Dark Days at Saddle Creek

by Shelley Peterson

  I hope so.

  Bird gave his chin a rub and headed back to the Saddle Creek trailer.

  SABRINA WAS BEING SHINED up for her class, and Julia was nervous. The Champion Pony Jumper was the first class of the day.

  “It’s too crazy, this course!” Julia wailed. “We start through the gate in the middle, then go right to the fenceline and take the jump with the purple windmill thingies. Then the green hedge and then the horrible red silo thing. But then what?” She hopped on one foot. “I’ll never remember! Never!”

  Cliff laughed. “Is this what I miss when you guys go off to shows? Major meltdowns?”

  “You try it!” whined Julia. “It’s crazy out there!”

  Bird took her sister by the shoulders. “Deep breath. You know the course. Get to the first jump and the rest will follow.” Bird felt Julia’s tension lessen. “Now, take another deep breath. And another.”

  Julia smiled. “Thanks, Bird. I’m ready.”

  Bird gave her a leg up onto Sabrina and helped them warm up. When the pony and girl were ready, she walked them to the in-gate. They got there just as the announcer called out Julia’s number.

  “Good timing!” Bird gave her the thumbs up. “Have fun out there.”

  “I will.” Julia looked pale but steady.

  Sabrina glanced at Bird. Ribbon time.

  Bird laughed, and patted the pony’s rump as they trotted into the ring.

  Cliff stood with Bird. “Where’s Eva?” he asked.

  Bird shook her head. “Who knows?”

  “Does she know Julia’s up?”

  “How should I know?”

  “Should we find her and tell her?”

  “You can if you want, Cliff. I’m not doing it.” Her mother would watch if she wanted to.

  Cliff paused. “I guess you’re not getting along too well these days.”

  Bird turned to him. “It’s simple. My mother doesn’t care about me and I don’t care about her.”

  A petulant voice from behind startled them both. “How can you say that, Bird?”

  Eva. Bird sighed and turned to face her mother. “Can we watch Julia now?”

  “I can’t believe you said that!”

  Bird turned back to the ring.

  “Don’t you turn away from me!” Eva stomped her foot. “If you have something to say about me, you can say it to my face!”

  Julia picked up her canter and away they went through the timer. This was not the right time for a big discussion, Bird thought.

  “Are you not speaking again?” demanded Eva.

  “Can we talk about this after Julia’s class? I want to see her ride.”

  “You’ve upset me so much, it makes no difference to me if Julia’s riding or not.” Eva turned with a dramatic flourish and stiffly stalked off.

  Bird exhaled. “I really wish she hadn’t heard me say that,” she said quietly to Cliff.

  “Maybe it’s better. It’s out in the open now, and maybe you two can sort it out. Get it over with.”

  “Wishful thinking. It never ends with Eva.”

  Bird and Cliff watched Sabrina fly over the jumps. Up her knees came, and out her neck stretched. Over they went, time after time, like a little well-oiled sewing machine. Sabrina made the jumps look small. Julia’s face was earnest and set with determination. Her body moved in harmony with the chestnut pony with flaxen mane and tail. Heels down, eyes up, looking for the next turn, Julia rode with confidence. Bird and Cliff found themselves smiling, in spite of the scene with Eva.

  “Wow!” exclaimed Cliff. “She barely landed before she turned and leaped! This is great! I’m glad I came.”

  Sabrina trotted out proudly, and because she was so pleased, she bucked triumphantly at the exit. Bird wasn’t able to grab Julia in time, and off she tumbled.

  Julia landed on her feet, laughing. “Sabrina always brings me down to earth!” she crowed.

  Bird nodded. “Can’t get a big head with this pony!”

  Sabrina! You’d be disqualified if Julia came off in the ring! she messaged the mischievous pony.

  That’s why I did it out here. We won!

  There are forty more ponies to go.

  Take it from me.

  Bird guessed Sabrina was right. It would be difficult in the extreme for anyone to beat her time. She patted her neck and chuckled. Some things never change, and Sabrina was one of them. Eva, too. So why did she enjoy Sabrina’s idiosyncrasies but not her mother’s? A puzzle for another day.

  Julia babbled happily about her ride — the problems and solutions — as they walked back to the trailer together. The show had started well.

  Hannah was already back at the trailer. “Great ride, Julia!” she called. “I saw it all!”

  “Even my unintentional dismount?” Julia smiled broadly. “Where’s Mom?” she asked Bird. “Did she see us go?”

  Cliff and Bird glanced at each other.

  “That’s why she came today,” answered Bird evasively.

  “Nice ride, Julia,” said Cliff quickly. “I didn’t know you and Sabrina were so red hot!”

  While the other kids in the pony class competed, Julia untacked Sabrina and led her around to cool her out. Bird hoped her sister wouldn’t notice that Eva’s car was gone.

  Kimberly’s class was up next, and Bird went over to help her get Moonlight Sonata ready.

  “Friends?” asked Kimberly, as Bird brushed out the mare’s tail.

  For a moment, Bird couldn’t figure out what Kimberly meant. She’d forgotten all about their disagreement. “Oh, that! Don’t worry about it. I totally overreacted. I was in a funk.”

  “But you were right about gossip and how bad it is.” Kimberly hugged her. “I feel so much better when we’re friends!”

  Sally came up. “Can you walk Tall Sox around for a while now?” she asked Bird.

  “I thought you were his trainer, not me.”

  “I’ve never led him before.”

  “Really? Then it’s a good day to start.” Bird pointed to a field close by. “Lead him over to the grass and let him graze for a while, okay? He’ll feel safe if he can watch from a distance. Then after half an hour or so, walk him around on the paths. Don’t go near the stable areas yet. Too busy.”

  Sally looked uncertain. “You really think I can do this?”

  “Of course you can!” Bird said.

  Sally straightened with determination as Bird unloaded Tall Sox from the trailer. Stay cool, Sox.

  I’m a little excited.

  Of course. It’s an exciting place. Just try to be calm, especially for Sally. She’s new at this.

  Bird handed Sally the lead shank. “All yours. You’ll be just fine.” The horse and girl walked together toward the field Bird had indicated. Bird was satisfied that Sally could handle him — Sox was a very decent animal. She turned back to Moonlight Sonata and put the finishing touches on her grooming, smoothing pine tar on her hooves to make them shiny.

  You look the part, Moonie.

  I feel the part.

  Bird smiled. This mare was special. Talent, quickness, brains, good training, and a big heart. She had it all, and Kimberly knew it and loved her.

  “Okay, Kimby,” said Bird. “Give it your best shot.”

  “I will,” answered her friend as she mounted. “But I’m a little nervous. Gladiator’s the big competition. At least that’s what Dexter Pill’s saying. He’s seriously talking him up.”

  “Really?” Bird was interested.

  “He’s a good-looking horse, and Dexter’s riding him himself. He’s a pro!”

  “Don’t worry. Just ride Moonie the way you always do. Have faith in her.”

  Kimberly set her jaw. “I do! She’s the best! Aren’t you, girl?”

  I’m way more solid than Glad, poor guy, messaged Moonie.

  You know and I know, and Glad knows. Poor guy is right. Bird patted Moonie’s flank as she and Kimberly trotted off. She thought about what a difference it makes for a horse to have t
he right training and the right rider. Glad had no confidence, and it was all because of Dexter’s training methods. Dexter pushed a horse along too quickly, in Bird’s estimation. Like raising the jumps higher and higher without letting the horse get comfortable with each height. Then the horse lost heart and wouldn’t be able to jump at all. Some horses succeeded with this method, but others became ruined, like Glad. Bird liked to take a lot more time and make each horse feel like a superstar, getting them to believe that there was no jump too tall or wide. Pete always told Bird that patience was the biggest virtue of all when you’re dealing with horses.

  Bird followed Moonie and Kimberly to the practice ring. They looked calm and ready for a good ride. While Hannah schooled them over some jumps, Bird checked the order of riders, posted with the course.

  There were thirty entries. Kimberly was up fifth, and Dexter was riding two horses in this class. One was number twenty; Gladiator was posted sixth.

  Suddenly, cries of “Loose horse!” could be heard across the showground. Bird looked around.

  Help! Help!

  Slow down, messaged Bird to the panicking animal. Slow down. Don’t hurt yourself.

  Bird? It’s me, Sox.

  Sox? Go to the trailer. It’s safe there. I’ll meet you.

  Bird ran as fast as she could. The Saddle Creek trailer was right in front of her, but there was no Tall Sox to be seen. She got to the rig and bent over, trying to catch her breath. Stupid! She should never have let Sally take Sox alone.

  Bird! I’m here!

  Bird looked up to see Sox racing toward her. The lead rope dragged on the ground, and Sally stumbled along far behind.

  Whoa. Good boy.

  Something hit me in the back!

  What? asked Bird. A bug?

  No! Something hard!

  Are you hurt?

  No. But it stung me and scared me!

  Bird could see no blood. She worked her fingers all over his back. Where does it hurt?

  Right there! The horse flinched as Bird found the spot — a tender bump on his rear.

  Bird had no idea what had happened. You’re safe now, Sox. Don’t worry.

  Can we go home? Now? I don’t like it here!

  Not yet. We’ll go home soon. Bird felt responsible and wanted this to end on a good note.

  Sally arrived, all out of breath. “Bird! I’m sorry! I can’t do this! I’m a horrible trainer!”

  “Don’t worry, Sally. Just tell me what happened.”

  “I don’t know! He just …” Sally huffed and puffed. “He just jumped up and ran away!”

  “It’s not your fault.” Bird put her hand on the girl’s shoulder. “Stuff happens.”

  “I don’t want this horse! I want Peasblossom!”

  “Give Sox another chance. He spooked at something. All horses do that sometimes. Even Peasblossom spooks.”

  Over at ring three, Bird saw Moonie and Kimberly waiting at the in-gate. “Let’s go watch Kimberly’s ride,” said Bird. “Sox can come with us.”

  “I’m not leading him!” exclaimed Sally.

  “No problem.” Bird patted the gelding’s face. Come along, Sox.

  I’m scared! I want to go home.

  You can’t give up now. Sally needs to see how sensible you are. I’ll be right here beside you.

  Okay. But I don’t like it.

  Sally, Bird, and Sox got to the ring just as Moonie was walking in for her round. Kimberly saw them over her shoulder. “Wish us luck!” she yelled out.

  “Good luck!” Sally called.

  “You don’t need it!” responded Bird. “Just feel the joy of riding!”

  Kimberly grinned and gave them the thumbs up. She and Moonlight Sonata started a smooth, rocking canter and went through the starting timer.

  They were off to a good start. Bird noted their pace and how well they were judging their distances to the jumps. It looked like it would be a very good round.

  As Bird watched Kimberly and Moonie, she couldn’t shake the uncomfortable feeling that someone was watching her. She glanced around, trying not to look obvious. Over by the stands stood handsome Dexter Pill, surrounded by his admiring students. He saw her looking at him and smirked. Then he mimicked Kimberly and gave Bird a thumbs-up.

  Gee, thought Bird, recoiling. Could he look any more like an evil villain?

  8

  SURPRISE IN STORE

  Show respect to all people and grovel to none.

  — Chief Tecumseh, Shawnee

  Tall Sox stood quietly beside Bird at ringside. He was getting more and more comfortable with the stimulation all around them. This isn’t so bad, he messaged.

  No, it isn’t. Soon, when you’re ready, you’ll be out there jumping a course. And you’ll be great.

  Like Moonie? She’s really good.

  Like Moonie. And Sunny. And Sabrina. And Pastor. It’s fun. You’ll see.

  Sox relaxed even more. His ears pricked forward and his eyes sparkled as he watched Moonie sail over the jumps and get her turns.

  Kimberly rode with confidence and skill. Moonlight Sonata looked comfortable and keen. As a team, they appeared perfectly suited. They cut corners easily and kept a good pace without racing. Moonie’s hooves skimmed over the rails without knocking any down. When they landed the final jump, Bird and Sally cheered.

  “Great round, Kimberly!” yelled Bird.

  “Hooray!” Sally applauded and stamped her feet.

  Hannah was very pleased as she met them at the gate. “Very nice ride, Kimberly,” she said proudly. “Take her back to the trailer and walk her out. Be ready for a jump-off.”

  Kimberly smiled broadly and nodded. “Okey-dokey!”

  “Sally?” Hannah said. “Can you go help Kimberly? I’ve got to get Pastor and Liz over some jumps.”

  “Okay!” Sally patted Tall Sox, then turned to Bird. “Are you okay to stay with my horse?”

  Bird nodded. She wanted to stay and watch anyway.

  Sally ran after Kimberly, and Hannah returned to the warm-up ring.

  Can we see some more jumping? Sox asked her.

  Yes. Dexter and Glad are up next. They should have been in the ring already. Bird looked around for them.

  Glad was balking at the gate. On his back, Dexter kicked and kicked, while Wanda and Ed Cage pushed and smacked his rump — to no avail. Glad had absolutely no intention of going into the ring. Dexter jumped up and down on the horse’s back and flapped the reins on his neck. His face was dark with exertion and anger. Bird had seen that look before.

  Beside Bird, Tall Sox began to shake. That man makes me nervous.

  He can’t hurt you anymore, Sox. She stroked his neck calmly. You live at Saddle Creek now.

  Bird messaged over to Glad. Relax, Glad. Just walk in. Don’t worry.

  I can’t do this! I’ll knock down the jumps and it hurts!

  At least try.

  I used to be able to do this. I used to be good at it!

  Then you can still do it!

  Can you ride me instead of him?

  Bird was surprised at the idea. Dexter would no doubt punish the horse if he allowed Bird to ride him. I would love to, but not today. Can I see you trot?

  Trot?

  Yes. Trot into the ring so I can watch how you go.

  Glad trotted in. A half smile of satisfaction crept across Dexter’s face as the elegant animal stepped out in a lively pace.

  Bird continued coaching from the sidelines. Now, move into an easy canter. Dexter will steer you toward the first jump.

  I’m afraid! If I do anything wrong, he gets so mad!

  Don’t worry, Glad. Nice and easy takes the day.

  Nice and easy. The bay cantered through the starting posts and headed for the first jump. He sailed over it, but because he was trying so hard, he over-jumped and Dexter became unseated. He stayed on, but grabbed the mane and flopped forward. Bird could hear Dexter swearing at Glad, embarrassed in front of the crowd. When they landed, Glad was completely unhinged
.

  I’m sorry! I tried! I can’t do this! Glad raced for the exit and could not be stopped. Dexter pulled on his face and tried to steer him, but Glad continued at a gallop. Dexter let the reins slacken as he decided to let the fence stop him, but the fence was not the problem. Glad leapt high.

  The problem was that the bleachers were only one stride from the fence. The crowd shrieked with terror as the big horse came charging over the fence. Dexter screamed. People scrambled. Glad landed and veered away, mere inches from the bleachers. Dexter tumbled and landed hard on the grass beside the wooden benches.

  Glad ran up to Bird and Tall Sox with his reins and stirrups flapping. He slid to a halt, out of breath and huffing. Protect me, Bird! he messaged. He’ll beat me for that!

  Sox sniffed at Gladiator’s nostrils to comfort him. Don’t worry, Glad. Bird won’t let him.

  Bird wondered what she’d gotten herself into. She did not have a plan, and Dexter was limping angrily toward her. Bird looked around for help. Hannah was far away, busy with Liz and Pastor, and there was no one else near. Sox and Glad stood huddled fearfully beside her.

  Bird turned to face the seething trainer. “Hello, Dexter,” she said with a fake smile. “Nice day.”

  “I don’t like you one bit,” Dexter muttered through clenched teeth. “You are nothing but trouble. Give … me … that … horse!” He stuck out his shaking arm.

  “I don’t have him to give,” said Bird. “As you see, his reins are loose.” She indicated the limp reins and the leather stirrup straps with steel footholds dangling at Glad’s sides.

  Dexter sneered at her, then reached down and snapped up the reins. Glad reared up in surprise, and the left stirrup swung wide, connecting with Dexter’s head. Dexter yelped loudly and yanked hard on the reins, hurting the horse’s teeth. Glad whinnied in pain and alarm.

  Another voice entered the conversation. Be calm, Glad. Be calm now.

  Bird knew who it was. The man. She didn’t look around for him — she knew she wouldn’t be able to see him unless he wanted to be seen.

  Glad stopped moving. His ears pricked and his eyes were alert. Bird watched as his body began to relax.

  From behind them, the man walked quietly up to Dexter. “Mr. Pill,” he said humbly. “May I take your horse for you now?”