Bubba and the Chocolate Farm 1- Carriage Horse to Show Horse

by Connie Foss

  The Hack class was really easy.There were 12 of us in it, and we just walked, trotted, and cantered around the ring. I was pretty relaxed,

  clothes, and she had done some extra grooming on me, so my white stockings and blaze just shone. Her mom said we looked spectacular. It sure felt like we did. At any rate, we came out of the show ring with a blue ribbon.

  It was the Hunter class, though, that was the bright spot in my

  horse performs at a time. Two horses did their jumping before it is

  a moment to check out the pattern of the jumps. Actually, maybe I

  before the jump pattern.That gives us even more time to see what we are going to do.

  Now, I say to myself, show your stuff.

  fold over the fence, my back legs have plenty of time to tuck and clear the fence. I wish I could tell you what a wonderful feeling it is to jump. That soaring feeling is better than…than even an apple.

  time and have clean jumps, not knocking off any rails. We do! And we

  and the ribbons that Julie has won.

  Chapter 21

  Become a Park Horse

  The shows during the summer include a lot of Western Pleasure, Hack, and Hunter classes. Julie and I don’t win every class, but we bring home our share of ribbons to hang on the tack room wall. We seem

  Gretchen, too, are pleased with how well we’re doing.

  Hey! What’s the deal? This morning Gretchen is putting a different saddle on me. It feels strange compared to the hunter-jumper saddle, but it’s comfortable. Does this mean we aren’t going to be jumping? Oh, I hope not!

  “Bubba, you are going to wow the world on the fall circuit! Know what the Park class is? Well, a horse in a Park class gets to pick up his knees and strut his stuff.That class is for the fancy movers in the

  Costume classes, too. I know you love jumping better than anything, but Park will be fun, too.”

  I learned later that in order for Gretchen to ride me, the class has to be what is called an Open class. The Open class is for both

  because she owns her horse. Gretchen is paid to train and show horses, so she’s a professional. All shows don’t have Half-Arabian Park classes, let alone Half-Arabian Open Park classes. Gretchen checked the show billings and found several with just the classes she wants.

  Bubba. In those six weeks, we need to work on getting your walk, trot, and canter as exciting to watch as it is for you to do.You are good at driving off your hind legs to jump, so it shouldn’t be too hard to do the same thing in these three gaits.Your hind legs will get your front legs to be airy and light.The judges judge a Park horse on his presence, quality, manners, and conformation. Plus: Does he give a brilliant performance? Granted, your body is a bit heavier than some that will be in the classes, but in all other areas, you are good...very good. So I think this will be not only fun, but we will come out on top…or close to the top. Mustn’t count our chickens before they hatch.”

  With that explanation, we go to work. Gretchen is right. It’s fun, and I get to use my jumping muscles. As you know, I sometimes have

  a Park class, such energy is good.When it’s time to trot, I get to throw myself into it. My neck arches, my nose tucks in, and I balance on my hocks, as those front feet reach for the sky. But the best is yet to come: the canter. Gretchen says that I do a “rocking horse” canter. I just know I reach for the sky with my forelegs in that, too, while Gretchen keeps me collected and together, working off my hind quarters.

  When it’s time for the next show that has a Half-Arabian Park

  him, and since this is an Open class, I can.”

  senses that, too, and says, “The Native Costume class will be all yours. It should be spectacular with the fancy costumes the horses and riders wear. Bubba and you will be a force to reckon with.”

  Our practices are good, with both riders working with me each

  Gretchen’s leg pressures are strong and her hands more gentle. Since I

  and gets into my mouth with the bits. She’s trying really hard and most every day we get better together. I heard Gretchen say that horse and rider have to communicate well in order to perform as one.

  stable, I was disappointed we didn’t stay all afternoon. Now that we’re

  a good workout, the leisurely walk home is great. Back home in the muscles melting away.

  Julie has been waiting patiently for our return. Then we get to run and play in the pasture because our work done for the day.

  Chapter 22

  The Cheering Crowd

  The noise is amazing…the people in the stands cheering and shouting! We are doing our Park trot and the arena is about to explode

  way…just the opposite of the jumping classes. In those, the audience is perfectly quiet as a horse jumps.They clap and cheer after a pattern is successfully completed but not during the jumps. I can feel Gretchen’s excitement through her legs, as we pass other horses on the rail.

  Gretchen had told me that there probably wouldn’t be a lot of horses in the class, because most horses can’t move like this. She was right. There are only eight of us, but I must admit I’m not paying attention to any other horse. I’m having too good a time seeing how high I can reach with my legs. This is our last “trot on” direction, and soon the announcer asks us to line up in the ring.We do, but it’s hard to suddenly stand still. I’m dripping wet and tired, yet still excited, as the judge walks around each of us.Then he motions four to leave the arena and sends the rest of us back on the rail for another go. “Trot on!”

  the blue ribbon, and then we do a victory lap. By the time we make

  excited as Gretchen and I are.They are hugging us, totally unconcerned about getting wet from our sweat.

  Chapter 23

  Showing off in Costume

  stops talking on the phone and comes running to us. When we stop to see what she wants, I can’t understand what she’s excited about… something about Maid Marion.

  “So we get to do it, do we?” smiled Gretchen. “I thought your mom might okay it, and a Maid Marion costume for you and the Renaissance tack for Bubba will be a great choice. I’ve not seen that style costume in the classes. It’ll be something new.”

  Oh, that’s what she’s talking about…the costume class. When

  but I’m game for whatever class they want to put me in.They’re all fun.

  truckload of costumes. I’m still in my stall but watch the three ladies

  is gushing about the dress she’ll wear. It’s a rich emerald green…kind of like a pine tree after a spring rain. “Hang on just a minute,” and she grabs the dress and dashes to the tack room.

  When she comes out, I hear her mom utter a cascading ooh

  Bubba doing his thing, you’ll look just as I’ve visualized you all these years. See how the long sleeves hang down, and the dress is full and

  and sleeves will drape all around him. Perfect! And see this little circlet will circle your head and keep your hair out of your eyes. Ooh, I’m so excited. It will be wonderful!”

  “I agree,” says Gretchen. “This is a good choice. However, we have work to do. This sidesaddle I’m about to put on Bubba will take a

  As Gretchen saddles me, she explains how different this will be

  only be able to use her left leg to tell you what she wants.Though she will be working hard to sit squarely on your back, she may lose that perfect balance occasionally.You’ll have to take care of her.”

  The saddle feels different,maybe a bit bigger,and kind of lopsided. Mm. I wonder if this is going to work. Oh, don’t be such a pessimist, I scold myself. If Gretchen says it will work, it will.

  lower pommel down a bit on the left, getting settled in the saddle must take a bit of doing.

  good. Here’s a quirt. Hold it in your right hand. Since you can’t cue Bubba with your right leg, you can touch him with the tip of the quirt. Other than that, your left leg pressures and your hands and voice will keep you both working together.”

  We begin. First,
of course, we just walk around the arena.When Gretchen feels we’re both comfortable with the new saddle, she asks

  her balance. When she’s not balanced, I have trouble, too. Soon we’re getting along pretty well.Time to canter.You might think that is harder,

  After a good workout, Gretchen calls it quits. “You’re both getting the hang of it, aren’t you?” asks Gretchen.“We have three weeks until the next show. If you work hard, you can be ready.”

  costumes. The bridle has longer reins than I’m used to, and the reins are covered with shiny green and white something or other…I guess you’d call them bangles…or maybe ribbons.The same sort of thing goes across my chest, fastening to the girth. But the challenge for me is some tickles and I don’t like it! Then I remind myself of all the tack, straps and stuff I wore as a carriage horse, and I guess I can get used to anything if I have to.And I have to on this one.

  have to take trunks of costumes to this show. Not only the Western

  class. Gretchen will take care of all the tack, which will be a lot, too: a

  bridles and halters and grooming things. Good thing there’s a big tack space in the trailer.

  store after store, even going to the capital.This morning I had success.

  when Bubba canters. It’s long enough to hang beyond Bubba’s hips. Isn’t this wonderful?”

  As she excitedly opens the box and shows us the cape, I see Gretchen frown. She hesitates but then says what she has to as trainer.

  no for the cape.You see, we haven’t practiced with it, and it will upset things more than you can possibly know. Not only will it be scary as

  rubbing his tail up and down, and be a real distraction. If you want to use it, could we try this show without it, giving Bubba time to practice

  the lid on the box, picks it up, and as she stomps toward the house, she says,“Well! No one appreciates what I do. I’m just the mother and don’t know anything. Oh, go ahead to your dumb show. See if I care.”

  must be really hurting…Gretchen, too. I feel badly, too, for I’m the one Gretchen is protecting. I don’t know how I would do with the cape

  tail.

  Julie and I climb up into our trailer stalls and start munching the hay that’s there. As we ride toward the show, both Julie and I are excited. It has been almost a month since we’ve gone to a show, so it’s all new again.

  At most Arabian shows the Costume class is on the last evening of the show… a big draw for a crowd.This show is no exception, so we need to be patient.

  was a bragging kind of gal, but I can tell she’s pleased with her blue ribbon.The Hack class is the usual piece of cake, but I knock down a rail in the Jumper class…have to settle for a red ribbon.

  “Bubba, you’ve got a tough job tonight. Our Park class is right after the Costume class. I know it’s asking a lot, but you can do it.When you and

  all of your Park tack. We’ll have to do a quick change to get you out

  make it to the in-gate before it closes.”

  whistles. Coming down the aisle is a beautiful Maid Marion. She looks wonderful. What’s surprising is her mother is with her! Peace has returned.

  that happen.“Gretchen, did you know there are 20 in this class? Almost as many as were in the Western Pleasure class this morning, and one of them was Top Ten at Nationals last year.

  Bubba. Don’t give any other rider a thought. If you two do your best,

  has done a superb job in getting a costume to be proud of. I know

  saddle, and we go toward the ring.

  As all of us mill around the in-gate, waiting for our turn, I see a variety of costumes.There are several Arabian Sheiks, a Snow White, a Cinderella, an Indian chief, and many I can’t name. Some have sparkly stuff on them, some jewels, and they all look good…but not as good as

  trying not to bump into others as we settle into the class. We follow the announcer’s calls, walking, trotting, and cantering on command. As rights herself, and we’re off in the rocking chair canter like I do in the Park class.We jingle and jangle, but that adds to the fun.When a rider’s

  isn’t wearing the cape. With other capes, spangles, and ribbons waving around, it’s almost chaos. The crowd is cheering…for whom, I don’t

  gone both directions in all gaits and line up in the center of the ring for the judge’s inspection.

  Bubba!” There, I’ve had my reward, but there is another for we get a red ribbon, second place. “That’s okay, Bubba.The only one ahead of us

  highlight for us tonight. The Costume class claims that title, though Gretchen and I do a good job and we get our blue ribbon to add to our collection.

  until morning. As the people leave the grounds and the sounds fade

  Chapter 24

  Meg and Bill

  The days and months melt into years. Julie and I get to go to

  for us now that she’s in college.

  Today is a beautiful fall day, the temperature’s mild, the fall colors beautiful, and Julie and I are out in the paddock, soaking it all in. It’s

  possibly mean. Maybe we’re going to another show.

  Julie and I are still talking about it when we hear the gate open.

  We’ve seen them occasionally at shows, and that always warms me with good memories, but why are they here in our paddock? Both Julie and I trot over to say hello, nickering a greeting.

  “Oh, bless your heart, Bubba, you still love us,” Meg says, as she, standing on tiptoes, wraps her arms around my neck. Bill’s giving Julie a warm greeting, too.

  something exciting was about to happen.This is it:You two are going to live with Meg and Bill. They’re going to take you to all kinds of shows and even let each of you start a family. Isn’t that exciting?”

  This is such a surprise that I don’t know how to react. I love

  and I had such a good time in that pasture.

  and Bill are getting their farm going again, and they want you to help them.They’re even renaming their farm after you two: The Chocolate Farm.” What a turn of events. We say goodbye to some wonderful

  home at last.They will have to show us how we can help them rebuild their farm. Does starting a family have something to do with that?

  Chapter 25

  The Chocolate Farm

  just steps toward the perfect life. Not only is the old log still here for

  Some things have changed, though. No longer are Julie and I

  really are getting their farm going again. In a stall across from me is a

  is Whisper, and she belongs to a little girl named Jane, who’s taking equitation lessons from Meg.Whisper’s really pretty, but I haven’t had a chance to get to know her yet.

  In a stall on the other side of Julie is Prince, a big rangy guy. I bet I’ll like him, for he looks about my size.Tom said he’s here for Meg to train, too.Tom doesn’t like him…thinks he needs some discipline.

  I guess we horses come in all shapes and sizes, and my new next-door neighbor is proof. My size was such an embarrassment for me as I was growing up that I can’t help but think this guy has the same problem, only just the opposite. His name is Percy, and he’s a Miniature Horse, looking like he was dipped in hot water and shrunk. He could walk right under my belly, he’s so small! No way has he ever been ridden, unless someone put a little baby on his back.

  The farm looks good, all freshly painted. Meg isn’t crying any

  over the stall door and look at my world, I get goose bumps because it’s so perfect.

  Nights in the stable aren’t as quiet as you’d think. Most of the But Prince adds a noise I’ve never heard before. Tom thinks Prince is nervous and has developed a bad habit. It’s called cribbing, and he sucks in air making a rattling sound, as he bites the edge of his feed tub. I suppose that’s one of the things Meg is dealing with…helping Prince be happier and not do that silly thing. It can’t make his tummy feel very good! If I get a chance, I’ll see what I can do to help him.

  This morning we’re beginning bright and ear
ly. Now that Bill and Meg are totally focused on the farm, they have set up permanent jumps in the pasture. That leaves the indoor arena for riding lessons

  is a training stable for all horse disciplines. She wants the word to get around, so we’re going to lots of jumping competitions to show how well The Chocolate Farm trains jumpers. I think that’s what Prince is here for…learning to jump. He has that look about him, though I haven’t asked him.

  Julie to be happy, too.After all, she’s my sister.

  watch Julie work. She’s so dainty with her feet, seeming to place them gently so as not to hurt the ground. Though she’ll probably never work cattle or help a cowboy on the range, she would be a comfortable ride for anyone. Since it’s a nice day, after Meg saddles Julie, they go out for a

  hay we missed.

  While we have nothing else to do, Percy and I get acquainted.

  He’s a funny little dude, full of wisecracks and quite friendly. “So your

  name’s Bubba, huh? You’d think a fella like you would have a classier

  name. How come you put up with that? I’d raise the roof, if any guy

  called me Bubba.Are you a wimp or something?”

  “Gosh, Percy, I’ve always liked my name.What’s wrong with it?”

  somebody calls you Bubba, it means you’re fresh from the sticks and don’t know nothin’. No way am I going to call you that. I guess I’ll just call ya Fella.”

  “Well, my real name is Sir Hershey, but that sounds so uppity.

  I’m just a good old boy, not royalty.”

  “Hey, that’s great! From now on, nobody in this place is going to

  call you Bubba. You are now Sir H. I’ll spread the word. Anybody that

  forgets that will answer to me…Percy”

  I guess you can’t judge a horse by his size. Percy reminds me of

  a little dog that’s always trying to prove how tough he is. I’ll make sure

  nor a horse has feathers. Come to think of it, they sometimes call the long hair that wants to grow on my legs and hooves feathers. Strange. As Meg and I are working the jumps, she mentions that today is farrier day, the day we all have our feet trimmed, shod, or whatever