Antonia and the Big Competition

by Elisabeth Zöller

  “Well, little girl? What are you doing here? Isn’t this out of your league?”

  It was Alina! Help! Was she also riding in this competition?

  Of course, she had been on the list. Antonia had just blocked it out.

  Alina laughed maliciously in Antonia’s face. “And this fine specimen at your side, who’s letting you play the stable boy?” Alina added, topping it all off. She was so nasty!

  Maria approached with a young woman who seemed somehow familiar to Antonia.

  “Hello, Alina, nice to see you again at a competition. Excuse me, please, if I’m interrupting you two, but I have to steal Antonia and her Elfin Dance. I’m sure you’ll see each other later,” said Maria.

  She didn’t give Alina a chance to answer, but instead pulled Antonia along. Antonia saw how Alina remained behind, dumbfounded.

  “Thanks, Maria,” Antonia whispered softly, but Maria smiled and pointed at the young woman.

  “Antonia, I’d like to introduce you to Isabella Ruf. She’s a journalist and works for a horse magazine. She’d like to write about Elfin Dance and Rosenburg Farm.”

  Isabella Ruf! Of course! Antonia knew her from magazines! That’s why she had seemed familiar to Antonia. She thought about the little photo that always preceded articles by Mrs. Ruf.

  The horse magazine was Leona, Caroline, and Antonia’s absolute favorite. They read every issue from cover to cover, and Antonia positively devoured the articles by Isabella Ruf. She always wrote such exciting articles about extraordinarily talented horses and exceptional stables!

  And now she wanted to write about Elfin Dance and Rosenburg Farm?

  That was great! Sensational!

  Rosenburg Farm could really use an article in this famous magazine. In the last few years her family had invested a lot in the farm; ultra-modern stables had been built, as well as a new indoor riding arena. They needed some advertising!

  And Antonia knew exactly why she was here. Yes, she was here because of Rosenburg Farm, because of Elfin Dance, and naturally also because she wanted to show that she was a good show jumping rider.

  “I’ve already told Mrs. Ruf a lot about you, Antonia—about how you handle horses, especially Elfin Dance. I’ve told her about the thunderstorm during summer vacation as a little appetizer, and why Mr. Bonhumeur was so enthusiastic about you . . .” Maria talked and talked, and Antonia was so embarrassed that she hardly knew where to look. Where was Mr. Hegemann anyway?

  Isabella Ruf kept taking notes. Then, all of a sudden she shouted, “A wonder child with a wonder horse! Now, you two show me what you can do. Later, I’d like to ask you a few questions, Antonia. Is that all right with you?” And she leafed through her notes and made a few more.

  What did Mrs. Ruf mean? Was she simply supposed to ride off with Elfin Dance? She had talked at length with Mr. Hegemann about warming up and that she should never, ever just start riding like that.

  Antonia would have preferred to stride out this first lap in the unfamiliar place with Elfin Dance and Mr. Hegemann. Actually, she would rather have had a look at everything first with Elfin Dance in peace and quiet. Searching for help, she looked around for her riding instructor. But he was still nowhere to be found, and Antonia suddenly felt very much alone.

  Isabella Ruf was messing up all her plans. And Maria seemed to think it was very important for her to give all her attention to the journalist at the moment. But her aunt was familiar with competitions! And Elfin Dance!

  Antonia hesitated. Then she just wouldn’t get acquainted with the course until later with Mr. Hegemann. They couldn’t have a look at the show jumping course until the day of the competition anyway.

  “Okay,” she sighed. In the meantime more eyes turned toward them, drawn not only to Elfin Dance but also the presence of Isabella Ruf.

  “Okay, then,” Antonia said again, turning to Mrs. Ruf. “It’ll just take a moment.” Then she strode out at least one part, looked at the first hurdle, and committed it to memory.

  Finally she mounted and tried to think about nothing except Elfin Dance and herself, the track ahead of them, and the wide view, just as she had learned. She bent down to Elfin Dance, whispered encouraging words in his ear, and, by putting light pressure on his flanks, let him know it was time to get going.

  Antonia felt his nervousness, because she and Mr. Hegemann had indeed gotten him used to the loudness of a competition arena, but not to this swarm of people . . .

  Elfin Dance pushed forward and fell into a fast gallop. He was just flying! Clean jumps, no hesitation, no faltering.

  Astonished shouts became loud. A hum of approval lay in the air.

  But suddenly there was something . . . she noticed it in Elfin Dance’s movements. Startled, Antonia wondered what it was.

  Then the unbelievable happened. Elfin Dance refused; worse yet, he reared, left Antonia hanging helpless in the saddle, and then . . .

  The world stood still. For a moment. Then she crashed hard onto the ground and felt a pain in her left shoulder. But that was nothing in comparison to the rage that overwhelmed her. How could Elfin Dance do that?

  Antonia lay in the dirt. Maria rushed up to her. “Have you hurt yourself? Is everything okay?” she shouted anxiously.

  Nothing was okay, and Antonia didn’t budge; she couldn’t move because of fright and shame.

  “Everything’s all right; just go back to Mrs. Ruf,” she whispered softly, accepting Maria’s help and standing up carefully.

  “Are you absolutely sure?” asked Maria, and when Antonia said yes, she turned back to the journalist.

  Antonia could have howled, and Elfin Dance merely turned around and nibbled a bit in a flower pot. It was just like in her nightmare.

  He had never done that—thrown her off and made her look ridiculous, like a beginner!

  When she finally glanced around, she was looking directly into Alina’s evil, laughing face.

  “I told you, you’re out of your league,” she said gloatingly, then turned and left.

  Antonia took Elfin Dance by the reins and left the arena, hanging her head.

  Now What?

  So that was it, then!

  Antonia and Elfin Dance reached the stall, under everyone’s gaze, or at least it felt like that. She was terribly ashamed.

  While she was unsaddling Elfin Dance, she thought of Maria. Maria was probably still standing on the showground with Mrs. Ruf, waiting for Antonia to calm down and come back to finish the interview.

  Antonia had to apologize for that bad performance. So she ran back to the warm-up area.

  On the way, an older man called to her consolingly, “Don’t worry about it. That’s happened to all of us.”

  A lady wanted to take her hand. “Girl, you did well. Don’t give up!”

  No matter how kind they were, though, Antonia felt ashamed. Before she had wanted the ground to just swallow her up, and now even more so. What was she supposed to do? She had become a laughing stock! Dazed and completely red in the face, she approached Maria and Isabella Ruf. She arrived just in time to hear the journalist explain to Maria that, under these conditions, she couldn’t write an article in the horse magazine.

  “I’m sorry, Ms. Rosenburg. But I really wouldn’t know what to write.”

  Tears burned on Antonia’s cheeks. That was so horrid! Everything was horrid!

  “But you’ve never been to Rosenburg Farm. You’re more than welcome to come, and I promise you, you won’t be disappointed!”

  Antonia heard the desperation in Maria’s voice. If Mrs. Ruf didn’t want to report on Elfin Dance, then at least she could write about the farm.

  Antonia wanted to say something about the warm-up and Elfin Dance’s nervousness. But Mrs. Ruf was short and crisp. “You see, it would have been a well-rounded article: a wonder child with a wonder horse on a wonder farm. But, unfortunately, the wonder child and the wonder horse are missing. The wonder horse is a stubborn bundle of energy. You understand, of course, that I’ll be fo
llowing the competition. Elfin Dance is unquestionably an impressive horse at first glance. But he seems to be jumpy. Of course, he’s young. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if his temperament is suitable for his career. I wish you luck, Antonia.”

  Bang! That hit home like a punch. Isabella Ruf had spoken! It sounded like scorn. Antonia could have screamed.

  “Maria,” she said softly, “I’m so sorry.”

  “Oh, Antonia, I’m sorry. I messed everything up. I was so impatient that I just couldn’t wait. You should have been able to look over the course quietly with Elfin Dance and warm up. I saw what you planned to do. What a fool!” She slapped her forehead. “Don’t worry about it. I shouldn’t have expected that of you two. I have to apologize to you! You know, Mrs. Ruf came right up to me when she saw you with Elfin Dance. I just couldn’t resist.”

  “Too eager,” Antonia said indignantly. “Besides, I’m not a wonder child and Elfin Dance is no wonder horse. Mrs. Ruf’s out of her mind.”

  “Yes, I’m so proud of Elfin Dance and you.” Maria was able to smile again.

  Suddenly her face lit up. “How about you ride Diamond in the competition? He’s a pro. Of course, not as sensational as Elfin Dance, but it would be worth a try. Maybe Mrs. Ruf would take notice of the wonder child and the wonder farm. You simply ride and jump so well.”

  Antonia stamped her foot. “Enough with the blasted wonder child. I’m a child. Maybe even too young for this kind of competition. And maybe I can ride well, yes! But I want to ride Elfin Dance.”

  Antonia swallowed and tried to hold back the tears. She didn’t want to disappoint Maria, her papa, and Rosenburg Farm, and she knew how important this competition was for all of them. But to compete on Diamond, she felt, would be a huge betrayal to Elfin Dance! She and Elfin Dance had worked toward this day, and now Elfin Dance was supposed to stand on the sidelines and watch her ride Diamond? Just because they had all made a mistake? No! She just couldn’t do that to him!

  How much she wished Leona were there! She would definitely have an unexpected solution on hand again—and she wouldn’t be so crazy. And she would keep her spirits up!

  And where was Mr. Hegemann? He had such a sure, level-headed way about him.

  But neither one was there.

  Sadly Antonia went into the stable to find Elfin Dance. “Hello, my dear. Do you know that I’m really mad at you? To refuse is one thing, but to throw me off just isn’t funny at all. Such a noble horse, and then you behave like a stubborn mule!”

  Elfin Dance pricked his ears and turned his head toward Antonia. He snorted softly and nudged her gently.

  “What’s that supposed to be? Do you want to apologize to me? That’s the least of it! You know what? We shouldn’t have let ourselves get involved in that exhibition. We needed to have checked things out quietly. Just the way we wanted to.”

  Elfin Dance pawed the ground.

  “Yes, you’re right. We should have looked over everything by ourselves first. But honestly, you’ll have to get used to it—everyone staring at you like a wonder of the world. First of all, you’re very beautiful. But you’ll just need a long time to get used to it. We’ll have to keep that in mind, forever and ever.”

  And all of a sudden Antonia knew exactly how she had to proceed in the future. She had gone through everything before in her head, but she hadn’t stuck to it.

  Just then the stable door opened, and Mr. Hegemann looked in. “Maria just told me what happened. May I come in?” he asked.

  Antonia nodded, and soon she was in tears, even though she hadn’t wanted to cry in front of Mr. Hegemann.

  Mr. Hegemann took Antonia in his arms and stroked her head. “Shh, shh,” he said a little awkwardly. “You don’t have to cry. Do you want some advice?” He pushed her an arm’s length away and looked her in the eyes.

  “Yes,” said Antonia, wiping the tears away.

  “You know, I’ve seldom seen such a close friendship between a rider and a horse like the one between you and Elfin Dance. Elfin Dance really likes you, and you really like him.”

  “But then why throw me in the dirt? That was not exactly very affectionate. And it was embarrassing, too. I’m so ashamed.”

  Mr. Hegemann had to laugh. “That was really anything but affectionate. I can’t read Elfin Dance’s mind, but I think he’s testing his boundaries and he’s testing you. He’s still young, and he’s doing it because he’s sure of your affection for him. You love your father, too; nevertheless, you do things that he doesn’t like. But you know that he’ll still love you. And that’s why I’m advising you, resolve this with your wild child; then he’ll handle the competition. I’m sure of it!”

  He pulled Antonia close again, stroked Elfin Dance on the head, and left the stall. Mr. Hegemann was a confidence booster. A real confidence booster. Antonia stamped her foot hard as if in confirmation. “Yes!”

  At that moment she knew for certain: now it was time for her plan. The plan that she had developed with Mr. Hegemann over the past few days. That way she would be able to go to this first major competition with Elfin Dance calm and composed. And she would compete. Even if everyone didn’t think she could.

  She would draw up a precise timetable, just like she had practiced with Mr. Hegemann. For Friday and Saturday. If they stuck to it, it would give her and Elfin Dance confidence.

  Antonia got out the journal that Leona had given her and wrote:

  First Tournament with Elfin Dance

  8 o’clock Friday morning. I will stride out the field quietly. I will check out the state of the ground and the poles and will commit all my impressions to memory.

  After that I will do the same thing together with Elfin Dance. He should see the flower baskets and little flags ahead of time so that he doesn’t get distracted by such things later. Even if the show jumping course looks different on Saturday. I will try to explain everything to him. Elfin Dance and I will plan out all possible sections. I’ll ride in my head.

  10 o’clock. I’ll record it all exactly in my notebook and go through everything in my head several times, even my impressions of the whole area—for example, the spectator seats. By doing that, I’ll imagine how it will feel when we take off and land. I’ll recite to myself, “My thighs are closed . . . I’m holding the reins close . . . I’m jumping exactly in the middle of the hurdle.” Just the way Mr. Hegemann taught me.

  2 o’clock. Only then will I take Elfin Dance to the warm-up area. I’ll jump just a little with him on Friday, the day before the competition. Maybe two little jumps, no more. I know that he can jump, and he doesn’t have to prove it until Saturday. I won’t let anybody talk me into showing him anymore. Under no circumstances!

  And in the evening I can tell Elfin Dance while I curry him, “Elfin Dance, that was wonderful. Now we’re ready for tomorrow.” Then Felix will take over for the night.

  That’s exactly how Antonia wrote everything down. Everything that was important to her. And Friday went exactly according to plan for Antonia and Elfin Dance.

  The Competitor

  They were just sitting down to dinner on Friday when Mr. Hegemann suggested, “Antonia, how about if you and Maria take a walk through Tostedt? The weather’s great, and when you’re in a town rich in history, you should take advantage of it.”

  Maria thought that was a good idea. Antonia agreed reluctantly. “But just a little walk,” she said.

  The walk through town, however, did not take her mind off the upcoming event. Posters referring to the competition were hanging everywhere. The whole town seemed to be feverishly awaiting the competition. Even businesses were open until late in the evening. On every corner you could buy souvenirs: plates and cups with pictures of horses, little horseshoe-shaped charms for bracelets, ribbons and miniature trophies, towels embroidered with horses, or bed linens printed with horse patterns. Usually Antonia would have been thrilled, but today she wasn’t in the mood. She may have seemed calm, but deep inside she felt a burning and tingling o
f nerves.

  Antonia did buy a little silver charm for Leona, though. She knew that her friend would love this small present, and she collected charms like this on a silver bracelet. For Grandma and Grandpa she bought a cup, not with horses, however, but with big red roses on it. Roses were in fact—after horses—Grandma and Grandpa’s second passion.

  After they had been gone two hours, Antonia didn’t feel like being in town any more. She was warm and all she wanted was to go back.

  “Come,” said Maria. “I’ll treat you to an ice cream. After that we’ll drive back.”

  “Oh, yes!” Antonia was pleased. She wanted to tell Maria about her plans over ice cream.

  But no sooner had they found seats in a little ice cream parlor and each ordered a big sundae than she regretted her decision. Because just as the ice cream arrived, so did Alina with her mother and two friends. On top of that, they sat down at the next table. Alina just smirked triumphantly at Antonia and then talked loudly as if she wanted to talk to the whole ice cream parlor. It was clear that Antonia and Maria were supposed to overhear everything.

  “Picture it: Isabella Ruf has just come up to me. Because after the unsuccessful performance of that little rider wannabe . . .”

  The three girls giggled and were obviously having a great time remembering the scene Elfin Dance and Antonia had made.

  The whole thing seemed embarrassing only to Alina’s mother. She looked at Maria and Antonia out of the corner of her eye and reminded the three of them, “Shh, not so loud. They’re sitting right over there.”

  “Oh, well,” Alina continued, unconcerned, without lowering her voice, “at any rate, Mrs. Ruf was interested in me and my Majestic. And if I’m good—and I’m sure I will be—there will be an article about me in the next issue. Isn’t that awesome?”

  The ice cream didn’t taste so good to Antonia and Maria any more. They paid and left the ice cream parlor.