadn’t told me the results of our freestyle. I didn’t know my placing, but I had ridden my best, and I was happy. Oh boy, was I happy. A grin burst out.
Cory’s long legs easily kept up with Windsong’s speedy walk. We caught up to Melinda in the crowd surging toward the arena. She glanced over at me and smiled. “Congratulations. Are you happy with the results?”
I was finding it hard to get used to her being friendly. I shrugged a shoulder. “Kate wouldn’t tell me, so I’ll be surprised. I’m happy no matter what. Congratulations to you, too, though.”
“You don’t know?” Her eyes widened, but then her eyes dropped to the cowboy hat. “Is that Cory?” she asked in an exaggerated whisper.
I nodded.
She nodded back. “Good for you.”
Cory gave Windsong a final pat and tipped his hat to me. I laughed. Always the charmer.
I rode over to the in-gate. The show officials were organizing the recipients. Melinda went ahead of me and I was surprised when they placed the red ribbon for second place around her horse’s neck. I cocked my head, who was first? The woman holding the blue ribbon waved me over. Me? First? I glanced around. Who else knew this? None of my people were in sight. Kate must have known. I grinned. Sneaky lady.
The ring steward announcing the ceremony began to read off the award winners, starting with the sixth-placed pair. When my name echoed through the air, the clamor from the stands made Windsong shy and dance through the gate. We lined up beside the other horses, and I did my best to convince Windsong to stand still long enough for them to take pictures. I looked over at Melinda. She gave me a thumbs-up. The ring steward stepped back, nodding to me to start the victory gallop. I turned Windsong and he half reared until I released the reins and rocked into the canter, the other riders following behind. We cruised by Mom, Dad, and Kate leaning on the arena fence. Mom was flat-out crying standing next to my dad. I shook my head, chuckling. Kate clapped and whistled, grinning from ear to ear. But Cory wasn’t standing with them.
I scanned the fence and spotted a cowboy hat by the gate. Boot up on the bottom rail, elbows leaning on the fence, blue eyes met mine. He tipped his hat. Then he pointed at me, at Windsong, and then at himself. “You, Windsong, and me,” he mouthed, smiling.
Yes! Absolutely, yes! As in Windsong, Cory and me, always.
I threw my head back and laughed. I raised my fist in the air. Then, holding my top hat on with one hand and the reins in the other, I stood in the stirrups and let the giant black devil horse race around the ring, neck stretched out and dirt flying. The cowboy way.
The End.
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About The Author
Toni Mari has taught dressage for twenty years. She owns and operates High Spirits Farm. She has coached riders in local and regional competition. She resides in New Jersey with her two children, two dogs, five cats and five horses.
Look for the release of
"Join The Dance"
The next book in the Dancing with Horses series.
Jane Mitchell rode her difficult, high strung horse, Windsong, for almost a year with one goal in mind, "Make the North American Junior Team". Windsong was inconsistent in the show ring, sometimes making Jane fear for her life and sometimes performing so beautifully, even the judge wanted to cheer. When Jane edges into fourth place at the last qualifying show and is nominated to the team, she is elated. Until she meets the other three members of the team. Melinda Kratz has been her rival, beating Jane in the show ring for years. Melinda makes sure she rubs it in Jane's face every time she wins. Alison McBride, a cool, sophisticated heiress who rides the most expensive horse money can buy. She is not a team player and sabotage is not beneath her. Then there is Shawn Delaney, easy on the eyes, charming and determined to win Jane away from her boyfriend, Cory. These teens are above all else, ruthless competitors. The best young talent in the nation rides in this championship competition. Can Jane keep up with these kids, does she have what it takes?