“Come in,” he called gruffly.
Terry slowly opened the door to look directly into his cold, gray eyes. His bushy eyebrows were drawn together, accentuating a tight-lipped frown. He indicated for her to sit in one of the red leather chairs facing the desk.
Terry noticed that Paula sat rigidly on the edge of the other chair. Her hands were clenched in her lap and her bruised cheeks moist with tears.
Captain Riskin turned a pencil between his fingers, tapping one end, then the other against the desk. He looked back and forth between the girls before finally breaking the tense silence. “Terry, you know the penalty for jumping without supervision is expulsion from Briar Hill.”
He paused, his face taut with pent-up anger. “I have only one question. Were you jumping with Paula?”
Terry’s mouth flooded with sweet saliva. She swallowed hard then slowly shook her head. “No,” she admitted softly.
Captain Riskin looked doubtfully from one girl to the other. “For Paula, there is no excuse. I have a lame horse and rider as proof. But for you, Terry, there is no evidence except what you and Paula tell me. Who am I to believe?”
Paula glared at Terry. “I thought you wanted to help me,” her voice trembled accusingly. “But, you don’t care what happens to me. You just want my place on the team.”
“That’s not true!” Terry protested. “I wasn’t even thinking about the show. I would help you if I could.”
Paula’s clenched fists quivered with tension. “You didn’t even try!” she hissed bitterly.
Terry wanted to shake her to make her understand. “Didn’t you hear Captain? He’d kick us both out for jumping alone no matter the reason”
“Sure,” Paula scoffed with a snort. “Easy for you to say.”
In frustration, Terry gripped the leather arms of her chair. She had to make Paula understand that she wanted to help, but the price was too high. “Paula, I’d lose everything – lessons, my job and worst of all, Tic-Tac. And, for what? In the end, it wouldn’t even help you!”
The air fairly crackled with Paula’s silent anger. Terry looked desperately at Captain Riskin. His face had softened with concern.
“I think I understand what has happened here,” he said gently. “I am sorry to have doubted you, Terry.”
He turned a stern glance to Paula. “I will take you home now and explain to your parents what has really happened. Wait in my car.”
“Please understand,” Terry tried a final time as Paula stood up to leave.
Without comment, Paula flashed her a final angry scowl and left the office without reply.
“This incident was very unfortunate,” the Captain said when Paula was gone. “She was wrong to try to involve you in her mistake. I know you are upset because you think you let her down, but do not feel responsible. Nothing you could do or say would have saved her.”
Terry shook her head with a frown. “I just wish she’d understand that.”
“I think she does understand,” he disagreed. “But, she will never admit it. Paula is used to having her own way. She does not accept defeat. I do not like to expel her, but in her arrogance she has broken a very big rule that resulted in hurting herself as well as one of the horses. I have no other choice.”
He stood up. “Now I must take her home. I am afraid Mrs. Wright will be unreasonable when Paula tells her the truth about the accident. The least I can do is to help Paula make peace at home.”
Terry followed him out of the office and waited while he locked the door. “You will replace Paula on the show team. Report to me with Susie and Bobby for tomorrow’s lesson.”
Terry looked at him with surprise. “Me?”
“Aren’t you the chosen alternate?” he demanded, the familiar gruff tone returned to his voice. “Hurry now. You are late for class! Karen will be teaching today. I will be back after lunch.”
Terry watched him walk out to his car, realizing that with him in command there was nothing to worry about. Beneath his stern exterior was the warmest person she had ever known. “What and actor!” she thought with a grin.
“Hey,” she called after him. “Thanks.”
“Get to work!” he roared as she ran down the aisle toward Tic-Tac.
Chapter Ten
Rain was falling in torrents when the bus arrived at Briar Hill. Holding jackets and raincoats above their heads, the students dashed out, laughing and shoving to be the first into the barn.
Instead of following the others into the clubroom for the morning lecture, Terry, Susie and Bobby stopped outside the Captain’s office. Bobby knocked, but there wasn’t any answer. He and Susie sat down on the bench outside the office to wait.
Too excited to sit still, Terry fidgeted with the knobs of the candy machine. Despite the cool rain, the barn was muggy, smelling of wet wood and hay.
Suddenly, the stable door banged open with a gust of wind and rain as Captain Riskin ran in. He slammed the door behind him. “It is a hurricane!” he exclaimed, wiping water from his face and hair as Terry, Susie and Bobby laughed.
The Captain unlocked the office door and ushered them inside. “Come in. We have much to discuss.”
He motioned them to take chairs around the big walnut desk and pulled three thin, white pamphlets from the top drawer. “Did you get the signed permission forms from your parents to attend the show?” he asked.
Bobby nodded. “No problem.”
“Fine with my folks,” Susie agreed.
“Mine, too,” Terry said, adding her signed form to the others.
Captain Riskin handed each of them a pamphlet with “Twenty-first Annual Westfield Horse Show” printed on the cover. “This is the prize list. We will go over it, so you will know what is expected this weekend.
“The horses will leave by commercial van Saturday morning at nine o’clock,” he continued. “It takes two hours to reach the show grounds. I want to begin schooling by one o’clock.”
“Where do we stay Saturday night?” Susie.
“I have reserved rooms for us at the motel adjacent to the show grounds,” he replied. “Bring a swim suit because there is a pool.”
“Oh, boy!” Bobby exclaimed.
“No monkey business!” the Captain warned. “You swim only when all the stable work is done.”
“You will be exhibiting in the American Horse Shows Association Equitation Class and Junior Hunter Division,” he continued.
Terry curiously scanned the prize list until she found their classes.
EQUITATION DIVISION
9. A.H.S.A Hunter Seat Medal Class: Open to Junior members of the American Horse Shows Association who have not yet reached their 18th birthday. To be shown over a figure eight course of not less than 8 obstacles at 3’6” which must include one combination and two changes of direction. Two or more tests required of the top four contestants. Engraved medal and six ribbons.
JUNIOR WORKING HUNTER DIVISION
Open to horses and ponies shown by a Junior exhibitor. To be judged on performance, manners and way of going. Fences to be 3’6”. Trophy and six ribbons. Championship points.
10. Junior Working Hunter: To be shown on outside course.
11. Junior Working Hunter Under Saddle: To be shown at a walk, trot and canter both ways of ring. At least 8 horses are required to hand gallop one way of the ring. Martingales prohibited.
12. $250 Junior Working Hunter Stake: To be eligible for this class, horses must have shown in the other classes in this division.
“How do they pick the champion?” Terry asked.
“The top four places in each class have point value,” Captain Riskin explained. “First place is five points, second is three points, third is two points and fourth is one point. At the end of the show, the horse with the most points in the division is named champion.
“None of you are members of the American Horse Shows Association, but do not worry,” he told them. “I have sent in applications for all you so you can compete in the Medal class.”
“What sort of tests will they ask of the finalists?” Susie asked.
“The A.H.S.A. rule book list fifteen different tests from which the judge can choose,” he answered. “Such things are backing, figures eights, serpentines and riding without stirrups. You have done them all in class, but we will review everything this week.
“In the competition, you will wear navy jackets over canary breeches and white shirts with a navy choker or tie in Bobby’s case,” he added. “If you do not have a jacket, there are several in the stable show trunk. Find a jacket that is the best fit. Your mother’s can alter if needed. Now go clean your horses and be in the ring in twenty minutes. There is much we must practice.”
It was hard for Terry to believe that Summer Club was over when Karen dropped her off at home Friday afternoon. “Where did the time go?” she asked in amazement.
Karen shook her head. “I don’t know. It seems like only yesterday that I helped you find Tic-Tac’s stall.”
Terry sighed. “There’s so much more to learn. I just hope I’m ready for the show.”
“Don’t worry,” Karen assured. “I’ve never seen you and Tic-Tac look so good.”
“Tell the judge that!” Terry laughed.
“I won’t need to,” Karen disagreed. “He’s got eyes. I just wish I could come to the show to cheer your on, but someone’s got to run the stable while Captain’s away.”
She glanced at her watch. “I’ve got to get going. Best of luck, Terry. Make the most of this experience and remember to have fun! You’ve earned it.”
Karen held up crossed fingers as she backed out of the driveway. Terry waved until the car was out of sight and then went into the house.
As she opened the front door, she heard her mother’s voice. “Come back to the den.”
Terry took off her boots then went down the hallway. She found her mother at the sewing machine, busily putting the final touches on the borrowed navy riding jacket.
Mrs. Allen looked up with a smile. “You’re just in time to try this on. Hope it fits.”
Terry slipped the jacket on, enjoying the cool satin lining against her bare arms. She turned slowly while her mother ran her fingers down the side and back seams, making sure they laid flat in all the right places.
“Check it out in the mirror,” Mrs. Allen said when she was satisfied.
Terry ran to her parents’ bedroom and closed the door to look into the full-length mirror. She critically surveyed her reflection, first dropping her arms to her sides, then stretching them out as though jumping a fence. To her delight, the jacket fit as though it had been made for her.
She hurried back to the den and hugged her mother. “It’s a perfect fit. Thanks a million!”
Mrs. Allen helped her out of the jacket and carefully hung it on a hanger under a garment bag. “I enjoyed doing it. Now it’s up to you and Tic-Tac. Just remember, whatever happens, your father and I are very proud of you just for making the team.”
Terry smiled. “Thanks, Mom. You and Dad have been the best.”
“Sometimes it’s hard for people to understand each other’s passions,” her mother admitted. “There own interests tend to get in the way. But, just wait until the show. Dad and I will be your best cheerleaders.”
“That’s great!” Terry exclaimed. “The team will need all the support it can get especially since Susie and Bobby’s parents can’t make it. But, since this will be Tic-Tac’s and my first show, don’t expect too much.”
“Nonsense!” her mother scoffed. “You and Tic-Tac make a wonderful team.”
“He sure has taught me a lot,” Terry admitted. “But, mostly he’s my best friend. He’s great to talk to and always cheers me up.”
Mrs. Allen shook her head with a laugh. “Horses can’t talk. I don’t care how great they are.” She tweaked Terry’s chin. “Now, come help me with dinner. Dad will be home soon.”
“What’s to eat?” Terry asked, following her to the kitchen.
Before her mother could reply, the phone rang. Terry answered it. “Hello?” She paused and then held the receiver toward her mother with a puzzled frown. “It’s the Captain. He wants to talk to you.”
Mrs. Allen took the phone, but held her hand over it while she spoke to Terry. “Mrs. Temple picked up a chocolate cake for me at the bakery. We’ll need it for dessert. Please run next door and get it.”
“Sure,” Terry answered. “As soon as I set the table.”
“Now,” her mother said firmly. “I don’t want to bother them during dinner. You know they eat early.”
“Okay,” Terry agreed, bewildered by her mother’s sudden impatience. “I’ll be right back.”
“Hello, Captain?” she heard her mother say as she went out the back door. “Glad you called.”
When Terry returned with the cake, her mother was slicing a tomato. “What did the Captain want?”
“Nothing special,” her mother replied without looking at her. “He just wanted to make sure the jacket fit and you had everything you needed for the show.”
“Wonder why he didn’t just ask me?” Terry wondered with surprise.
Mrs. Allen shrugged and handed her a plate of sliced tomatoes. “Set the table, then make a list of everything you’ll need to pack for this weekend. I’ll help you after dinner. Hurry up. There’s lots to do tonight.”
Mr. Allen dropped Terry off at Briar Hill at eight o’clock the next morning. She gave him a quick kiss before getting out of the car. “Thanks, Dad, for the ride and everything this summer.”
“It’s my pleasure,” he said, hugging her good-bye. “All the luck in the world. Mom and I will be there to cheer you on at the show tomorrow.”
Terry waved as he drove off, and then hurried to join Susie and Bobby in the tackroom where they were filling the show trunks. Two large, navy trunks with bright yellow trim stood open in the middle of the tackroom. In the first, they packed saddles and bridles. On top of the tack, they set a shelf containing grooming tools, medicines and braiding supplies.
In the second trunk, they packed three wooden saddle and bridle racks. On top of the racks were place four large, navy cotton sheets that would be hung as walls for the tack stall. There was also a navy banner with BRIAR HILL STABLES … HUNTERS AND JUMPERS embroidered in yellow to be hung across the front of the tack stall. Finally, Susie carefully laid a horseshoe-shaped mirror on top of the sheets.
When the trunks were packed, Terry, Susie and Bobby turned their attention to the horses, grooming them until their coats gleamed. Next, they carefully wrapped each horse’s legs from knee to hoof with clean cotton batting. The cotton was held in place by long, navy bandages to protect their legs from injury during the long trailer ride.
“Trailer’s comin’!” Billy called down the aisle just as they finished.
The three quickly tied the horses in their stalls, and then sprinted up the aisle. They reached the stable yard just as a large, silver trailer pulled to a stop. CAUTION – HORSES was printed in bold, black letters across the back.
A short, burly man and his partner jumped down from the cab. They opened the large side door of the trailer, then slid a narrow wooden ramp topped with a rubber mat from beneath the door and dropped it to the ground. Next, they dragged two boards from inside the trailer and clamped them to the sides of the loading ramp.
Scratching his scraggly beard, the driver took a clipboard from the cab and gave it to Captain Riskin. “As soon as I get your signature, we’ll get those horses loaded and on the road.”
While the Captain took the clipboard and read the attached forms, Terry, Susie and Bobby explored the trailer. They climbed up the steep ramp, holding onto the side boards to keep their balance. The interior was divided by metal partitions into four narrow standing stalls bedded in straw. Short chain cross-ties with hooks on the ends hung at the front of each stall.
“What are you doing up there?” Captain Riskin’s voice boomed from the base of the ramp. “This is not a picnic! Get t
he equipment loaded. We are late!”
Not needing a second reminder, they scrambled down the ramp and hurried back into the barn. With the help of Billy and Sonny, they quickly loaded the trailer with hay, grain, buckets, wheelbarrow, pitchfork, folding table, and four canvasback chairs. As soon as the equipment was stowed away in a compartment behind the cab, the riders ran to get their horses.
“Lead them straight up the ramp,” Captain Riskin directed when they returned with their horses. “If you hesitate or look back at them, the horses will balk. When your horse in the trailer, the driver will help you back him into a stall. Bobby first.”
Bobby led Red Sunset slowly toward the trailer. Red hesitantly put his right hoof on the ramp and then froze. Bobby tugged on the lead, while Billy and Sonny clicked from behind. When Red still refused to move, Captain Riskin slapped him across the rump with his hand. Startled, Red bolted up the ramp, nearly crushing Bobby against the far wall of the trailer. Once inside the trailer, the driver took the lead rope and skillfully maneuvered Red into a stall.
Bobby grinned sheepishly as he rejoined the group at the foot of the ramp. “Nothin’ to it!”
“Terry next!” Captain Riskin commanded.
Terry tempted Tic-Tac with a carrot just out of his reach. “Be good and it’s yours,” she promised as she led him forward.
At the foot of the ramp, he snorted and braced himself against the lead rope. His reaction was so quick that he nearly jerked Terry off her feet. He nervously rolled his eyes as Captain Riskin raised an encouraging hand, but before he could swat him, Tic-Tac lunged up the ramp, dragging Terry with him.
Once in the trailer, Terry and the driver had little trouble backing Tic-Tac into a stall. When he was safely tied, Terry hobbled down the ramp, rubbing her hip. “That’s a little excitement to start the day!”
“Quickly, Susie!” the Captain called. “Merry Chase is a good loader.”
Proving him correct, Merry Chasse ambled up the incline without the slightest commotion. Susie quickly secured him in a stall and ran back down the ramp. When she was on the ground, the driver and his assistant slid up the ramp and bolted the trailer door shut.
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