Riding to Win

by Bonnie Bryant

  She and the Appels had just reached the back door when Carole heard Max calling her name. “Excuse me for a second, okay?” she told the visitors hurriedly. “Starlight’s in the little paddock just out there to the right. Why don’t you go take a look at him, and I’ll be back to introduce you in a minute.”

  Tanya nodded and rushed for the door, dragging her mother behind her. As soon as they were safely out of sight, Carole turned and raced back up the aisle, almost running into Max as he hurried around the corner toward her.

  “Oh, there you are,” Max said as Carole skidded to a stop in front of him. “Where were you?”

  “Um, I was just, uh …,” Carole began.

  “Never mind.” Max waved one hand, looking frazzled. “Did you have a chance to bring Prancer in yet? Because Judy’s going to stop by in a little while to look at Patch’s foot, and she said she’d like to take a quick look at Prancer if she’s in her stall.”

  “Not yet,” Carole admitted. “Um, I’ll get her soon, okay? When’s Judy supposed to get here?”

  Max checked his watch. “Not sure,” he said. “It’ll be at least an hour. She was going to swing by Hedgerow Farms and then head over here after that.”

  “Okay. I’ll make sure Prancer’s in her stall by then,” Carole promised.

  Max nodded and hurried on his way, and Carole heaved a sigh of relief. Now maybe she could get back to her visitors.

  As she headed for the back door once again, she caught a glimpse of Ben walking in through it, leading a school horse named Chippewa. Carole felt a moment of panic—she couldn’t afford to have anyone see Tanya out there with Starlight and figure out what was going on, and Ben must have walked right past the back paddock. But then she relaxed. She had never actually come right out and told Ben that she’d decided to sell her horse, but she was sure he’d already guessed. So far he had kept his mouth shut about it, not even hinting at the topic to Carole herself. She knew he was the last person who would go blabbing to Max about Tanya’s visit.

  “Hi,” Carole said. “Um, I was just on my way out back to, um—” She winced as she heard a shriek of delight from outside that could only be Tanya.

  Ben’s dark eyes flicked toward the back entrance, then returned to Carole’s face. “Right,” he said. “Uh, I’d better … you know.” He gestured at Chip and made a move as if to walk on.

  At that moment Carole caught a glimpse of movement as someone turned the corner at the end of the aisle. Looking up, she saw Maxi coming toward them. “Hi, Carole!” the little girl sang out eagerly when she spotted them, picking up her pace.

  “Hi, Maxi.” Carole smiled back, trying not to let her nervousness show. Since when did so many people congregate in this back arm of the stable loop? Then she realized that she and Ben were standing right in front of Krona’s stall and guessed that Max’s daughter was coming to visit her pony. “What are you up to today?”

  “I’m waiting for Callie.” Maxi played with the end of one reddish braid. “She’s going to take me for a ride. She said she would get here at, um, four o’clock.”

  Carole glanced at her watch, feeling frazzled. She didn’t have the energy or the patience to deal with Maxi at the moment. “It’s not four yet,” she said briskly. “You still have ten minutes until she’s supposed to get here. So why don’t you go wait for her out front, okay?”

  The little girl shrugged. “That’s okay. She said she’d find me,” she explained. She smiled at Carole hopefully. “I can help with your chores if you want. For ten minutes, I mean.”

  Carole gulped, wondering how to get rid of Maxi without being unkind. “Oh, thanks,” she said slowly. “That’s really nice of you. But, um …” She searched her mind frantically, trying to come up with an excuse.

  Ben shot Carole a keen glance, then quickly moved his gaze over his shoulder to the back door. He cleared his throat and turned to face the little girl. “Uh, listen, Maxi,” he said gruffly. “I was just going to groom Chip here.” He gave the steady Appaloosa, who was standing patiently at his side, a hearty pat. “How about if you, you know, help me?”

  Maxi cocked a suspicious eye at him. Carole almost smiled as she realized that this might very well be the first time the taciturn young stable hand had ever spoken directly to the little girl.

  “Go ahead, Maxi,” Carole said in an encouraging tone. “I’m sure Ben could really use your help.”

  “Okay,” Maxi agreed, still sounding uncertain. “I guess I can help him. Only for ten minutes, though.”

  She followed the stable hand down the aisle, her suspicion gone, chattering at him about everything she knew about grooming. Carole sent a silent prayer of thanks after Ben. Finally she was free to return to Tanya. She would have to remember to tell Ben later how much she appreciated what he’d done.

  She rushed out to the back paddock, arriving breathlessly beside Mrs. Appel just in time to see Tanya walk up to Starlight, who was standing calmly in the middle of the paddock, and pat him on the neck. Carole saw immediately what had happened. Tanya had been so excited to meet Starlight that she hadn’t bothered to wait for Carole’s return before letting herself into the paddock with the horse.

  Carole almost shouted out for the younger girl to get back. It was very foolish to approach a horse you didn’t know that way, even if someone had assured you that the horse was gentle. Horses could be unpredictable, and it was hard to tell what might set them off. If Starlight had been a kicker or had had an unreliable temperament, Tanya could have been putting herself in danger of injury or worse.

  But Carole forced herself to swallow her reprimand. After all, in this case it didn’t really matter if Tanya had acted carelessly. Starlight was an easygoing horse, with no dangerous vices or fear of friendly strangers. Maybe Carole would say something to her later, just to make sure she understood how risky her behavior could be in a different situation. But she didn’t want to ruin the younger girl’s excited mood right then.

  “So what do you think of him?” she called, letting herself into the paddock.

  Tanya turned to her with a bright smile. “He’s wonderful!” she exclaimed, running her hand down Starlight’s neck. “So friendly and gentle!”

  Lucky for you, Carole thought grimly. But she forced herself to return the other girl’s smile. The important thing here was that Tanya seemed impressed.

  “He really is a sweetheart,” Carole said. “He has a very steady temperament. I don’t think he’s ever put his ears back at me except when the vet was giving him a shot.” She shrugged. “He hates needles, but who can blame him for that, right?”

  Tanya didn’t appear to be listening to Carole. She was too busy running her hands over Starlight’s smooth bay coat. “He’s gorgeous,” she breathed. “It looks like he might even be a Thoroughbred. Is he?”

  “He’s got some Thoroughbred in him,” Carole replied. “But he’s not a purebred, no.”

  “Oh.” Tanya shrugged. “Well, anyway, he’s really beautiful.”

  “Thanks. Do you want to tack him up and try him out?” Carole knew that a lot of prospective horse owners preferred to tack up each prospect themselves to make sure that the horse was easy to handle. So instead of getting Starlight ready before Tanya’s arrival, Carole had just brought out his saddle and bridle and hung them on the fence post nearby. She had also brought out a longe line in case Tanya wanted to use that.

  “Sure.” Tanya took Starlight by the halter and led him toward the tack on the fence. The bay gelding followed obediently, then stood quietly while Tanya picked up a lead rope and clipped it to his halter.

  Carole walked over to offer help if needed, but Tanya didn’t seem to expect her assistance. Watching the younger girl critically, Carole saw that Tanya definitely knew what she was doing. She fastened Starlight’s lead line to the fence to keep him still, then positioned the saddle pad and saddle on the gelding’s broad, smooth back, talking soothingly to him the whole time. She brought the girth down carefully, not simply tossing
it over the horse’s side as many inexperienced riders did. In a matter of moments, she had the girth fastened securely and had pulled each of Starlight’s forelegs forward to ensure that his skin wasn’t wrinkled beneath it. Then she picked up the bridle with the same easy confidence and started putting it on.

  Carole felt herself relax slightly. She wouldn’t know for sure until she saw Tanya ride, of course, but she already had the feeling that this girl was more than proficient enough to handle Starlight. He was a good, obedient horse, but he was too strong and frisky for a beginner. He required a rider who knew what she was doing, and so far it seemed that Tanya fit the bill.

  So what if she’s a little loud, a little impulsive? Carole said to herself as she watched the younger girl bring the bridle’s crown piece up over Starlight’s ears, being careful not to catch his forelock under the browband. So what if she doesn’t always seem to listen to what I’m saying? She’s probably just excited. She definitely seems to like Starlight so far. And I’m sure she’ll like him even more once she puts him through his paces.

  When Starlight was ready, Tanya swung into the saddle, not even waiting for Carole to give her a leg up. Once again, Carole was impressed with the younger girl’s assurance. Tanya sat confidently in the saddle, her back straight and her hands and legs in almost perfect position. After leaning over long enough to adjust her stirrups, she glanced over and tossed Carole a grin. “Here we go!” she sang out before signaling for a walk. Starlight stepped off dutifully, and after a moment Tanya urged him into a trot. Once again, Starlight responded immediately.

  Carole smiled, feeling her heart swell with pride. Her horse had really come a long way since their early days together. He had been young and pretty green when she’d gotten him, but her hard work and his willing disposition had combined to turn him into a beautifully trained riding horse.

  “Wow!” Tanya called as she and Starlight came around the paddock past Carole. “His trot is amazing. It’s so smooth you really don’t even want to post!”

  Carole gave her a thumbs-up without responding, since they were already almost past her. She was glad that Tanya appreciated Starlight’s trot. It had always been one of Carole’s favorite things about him, too.

  See? Carole told herself. Tanya’s a terrific rider. Starlight is really responding to her. Does it matter if she seems … well, maybe just a little too sure of herself? He wouldn’t let her get away with it if she didn’t actually know what she was doing in the saddle. And that’s really all that matters, right?

  Just then Carole happened to glance over at Tanya’s mother. Mrs. Appel had been so quiet since arriving that Carole had almost forgotten she was there.

  “Your daughter must have been taking lessons for a long time,” Carole commented politely, smiling at the woman. “She’s very good.”

  Mrs. Appel blinked at Carole behind her glasses. “Oh, yes,” she said in a soft, almost whispery voice. “My Tanya can do anything she sets her mind to.”

  After a few more turns around the small ring, Tanya glanced over at Carole. “I’m going to try taking him over the jumps now, okay?” she called.

  Carole nodded. She had set up a couple of small obstacles in the paddock for that very purpose, knowing that if Tanya was really interested in Starlight, she would want to test his jumping ability. She had mentioned on the phone that she was looking for a good jumper, and Starlight was definitely that. He might not be quite up to the competition at a show like Colesford, but he had more than enough talent to win a truckful of ribbons with a good junior rider like Tanya.

  Carole watched as Tanya rode toward the first low fence at a trot, her expression intent and eager as she took its measure. As Starlight took off, Tanya’s hands slid forward and her seat lifted slightly out of the saddle. The gelding sailed over the jump easily, landing cleanly on the other side, and Tanya settled just as easily into the impact. She immediately aimed the horse toward the next fence, shortening his stride slightly to adjust for his speed on the approach. Once again, the pair jumped cleanly and easily.

  Seeing the horse jump reminded Carole of Saturday’s show, and her mind drifted as she reviewed the last-minute exercises she’d mapped out for Samson. She wanted to have him as sharp as possible on the big day. They would both have to be in tip-top condition if they wanted to make a good showing against the accomplished riders who would be competing against them in Open Jumping.…

  “I’m sold!” Tanya exclaimed, jerking Carole out of her thoughts as she pulled Starlight up in front of her. “I totally love him!”

  “That’s great,” Carole replied. “Um, but are you sure? I mean, I’m sure you want to think about it. You’re welcome to come back and see him again in a few days if you like. Maybe next week would be best, because this weekend I’ll be—”

  “That’s okay,” Tanya interrupted. “I always make up my mind quickly. And I’ve definitely decided Starlight is awesome.”

  “Don’t forget, dear,” Mrs. Appel said, sounding rather tentative, “your father said you should make sure to have Dr. Sarver see the horse first.”

  Tanya rolled her eyes. “No duh, Mother,” she said. “I know how these things work better than you do, remember?”

  Mrs. Appel shrugged and smiled appeasingly. “I know, I’m sorry,” she said. “It’s just that you seem so excited, I just wanted—”

  “Okay, then,” Tanya cut her off before turning back to Carole. “So I’ll call you after I talk to my vet, all right?”

  Carole smiled uncertainly. “All right.” Remembering the close call with the answering machine, she added, “But could you only call me in the evening? I’m usually here all afternoon—you can reach me at home between nine and eleven o’clock.” And I’ll just have to make sure to be there during that time so that I can grab the phone before Dad does, she added to herself.

  “Whatever.” Tanya glanced over at Starlight and smiled. “Bye, handsome!” she called to the horse, blowing him a kiss. “I’ll see you real soon!” After another good-bye for Carole, she left, her mother hurrying along in her wake.

  When they were gone, Carole let herself back into the paddock and walked over to Starlight. “You did a good job, boy,” she whispered, taking hold of his bridle. “She really loved you.”

  Starlight snorted lightly and nudged at her shoulder, obviously hoping for treats. Carole wished she’d thought to bring some. Instead, she scratched him in all his favorite places before leading him inside to his stall.

  As she quickly untacked him, Carole thought back over Tanya’s visit. She wasn’t quite sure what to make of the red-haired girl—she was so loud, so brash and confident. Too confident, maybe. Over the years, Carole had learned that it was usually best to go with your gut when it came to horses, and right then her gut was telling her that Tanya might not be cut out for horse ownership, at least not when the horse in question was Starlight. But Carole didn’t quite trust her own instincts in this case. She wasn’t sure whether her doubts were based on anything real or were just coming from her own mixed feelings about parting with her beloved horse.

  In any case, she decided to try not to worry about it anymore until she heard from Tanya again. After all, just because she’d clearly enjoyed meeting Starlight and claimed he was the one she wanted, that didn’t mean she was definitely going to buy him. Once she calmed down and had a chance to think it over, the girl might decide that Starlight wasn’t quite right for her for one reason or another.

  As Carole wandered down the aisle, trying to put Tanya Appel out of her mind for the moment and remember everything on her lengthy to-do list, she spotted Rachel Hart walking toward the tack room.

  “Rachel!” she called. “Hold up. Do you have a second?”

  Rachel turned and smiled at her. “Hi, Carole,” she said in her soft, sweet voice. “Sure, what’s up?”

  Carole gestured for the younger girl to follow her into the stable office, which was empty at the moment. When they were inside, she pushed the door most of the
way closed and took a deep breath. “Um, did Stevie say anything to you,” she began uncertainly, “about, well, you know—”

  “About Starlight?” Rachel said helpfully. She nodded. “She talked to me yesterday.” She blinked at Carole shyly. “I can’t believe you really want to sell him. He’s such a nice horse.”

  “I know. That’s why I want to find him a really great new owner.” Carole smiled at Rachel hopefully. “So how about it? Do you think he might be the horse for you?”

  Rachel was already shaking her head. “I wish,” she said sadly. “After I talked to Stevie, I went right home and asked my parents about getting my own horse for my birthday. But they said they have to think about it.” She shrugged. “They’re not sure I’m ready for a horse of my own, since I’ve only been taking lessons for two years.”

  “Oh.” Carole felt her heart sink. “That’s too bad. I think you and Starlight could really be good together.”

  Rachel nodded again, looking almost as disappointed as Carole felt. “Me too,” she said. “And I bet I could convince my parents, too. But it might take a while.” She shrugged. “I’m sure it won’t take you very long to find a ton of people who want to buy him.”

  “Well, maybe,” Carole said, remembering Tanya’s enthusiasm. “But I’ll keep you posted, just in case. In the meantime, I’d really appreciate it if you could keep this quiet. I haven’t told Max yet.”

  “I won’t breathe a word, I swear.” Rachel crossed her heart.

  Carole thanked her and then watched her hurry on toward the tack room. Too bad, she thought. Rachel would really be the perfect solution. Especially since her favorite Pine Hollow horse until lately was Prancer, and now she won’t be able to ride her anymore.

  Suddenly remembering her promise to Max, Carole spun around and headed for the entrance, planning to rush out and retrieve Prancer before returning to her other chores. As she emerged into the stable yard, she saw Max standing at the edge of the main schooling ring, watching as one of his adult students trotted over a row of cavalletti.