Sundancer

by Shelley Peterson

“On his own four legs,” answered Abby. “He’s got a cut on his leg, but aside from that, no harm done.”

  “He ran home?” asked Leon. “I wondered why he was here. It wasn’t the plan.”

  Pete Pierson took control. “And just what was the plan, Leon?”

  Leon looked at Kenneth, then Elvin, then shrugged. “Why not? I quit, anyway.” He answered Pete, “I was told to take the horse to the old Harris barn last night, then show up here at ten.” He spat on the ground.

  Pete nodded. “Is that so. Well. Everything’s changed now.”

  Elvin and Kenneth looked dismayed.

  Pete continued. “Given that Leon has resigned and Kimberly has given up her dream of owning Sundancer, do we all agree that the horse will stay here with Hannah and Bird?”

  Kenneth and Elvin looked at each other. They were out of options.

  Kenneth nodded. “As long as it’s clear that Owens Enterprises still owns him.”

  “Therefore you will pay all the bills, past, present, and future,” said Pete. He looked sternly at Kenneth and waited for his response.

  “Yes, of course,” decided Kenneth, suddenly smiling. “Bird will ride him, God help her, and we will see you at the Haverford Fair next week. Enter him in the Grand Classic Event, Hannah.”

  Without further ado, Kenneth and Elvin stalked off to Elvin’s car. A new deal was formally in place.

  16

  THE HAVERFORD FAIR

  I love to jump. I do my job well.

  Bird had trouble sleeping. It was four-thirty on Saturday morning, and there was a lot on her mind. Today was the Haverford Fair! She’d never get back to sleep if she thought about it, so she forced herself to think of other things.

  School started on Tuesday. She had new school clothes and a new friend in Kimberly, who had decided to stay at Forks of the Credit School. Julia was also enrolled, and Bird was extremely happy that she and her sister would go to school together every day.

  The very prospect of school, however, was daunting. Kids mimicked the way she communicated. They laughed at her behind her back — and right in front of her face. It was surprising how people assumed you couldn’t see or hear if you couldn’t talk.

  She rolled over and tried to find a more comfortable position, pushing away thoughts of Sunny cantering into a difficult combination of jumps.

  Alec Daniels would be at school, too. Maybe even in her class. An odd flutter tickled Bird’s chest. How could she look him in the eye after what happened the last time she saw him? She’d painted herself pink, for heaven’s sake, and virtually killed her own dog!

  Bird blushed and hid her head under the sheet. Maybe she wouldn’t go the first day. She could get sick. Maybe even die. Maybe then Alec would realize how special she was. He would cry for her at the funeral, and Bird would look down from heaven and watch as he mourned her death and regretted that he never got to know her.

  She then envisioned riding into the ring with the stands full of applauding fans, including Alec, standing up and cheering madly. Bird scolded herself. Don’t think about the horse show! You’ll never get to sleep if you do.

  Bird mused about her mother as she turned over onto her back. The last few days had seen a tremendous improvement. They were getting along much better, and Eva seemed genuinely interested in both her and Julia. Bird wondered how much Stuart Gilmore had to do with the change. Eva was in love with Stuart — that much was clear — and Stuart never stopped encouraging her to be an attentive mother. In the back of Bird’s mind, however, doubts lingered. Was this an act? Another one of Eva’s attempts to land the perfect man? Bird hoped not. She’d rather believe that Eva had trouble knowing how to love her kids, and that Stuart was teaching her.

  Bird clutched her pillow. She needed her sleep. The fair was mere hours away! Her stomach lurched. She could avoid thinking about it no longer. They’d been practising all week. Sunny was fit and eager and ready for anything. Regardless, Bird knew that the results of the show would entirely depend on Sunny’s mood at the moment.

  Bird rolled over and bunched the pillow up under her head. No use. She might as well get up. The alarm was set at six, anyway — just an hour and a half from now — and there were always last-minute things to do. She’d go out and check the tack box, make sure the water tank was full, throw in some extra feed. Then she’d groom Sunny with special care. She wanted him to knock people’s socks off when he backed off the trailer.

  So as not to disturb Julia, Bird dressed in her barn clothes in the dark. She noted her show habit hanging neatly on the hook. It gave her goosebumps. Stealthily. Bird crept down the stairs and outside.

  In his stall, Sunny raised his head from his hay. Is it time already, Bird girl? It’s still dark.

  No, it’s not time yet. I just couldn’t sleep.

  That makes two of us. I’m nervous.

  There’s nothing there that’ll test you, Sunny.

  I know.

  Then what?

  It’s just a feeling I have.

  About the show?

  No. Those men. I don’t trust them.

  You got your way last time, Sunny. Nobody rides you but me, and nobody keeps you but Hannah.

  That’s the problem. I got my way last time, and they like to win.

  So do you, Sunny. And so do I.

  Sunny nuzzled Bird as she stroked his neck and rubbed his ears.

  So what’s my problem, Bird girl? We’ll go out there and win.

  WHEN HANNAH AND BIRD arrived at the grounds with Sunny in the horse trailer, the parking lot was almost full. There was always a huge crowd at the Haverford Fair, and this year was no exception. The competition would be stiff, Bird knew. She clutched her stomach to squelch her nerves.

  “Nothing to fear but fear itself, Bird. Franklin Roosevelt,” Hannah said.

  Bird grimaced. Eat my shorts, Hannah. Bart Simpson.

  She tried to take comfort in the cloudless blue sky and the light breeze. The day could not have been more perfectly suited to a horse show; warm enough that the horses were mellow, cool enough that they had energy. The grass was still green but had started to brown in patches. A sure sign that fall was coming.

  Together, Bird and Hannah unloaded Sunny and tacked him up. The plan was for Bird to warm him up in the exercise ring, then walk around the fair for a while to acclimatize him. Hannah would sign them up and get Sunny’s show number.

  “Take it easy, Bird,” instructed Hannah, as she gave her niece a leg up. “It’s important that you stay relaxed. Sunny feels every emotion you have.”

  No kidding.

  As they walked to the big warm-up ring, they passed rows of temporary stalls made of sturdy steel rods covered in white canvas. The ring was full of horses and riders in various stages of exercise. Some were trotting; some were cantering; and some were jumping, with help from their coaches, over obstacles set up in the centre of the ring. It was busy and somewhat overwhelming, especially when small ponies darted past, seemingly out of thin air. Bird felt Sunny tense up.

  Problem, Sunny?

  Fancy Pants. Over by the biggest tree.

  Bird looked. There was Leon, astride a handsome silver stallion. The horse was jumping around nervously. Leon held him tight and cursed at him. The horse was frantic and refused to comply. He was lathering up.

  Let’s pay them a visit, Bird girl.

  Are you crazy?

  Probably.

  They trotted over to the big tree. Sunny got as close to the stallion as he could. I call your person Fancy Pants. What do you call him?

  The silver stallion snorted. I like that. Fancy Pants. It suits. What do you call your person?

  Bird girl.

  Why?

  Because that’s my name. Bird looked at the stallion.

  She can talk!

  I know.

  I didn’t know humans could do that!

  They mostly can’t.

  You’re lucky.

  I know.

  Leon felt his horse
calm down. The silver horse stopped dancing around and throwing his head.

  “Finally!” breathed Leon. He looked up and noticed Bird on Sundancer. “So, you’re here, are you? If you think you’re going to win on that lunatic, you got another thing coming. Hurricane and I have it wrapped up.”

  Bird shrugged.

  Leon glared at her with a look of pure anger in his eyes. Then, he mimicked her shrug. “What’s that supposed to mean? Why don’t you talk?”

  Bird shrugged again, this time with an added smile. It would annoy him, she was sure.

  Leon narrowed his eyes. “You creep me out. And your horse is dead meat.” He laughed suddenly, as if he’d just told a joke. “Literally! He’s already buried! Dead meat!”

  Bird peered hard at Leon. What did he mean by that?

  “You don’t understand? Read my lips, dummy.” He cackled now, an ugly sound that carried over the usual horse show noises. “Prince Redwood. Is. Dead.”

  Bird’s eyes widened.

  “I shouldna told you. But who cares? It’s not like you’ll tell anybody anyway.” Leon laughed hard. “You can’t talk!”

  He’s on the white powder again. The silver horse shook his mane sadly. It makes him unpleasant.

  Too bad. Sunny sympathized. I had a rider once like that. Drugs.

  Nothing worse. You never know what they’ll do. They get mad fast.

  I’m sorry, Hurricane. See you later.

  Call me Silver. Everybody does.

  Sure. Call me Sunny.

  Bye Sunny. Bye Bird girl.

  Bird responded: Bye Silver.

  Sunny and Bird warmed up for half an hour. They did some trotting, some cantering, some circles and lead changes, then hopped over the jumps a few times after Hannah came in to supervise. Bird knew that Sunny felt good. He took everything as it came, and remained settled and calm.

  More and more big-time riders came in to warm up. A kid about her age trotted by on a large brown and white spotted pony. What’s wrong with this picture? thought Bird. I’m competing against these pros? I should be back in the pony ring. Her stomach began to ache.

  She heard applause. Leon and Hurricane were impressing the crowd by taking bigger and bigger jumps. Bird admired the way the stallion moved. Perhaps he would be their main competition.

  Don’t worry Bird girl. He’s got Leon and I’ve got you.

  Leon’s one of Canada’s top riders!

  So? I’m Canada’s top horse.

  Bird smiled and patted his neck. He’d need that confidence today.

  They walked around the fair and enjoyed the hubbub. Little ponies and their kid riders, families out for the day, stressed riders and their nagging mothers. People were bathing horses, mucking tent stalls, carrying water, feeding carrots, throwing hay. Golf carts and motor scooters buzzed around as riders signed up for classes or hurried to the far ring. Everyone was energized, intent on their next class, hopeful that this time, the first-place ribbon would be theirs.

  The Grand Classic Event was due to start in twenty minutes. Bird and Sunny came back to the trailer for last-minute preparations.

  This class was open to all comers. There would be twelve jumps — maximum four feet three inches high and six feet wide, with a twelve-foot water jump. There would be a time limit. The purse was thirty thousand dollars, with the winning rider taking all. It was no wonder that so many of the professionals came out.

  Today, however, there was an unusual twist to the rules. In the final stage of the judging, the top four contestants would switch and ride a different horse over the course. It was called the Switcheroo. They would draw numbers to decide which of the other three winning horses they’d ride, and their ability to take a horse over a difficult course without having ridden it before would be the deciding factor. The Grand Classic Event was billed as the highlight of the Fair for very good reason. Anything could happen.

  Hannah tied Bird’s number around Bird’s waist and adjusted the collar of her jacket. “You’ll be just fine. Just go out there and pretend you’re practising at home. Remember to breathe. And count your strides out loud. It will help Sunny relax when he hears your voice.”

  Bird poked her aunt in the arm and grinned.

  “Right. Sorry. I’m babbling out the stuff I tell all the kids. I guess I’m a little nervous.”

  That makes two of us, thought Bird.

  Three. Sundancer piped in. I want to win for you.

  Bird patted Sunny’s neck and kissed Hannah on the cheek.

  “I’ll be up in the stands with your fan club, Bird,” said Hannah smiling. “Everyone’s here — your mom, Julia, Stuart, Abby, and the Piersons. Paul’s the vet on duty, but if there are no emergencies, he’ll sit with us. Your grandfather’ll be watching, too, but he’s with Lavinia and she still won’t talk to me. You’ll be fabulous.” She paused for a moment, laughing at herself. “I’m babbling again. I won’t say another word.”

  Bird walked with Sunny over to the big ring, then she sat down, quietly waiting her turn. She’d drawn the tenth ride out of thirty contestants. Other riders were in the warm-up ring, popping their horses over four-foot jumps or practising leg yields to get their full attention.

  She looked up into the stands, and tried to see where her family and friends were sitting. Amid the packed crowd, a pure-white object caught her eye. It was Kimberly, with her arm and shoulder in a shiny new white cast. Bird smiled to herself. Kimberly was sitting beside Julia and the whole group, halfway up the bleachers. It was a comforting sight.

  Hold on. Who was that sitting on the other side of Kimberly? Bird suddenly felt a shiver of nerves. Alec Daniels. She took a deep breath. She must not let anything distract her, especially not a boy who probably thought she was an idiot.

  The first horse was called. “Number 238, Razor’s Edge, owned by Tamblyn Farms, ridden by Hal Childs.”

  Bird watched the jet-black gelding trot confidently through the entrance and canter past the starting gate. He was lovely to watch. He loped along, covering ground easily and soaring over the jumps without a care in the world.

  He’s too slow. They’ll start making up time now.

  Think so? His stride is long. It might be deceiving.

  It doesn’t deceive me. He’s slow.

  Just then, as Sunny predicted, the rider sped the black horse up. Razor’s Edge didn’t like the faster speed — it was harder for him to get his strides right. He plowed right into the water, cleared the first jump of the triple combination, then crashed through the second and third. Bird felt sorry for him; he’d been doing so well.

  Don’t cry too hard, Bird girl. Better for us.

  The second and third riders had eight faults each. The fourth had twelve. The fifth had eight with two time faults, making ten.

  Everyone has trouble with the water, Sunny. Why?

  It’s not paced out right. Don’t worry. I’ve figured out what to do.

  The sixth rider was Leon. “Number 276, Hurricane, owned by Owens Enterprises, ridden by Leon Parish.”

  Leon and Hurricane passed them on the way into the ring.

  Don’t let him scare you, Silver, cautioned Sunny.

  Thanks, Sunny. I’ve been here before. You have a good round, yourself.

  Sunny and Bird watched with full attention as Leon expertly guided Hurricane over every hurdle. They sailed over the dreaded water hazard and easily cleared the triple. He was a talented animal. Their time was under the limit, and the crowd was on its feet.

  The announcer boomed, “We have a new leader folks. Leon Parish and Hurricane will be hard to beat.”

  I told you, Bird girl. Fancy Pants is a good rider.

  Hurricane is no slouch, either.

  Is that a challenge? Bird felt her mount tense.

  Never. We all know you’re the top horse.

  Right answer.

  The next three riders crashed into poles and generally made a mess of the course. Bird speculated that Leon’s ride had demoralized them. Now it was
their turn.

  “Number 297, Sundancer. Owned by Owens Enterprises, ridden by Alberta Simms.”

  Bird knew that her little fan club would be stamping and applauding. She thought of Alec Daniels and felt a tightening in her chest. What if she screwed up? What if she looked like an idiot again, like every other time he’d seen her? She pushed the thought away.

  No one else in the stands would have heard her name before. They were all probably wondering how she had the nerve to compete with this quality of rider. Bird swallowed hard. She wondered the same thing.

  They’ll know your name after today, Bird girl.

  In a good way, I hope.

  Sunny shook his whole body so violently that Bird had trouble staying on. Then he stretched his back, almost collapsing in front then sinking in rear.

  What’s going on, Sunny? It’s our turn!

  Cool it, Bird girl. I’m doing my stretches.

  Now?

  I’m limbering up. Okay, I’m ready.

  You’re making me crazy!

  Relax, Bird girl. Let me do this, and just go along for the ride.

  As they entered the enormous grass ring, Bird knew that all eyes were on her magnificent mount. Sunny’s muscled body with its glistening chestnut coat shone in the sunlight as he saucily threw his legs forward in a bouncy, rounded canter and played. He arched his neck down to his knees and lifted his hind end high with each stride.

  Sundancer reared up, then sped through the starting gate.

  Sunny, slow down.

  It’s just a crowd-pleaser. Don’t worry so much.

  With that, he gave a buck. There was a collective cheer from the crowd. See, Bird girl? They love me.

  With his theatrics out of the way, Sunny got down to business. The first jump was a four-foot white vertical with an ominous plastic owl sitting on the left standard.

  Oooo, scary. Sunny lifted over it and landed softly. After two strides they made a sharp right turn and headed toward a multicoloured in-and-out with two strides between jumps. Bird made sure she kept light in the saddle with little contact on his mouth.

  Very good, Bird girl. That’s the way I like you to ride.

  I’m trying, Sunny.

  As they landed each jump, she pushed her hands up his mane to allow him to stretch out his neck. Everything was going smoothly.