Antonia’s father was thunderstruck. Everyone gathered around him and sang.
“How did you manage all this?” Her father was almost stammering. But then he got hold of himself again and announced, “Now, it’s party time, and we have really good reasons to celebrate!”
Guests arrived from the whole neighborhood. Even well-known riders and show jumping riders, who had trained on Rosenburg Farm from time to time, came to congratulate Mr. Rosenburg. And Antonia as well, because news of her win at the Great Riding and Jumping Tournament had spread like wildfire. Even Mr. Bonhumeur had called to congratulate her warmly.
“This is the nicest birthday of my life,” said Alexander Rosenburg, touched, taking his girls in his arms. “First, your success, Antonia, and now such a great surprise party, too! You really pulled it off!”
When it grew dark, the costumed riders appeared. Felix was dressed as a fiery Spanish woman. He carried it off well and made everyone laugh. Mr. Sonnenfeld rode as a majestic French nobleman, and Caroline was dressed as a princess in luxurious brocade. In addition, there were also a mysterious witch and a magician.
Around the edge of the open space there were torches burning, so that Princess Caroline, Knight John, the fiery Spanish woman, and the imposing Frenchman cast wild shadows.
The knight and the French nobleman fought each other, but the princess and the fiery Spanish woman simply walked in between. Magicians and witches did tricks on their horses, sometimes prancing and sometimes galloping in circles.
Mr. Hegemann observed everything carefully and said, “It’s strange. When riding in costume, even the tensest riders relax completely. Is that because otherwise they’re afraid of being recognized?”
But nobody answered such a serious question. This was a celebration.
Isabella Ruf kept her promise. During the singing and dancing, which lasted into the night, she had Maria take her around the farm to show her around and explain everything about how the farm was run. She took photo after photo and interviewed people enthusiastically, especially Antonia, who was in the magician’s costume.
“You really can do magic, girl,” she said.
“But please don’t talk about the wonder child and the wonder horse again. That’s really not true. A good horse is part of it, but also good, hard training.” Antonia was glad she had gotten that off her chest.
It was getting close to midnight when Antonia snuck into Elfin Dance and Snow White’s stall.
“Hello, my two darlings.” She squeezed up against Elfin Dance tightly. “I wanted to thank you again,” she whispered in his ear. His answer was a contented snort.
Then Snow White made her presence known quietly, nestling her nostrils in Antonia’s hand.
Actually, all she wanted to do was say good night to both of them, but first Antonia had to tell Snow White about the competition. “And I promise you, next time I’m taking you along and not Diamond. After all, you’re Elfin Dance’s best friend. And I think if you’d been there, Elfin Dance would have been much calmer from the beginning . . .” Then she yawned heartily—and fell asleep happily between her two horses.
Antonia and the Big Competition Page 5
