Sarah dialed Jack’s cell, and he answered right away. “I’m at the carriage shed working with the foals,” he said. “And how may I be helping you?”
“My parents want to be here to watch when you ride Prince for the first time. Do you have any idea when that might be?”
“Hmmm, let me think,” he said. “‘Tis soon we want to get started.” He paused to consider his schedule for the day. “I’m tied up this afternoon. How about in an hour?”
Sarah clutched her cell tighter. “So soon! Actually I think that might work, since it’s my dad’s day off. I’ll let you know if they can’t make it,” she said.
“I’ll meet you at Prince’s stall,” Jack said. “I want to check the bridle, in case it needs adjusting. The side pieces need to be short enough to keep the bit stabilized in his mouth, and the flash noseband needs to be tight enough. Please have it ready, but don’t try putting it on before I get there.”
Her next call was home. “In an hour?” her mother said. “You’re lucky we’re both here now. Your father is mowing the grass, but I’m pretty sure we can be there in time. I’ll let you know if there’s a problem.”
Sarah stood still, clutching her phone. It was all coming together! In an hour, her future with—or without—Crown Prince would be decided. She had to let Kayla know. And in the meantime, she still had sweeping to do.
When she’d finished her chores, Sarah saw it was almost time for Jack to arrive. They were ready for him. From his earlier grooming, Prince’s dark coat shone like a mirror, and her tack was neatly arranged in front of the stall. Prince seemed to know that something was up, and he moved about uneasily. She combed his mane, trying to make it lie neatly on his off side, but a few minutes later he shook his head, sending it flying in different directions. He can probably pick up nervous vibes from me, she thought. I’ve got to chill out.
Chancellor was eating hay in his stall across from them, finally relaxed in his new place. Sarah and the other boarders were relieved that Rita had taken several boxes of her things and one saddle home. Kelly Hoffman was one of the few who seemed to enjoy Rita’s company, and they’d been spending a lot of time together. Kelly rode her horse, Midnight Jet, on the trails with Rita after Rita’s private lessons.
Most of the boarders had ridden that morning, and the barn was quiet enough for Sarah to hear Jack’s boots on the cement as he approached. “‘Tis the day we’ve been waiting for,” he said in his most cheerful voice. “Your horse is going to pass this test with flying colors.”
Sarah suspected he was trying to calm her fears. She swallowed hard. “So much depends on this,” she said. “I’m glad you’re the one getting on him.”
“Let’s get him tacked up,” Jack said. “You hold his head while I put the saddle on. The bridle will come last.”
With the saddle in place, Jack picked up the bridle and looked at it carefully. “I think your bit is stout enough not to irritate his gum, but these side pieces on the bridle might need to come up a notch. It’s important they’re short enough to stabilize the bit, so it moves around in his mouth as little as possible. We’ll be able to tell once ’tis on.” Jack put the reins over Prince’s head and removed his halter. It only took him a few seconds to deftly insert the bit in the horse’s mouth and pull the bridle over his ears.
Prince reacted by throwing his head up and violently pulling backward. He began to nervously chomp on the bit and toss his head. Jack held onto the reins loosely, not trying to bring the horse’s head down. “I’m giving him a chance to find out for himself that things are different now. He’s got to learn that a bit won’t cause him pain anymore.”
Jack and Sarah watched the horse, who continued to nervously toss his head. “Once he’s settled down, I’ll adjust the side pieces if need be,” Jack said, “and tighten the noseband just enough to keep his mouth closed. We don’t want him opening his mouth to evade the action of the bit.”
They stood in the stall for several more minutes, letting Prince chomp on the bit and occasionally shake his head. The bridle appeared to be a good fit, and after Jack buckled the noseband, he took the reins, preparing to leave the stall. “I saw your folks waiting on the hillside above the ring with Mr. DeWitt. Don’t worry. I think they’re going to like what they see.”
With Jack leading Prince, they made their way out of the barn and along the roadway to the outdoor ring. Sarah gulped when she glanced at the slope in back of the ring. She hadn’t expected this much of an audience! Kayla was sitting on the grass with her mother, Abby, Paige, and Tim. Sarah’s parents and Mr. DeWitt were in lawn chairs near them. A number of boarders Sarah didn’t know sat with Kathleen and Lindsay, and Kelly and Nicole were under the large oak tree. She noticed that even Gus was leaning against a tree on the other side of the road, waiting to see what would happen. There was no sign of Mrs. DeWitt or Grace, which meant they were still on their trail ride, and as usual, the Jack Russells had gone with them.
Prince continued to sporadically chomp on the bit, but not as often, as his attention was drawn to the spectators. They’re probably wondering if this will be a rodeo, Sarah thought. I can think of a couple who are probably hoping it will.
When they reached the ring, Jack led Prince inside, and Sarah closed the gate behind them. Jack seemed calm and composed, entirely focused on the horse beside him, and after his regular longeing sessions in that ring, Prince also seemed relaxed. Sarah didn’t notice Kayla walking casually down the hill to join her next to the rail.
Hey, kid,” Kayla said, appearing beside her, “what do you think?”
“I’m freaking out, Kayla. If he does one bad thing, it will be all over.”
“Jack will do a good job. You must know that. Be glad that Rita isn’t here. Paige said she went out to pick up some lunch. It didn’t take long for the word to get out, though. It looks like everybody in the barn knew Jack was going to ride Prince, so maybe Rita purposely skipped out. She doesn’t like to see Chancellor sharing the spotlight with any other horse.”
“You’ve got that one right,” Sarah said.
Jack led Prince around the ring once in each direction and then approached the mounting block, something he reserved for very large horses. Sarah leaned against the rail and found herself gripping it tightly. The time had come. Soon they’d know if Prince’s bad behavior of the past was behind him.
Before stepping up on the block, Jack halted Prince and lifted the saddle flap to tighten the girth. He pulled the stirrup irons down, checked their adjustment, and prepared to mount. When Jack gracefully swung his leg over the horse and sat lightly in the saddle, Prince immediately walked forward. He was still somewhat preoccupied with the audience above the ring, but he chewed the bit occasionally as Jack gradually took up more contact with the reins.
Sarah felt like clapping her hands! There hadn’t been the explosion she’d feared, but she knew the test was far from over. Jack’s legs were firmly against the horse’s sides, asking him to move forward into a slightly resisting rein that controlled where he went and how fast he traveled. When they reached one end of the rectangular ring, Jack asked Prince to circle before continuing along the rail. Later he changed direction across the diagonal, and Prince continued to march forward, sometimes chewing nervously on the bit, but for the most part seeming to accept it.
When they reached the other end of the ring, Jack sat deep on his seat bones, closed his legs, and with a gentle but firm hand asked the horse to halt. Sarah held her breath. She knew this would apply more pressure on Prince’s mouth. His head came up, as if he anticipated pain, but he halted when asked. Jack stroked his neck and praised him. They walked forward and repeated the exercise several more times, until finally Prince not only refrained from throwing his head up, but even brought his nose down slightly.
Sarah knew the real test would come at a faster gait. When Prince was moving willingly forward at walk, Jack closed his legs and used the voice command “Trot.” He’s building on what we’ve been doi
ng on the longe line, she realized. Prince knows the word. Sure enough, Prince broke into a trot, and although he continued to chew the bit and toss his head occasionally, he showed no discomfort or real inclination to be unruly. Those watching could tell he was nervous, but his movement was still beautiful to watch.
“He doesn’t act like he’s on the verge of blowing up,” Kayla whispered to Sarah.
Jack circled Prince before sitting the trot and asking him to spring forward into canter. Not sure of the aid, the horse at first trotted faster, but then broke into the three-beat gait and continued to canter around the ring. This was the horse who had supposedly acted like a nutcase at the racetrack? It was hard to believe!
After circling the ring once more, Jack asked Prince to come back to trot. While sitting deeply and continuing to apply his legs, he closed his fingers, putting pressure on the bit to ask the horse to slow down. The audience on the hillside watched closely, hoping the transition would go smoothly, while at the same time worrying it might not. But like a seasoned trouper, Prince came back from canter to trot and then to walk. Those spectators witnessing this demonstration who knew Crown Prince’s actual background realized what an amazing performance it was!
Jack, usually serious, was smiling broadly. He praised the horse loudly, stroked his neck, and felt relaxed enough to give him a free rein so he could stretch his head and neck down.
“He couldn’t have gone better!” Jack called to Sarah. “Come into the ring, please.”
After Jack dismounted in the center of the ring, he checked Sarah’s footwear. “Good. You’re wearing paddock boots with a heel, I see, not sneakers. I want you to ride your horse.” Jack unbuckled his riding helmet and gave it to her. “But first put this on.”
Sarah stared at him in disbelief. It hadn’t occurred to her this would be part of the plan! “You want me to ride him today?” she asked.
Without responding, Jack led Prince to the mounting block and motioned for her to follow. “Just do everything the same as you would if you were riding Lady Tate,” he said, as he shortened the stirrups. “Breathe deeply and relax. It won’t help him if he senses you’re nervous.”
Sarah’s heart was pounding as she stepped up on the block and prepared to mount her horse. This was truly the final test, and she knew her parents were watching with worried and critical eyes. Thank goodness Jack was right there, holding Prince by the bridle. She picked up the reins, put her foot in the stirrup, and slowly swung her leg over her horse’s back. When she had settled herself in the saddle, she looked at the ground. It was a long way down!
Prince’s ears flicked back in her direction as she reached forward to stroke his neck. “It’s me Prince. It’s just me, boy.” After Sarah had shortened the reins to establish a soft contact with his mouth, Jack released the bridle. The horse moved forward into an energetic walk, his head up, again looking at the spectators. Prince didn’t object when, with her legs on his sides, she guided him to the rail and began walking him around the ring.
Sarah felt so many things at once. She was ecstatic to finally be mounted on her horse, to feel the powerful muscles working beneath her. They were as one being, this large powerful animal who trusted her completely and responded to the wishes she communicated through her aids. As he carried her forward with his amazing long strides, Sarah felt such pride that Crown Prince was her horse, hers alone. He was the one, the horse she would give anything in the world to keep as long as he lived.
For a brief moment, Sarah closed her eyes and imagined Crown Prince as a Pegasus-like creature, a glorious winged horse, soaring to unimaginable heights before coming back to earth. Carrying her on his back, he’d gallop through green fields and leap towering barriers in their path. Nothing could stop them when they were together!
When Sarah opened her eyes, the sight of the spectators spread out across the hillside brought her back to reality. With a jolt she remembered what this moment signified and the consequences if Prince didn’t perform well. Some of those people watching her would determine their destiny: Jack, Mr. DeWitt, and most importantly, her parents.
“Try circling him at one end of the ring,” Jack called from the rail. “Don’t be afraid to move him forward with your legs while you contain him with your hands. You must use all your aids to have a conversation with him. He’ll be okay—and his training starts now.”
As they came out of the circle, with Prince energetically striding forward, Sarah began to feel more confident. His attitude seemed no different than when he was on the longe line, happy to be in work and willing to do as she asked. Sarah wanted to go faster! Without waiting for Jack’s suggestion, she pressed her legs against her horse’s sides and distinctly said, “Trot.” There was no hesitation in her horse. As Prince broke into his ground-covering trot, Sarah was immediately taken with the length of his stride. She’d never ridden a horse that moved like this, his strong hindquarters powering them forward. She remembered what Jack had taught her: sit tall, and let the horse’s motion move you into posting—forward and backward, not up and down.
When Sarah turned her horse across the diagonal of the ring to change directions, she became even more aware that she wasn’t just a passenger on Crown Prince. He was listening to her! She was in control, and he was accepting of that control. And he was so smooth. No jerky strides, no up-and-down motion. She sensed a wonderful moment of suspension in her horse’s stride, as if they were airborne for a brief moment. Crown Prince was like no other horse she’d ever ridden!
Sarah was trotting her horse down the long side of the ring when she became aware of a humming noise in the distance, that of a car approaching on the farm road. From the direction she was facing, she saw the car top the rise and start down the long hill toward the barn. On its way to the parking area, the car would pass close to the ring.
Suddenly the approaching car picked up speed, a lot of speed, and as it drew closer, Sarah saw that it was Rita driving her Mustang convertible. A ripple of fear ran through her, unsure of how Prince would react to the noisy car. Why was Rita coming so fast? At that rate she would have a hard time stopping when she reached the parking area. The road was posted at fifteen miles an hour, but Rita was breaking the speed limit just like she seemed to ignore any other rule if it pleased her. Would Prince spook, rear, or maybe bolt like Gray Fox when the speeding car got to them? Sarah felt panic rising.
The speed of the Mustang didn’t slacken as it bore down on the riding ring. Sarah suddenly understood what Rita was planning. Rita wants to frighten my horse, she thought. She knows the ring is very close to the road. She wants Prince to spook at the car and blow up, maybe even throw me off! She immediately turned her horse toward the far end of the ring, distancing them as much as she could from the road and the fast approaching car.
As the vehicle bearing down on the ring continued to pick up speed, it drew the attention of the spectators. Mr. DeWitt also noticed subtle movement through the trees and underbrush where the woods trail connected to the farm road, and he jumped up from his chair. Yes, the gray Medina and the smaller chestnut pony were approaching the road, as Mrs. DeWitt and Grace returned from their trail ride. Pretty Penny, always anxious to get back to the barn, was in the lead, and at the rate Rita’s car was going, the pony might step out in the roadway right in front of the speeding car!
The others could also see the imminent danger, and a wave of terror swept over the group. A collective cry rose from the people near the ring as Gus Kelso came from nowhere, running toward the trailhead at a breakneck pace no one would have believed possible from the barn manager. At that moment everyone was aware of a tragic accident about to happen, one they all felt helpless to prevent, even when every voice on the hillside screamed “Stop! Stop!” at the speeding driver.
Now all eyes were on Gus, the speeding car, and glimpses of the pony approaching the road. Even with Gus in plain sight, the Mustang didn’t slacken its pace, but rather seemed to come even faster. It looked like the three of them
would reach the same spot at the same time!
The moment Gus reached the trailhead, he lunged for Pretty Penny’s bridle just as the pony was about to step out into the road. Only then did Rita hit the brakes hard, but going that fast, the car only fishtailed and slewed forward for a long distance in the gravel roadway, leaving deep tire tracks behind.
At the far end of the ring Sarah did a flying dismount from Crown Prince and pulled the reins over his head. When she turned, she could see Gus holding Medina and Pretty Penny while Mrs. DeWitt bent over something in the road. Jack and Mr. DeWitt raced to the sobbing woman as she stood up holding her little Taco, who lay motionless in her arms.
CHAPTER 18
The Confrontation
SARAH RAN FORWARD, Prince trotting beside her. She had to get to Mrs. DeWitt! Prince was startled by the commotion and pulled to the side, his head high, but Sarah managed to hang onto the reins. She looked for her father.
“Dad!” she yelled. “Dad, please come hold Prince!” Mr. Wagner sprang into action and slipped through the fence boards. When he got close, Sarah quickly thrust the reins into her father’s hands. “Just walk him around,” she called, as she sprinted away. Before her father could say anything, she was running the length of the ring, out the gate, and down the road. She made a beeline for Mrs. DeWitt, ignoring Rita’s Mustang, which she passed on the way.
Sarah reached the small group gathered around Mrs. DeWitt and pushed her way to the front. Grace was still astride Pretty Penny, tears streaming down her face. Mr. DeWitt hurried to his granddaughter and lifted her from the pony. He held her tightly as she cried. Jack was speaking into his cell next to Mrs. DeWitt, whose face was ghostlike as she sobbed, still holding Taco. His eyes were shut and a trickle of blood flowed from the little dog’s nose onto her yellow polo shirt. There were snatches of muffled conversation. “There’s nothing a vet can do…. He’s gone….”
Spin ran in a tight circle around them, looking up at his fallen comrade, sensing that something was terribly wrong. Sarah felt hot tears as she got down on her knees and called to Spin. When he came to her, she wrapped her arms around the distraught dog and hugged him as she wept. How could this have happened? Rita’s stupidity and recklessness had taken Taco from them!
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