com/horselife2003
By Liz
This work of fiction is original and CANNOT be reproduced, copied, or posted on other web sites for commercial or recreational use.
The night before the horse show, I couldn't sleep. My entire body was shaking, and I felt something queasy in my stomach. Would I even be able to remember my jumping course? Why on earth had I entered in the 3'6" fences class? I could still not ride. The idea was enticing, but I knew that it was not an option. I had put in too much work to quit.
When I arrived at the barn the next morning the sun had just barely risen. I wanted to have plenty of time with Starry to soothe my nerves. I brought him some alfalfa hay and stood petting him in his stall while he ate, listening to his teeth crunching. Somehow I managed to get through the next five hours, and then it was time to get Starry ready for the show.
Cathy gave me a leg up, and I swung up on to Starry's back. She began to dust off my boots with a towel in a quick, businesslike manner. I could barely contain myself and stay in my saddle. I closed my eyes and went over what I had to do. I took slow deep breaths and reminded myself of some advice I'd heard at my very first horse show, "Don't worry. It's just like a riding lesson in fancy clothing."
"Riding next is number 112, Starry Night ridden by Mandy Thompsen." The announcer cut into my thoughts. I sighed and rode Starry into the arena.
I trotted a circle to warm up, then began to canter over the jumps. I managed to find the rhythm of cantering, counting the strides, and gliding over the jumps. Starry was the perfect horse that I always knew he was. I couldn't help but grin as I left the arena, even if the judge hadn't announced the winner yet. And I might not have won; I sat there biting my nails while the final five entrants rode.
The announcer called, "Our year-end hunter champion award goes to number 112, Starry Night, ridden by Mandy Thompsen." I felt like jumping up and down with joy right there on the back of my horse. Ever since I first laid eyes on Starry, I knew that I would take him to the top of the "A" show circuit. My mind flashed back to the many hours spent taking care of him, staying up at night to keep him company, and practicing jumping him until we both collapsed from exhaustion. Finally, this had all paid off.
1. Thou shall not bite when being fed treats.
2. Thou shall not put thy hoof down when it is being picked out.
3. Thou shall not pick up the wrong lead on purpose.
4. Thou shall not try to eat cross-ties.
5. Thou shall cooperate when thy girth is being tightened.
6. Thou shall not crib.
7. Thou shall not kick thy stall door.
8. Thou shall not buck me off.
9. Thou shall not step on my foot.
10. Thou shall not use thy "guilty look", for it's too hard to say "no" to.
E-mail me your answers.
1. How can you tell a Quarter Horse apart from other breeds?
2. Name three parts of the hoof.
3. What is cribbing? If your horse is a cribber, what can you do about it?
4. What is colic, and why is it so serious?
5. What is a blanket clip?
6. What does a horse that is roan colored look like?
7. What does a bar shoe look like, and what does it do?
8. What is a "Medicine Hat Paint"?
9. Name two breeds that are famous for having specialized gaits.
10. What's the difference between hunter and jumper classes in horse shows?