[Hemalily]

Good luck to you all!

[.FrozenFire.]

Username
.FrozenFire.
Link To Horse
Liam
Horse's Name
Choices of the Sun "Liam"
Gender
Stallion
Breed
Irish Draught
Entry
The choice
-
Dakota and Cameron walked down the gravel path, leading to a big pasture. "You should really take one of the stronger stallions. Probably Liam or Rush, or maybe Draco" Dakota said, whistling to get the stallions into her direction. Several pairs of ears only flicked, but Low, Lullaby, Liam, Rush, Don, Draco and Babalou approached Dakota and Cameron.
"They seem to know what's up", Cam joked and stroked Babalou's nose. Liam put his head over the gate waiting for Dakota. She gave him some affection before she turned to Cam. "What do you think? Low and Babalou aren't that old yet, and both don't have many muscles. Rush and Draco do look well rested, but I don't know about them either, so how about Liam? He looks fantastic and he is a brave jumper" the young women spoke with an asking voice. Dakota didn't mention Lullaby and Don, because the first was trained for western riding and the second one a gaited horse, who not really excelled in jumping. Cam nodded. "You are right. Liam would be a good Choice. He's well muscled, brave and good looking, too" Cameron answered here and smiled. Together they walked to the house, putting together some ideas for training the Irish Draught stallion.

Training
-
5:30, the alarm clock had no mercy left for Cameron. It wasn't really a problem for him to get up early, but it was a problem for Dakota. Since he couldn't find her next to him, he assumed that she fell asleep on the couch while watching the championships for young dressage horses. Smilling he got dressed and walked downstairs. Cam was right. Dakota was sleeping on the couch and he didn't disturbed her. Very quietly he went out of the door and towards the stables.
The horses were fed already, Rose, stablehand and a good friend of Dakota was hardworking, like every morning. "Morning Rose" Cam said and got Liam out of his box. "Good morning" Rose answered and took the special feeding cart out of the feeding room. She walked past him, smiling and whistling a country song, like she did ever so often. Liam snorted and relaxed while Cameron brushed and cleaned him. Normally the stallion was clipped, but this year he had a pretty thin coat and he didn't sweat that easily so it was alright that he was kept unclipped this year. Cam saddled the stallion and led him towards the riding arena.
7:30, Cam mounted Liam and rode him around the jumps to warm him up. He had really smooth gaits, especially his galopp was lovely to sit. Liam rounded his neck and widened his strides. Cameron only used trotting poles and low cross rails first, but after some time it got boring for Liam and he started to get bolder. "It's alright boy, we will start now" Cam said and directed Liam towards the bigger jumps. 130 centimeters were easily jumped by the stallion. He had no problems with oxers, nor with walls, but with open waters. Cam tightened the reins and used his weight to get Liam towards the small ditch. It wasn't a hard jump, only about 120 centimeters wide, not even near a "normal" open water, but still, many horses refused the jump. The stallion pricked his ears forwards, but he braced under Cam. Not really nicely, but he jumped the open water. Cam praised his mount very extensively and let him jump one more vertical before he allowed Liam to chew the reins out of his hands.
After about 1 and a half hours of training and another 20 minutes for cooling off Liam, Cameron dismounted the horse and led him back to the stables. His neck wasn't sweaty at all, but under the saddlecloth the coat was wettish, so Cam put a blanket on the stallion's back and put him back into his box stall.
For the next two weeks Liam did his best with training the stallion and put a lot of effort into his plans. Cameron was a very ambitious and targeted young man and the born competitor, so was Liam who already befriended the liverpool, while he had no more problems with verticals and oxers up to 140 centimeters in height. Cam wouldn't make him jump higher, because of his build, and overall because Cameron thought that he got the stallion to his limits. That was enough. In USEF Jumper Levels it was a level 6 competition with jumps around 130 centimeters in height and 140 centimeters in spread, so it was perfectly ok the way it was.
The two days before the competition were mainly used by Cam, for some easier dressage work and lunging, so the stallion would be well rested and fit to give his best.

The Day of the Show
-
4:30 in the morning. Dakota sat on a chair, drinking a coffee and trying not to fall asleep. Cam was full of adrenalin and as awake as someone could be. A conversation between the two seemed impossible and Dakota just nodded or shook her head while Cam questioned her. Eventually he walked off, laughing. After preparing everything for the show, including tack and feed pellets for Liam, Cam changed into his riding clothes and put his jogging suit over it, to avoid the clothes getting dirty already. In the meanwhile, Dakota braided Liam's tail and cut his mane again to give him a clean look. Then she put on his travel boots and a blanket, to load him onto the trailer.
The trip to the show would take three hours. Dakota, Cameron and Liam left the stables at 9:00 am.
They arrived without any bigger complications at 11:20 am.
Liam got enough time to get used to the new location and Cam enough time to check the hole facility. It was a nice atmosphere around the barns and arenas so the tension left Cam and Dakota.
The last two hours before the show, Cameron spent his time with Liam and prepared him for the show. He unbraided the tail and
saddled the stallion, before he led him to the warming up arena. The place was almost empty and it was easy to warm up the stallion. He was behaved and acted like he never did anything else, what in a way was the truth. One of the girls, sometimes riding Dakota's horses, often took Liam as competition mount.
About an hour before it would be their turn in the course, Liam started to watch the other riders, and to study their techniques.

45 minutes before the start
-
Liam and Cameron waited calmly in front of the arena, watching the other participants. Cam shook his head while wondering why some of these people even started in this competition. He wasn't really fair towards other riders, but at all there was nothing he could do about it. It was Cam's nature to criticize people who couldn't keep up with his standard. One of his "quirks" that drove Dakota insane. Maybe because of their different personalities they fit together so well...

Liam, didn't care about all the turmoil around him. He just stood there, waiting for his turn.

Entering the arena, or stepping into the lion's den.
-
Finally it was their turn. Liam got a bit nervous and almost trampled a helper, while the young man opened the gate. The stallion suddenly turned from the calm guy, to the hyperactive boss. Cameron had some problems handling the horse, before they eventually entered the arena. They both got more than nervous and it stole their concentration. Normally the stallion wasn't like this, but why was it necessary that his worst day was today? Cam tried to gather some courage and greeted the judges before the timer started to count down.



Jump 1
Vertical
-
While Liam tried to gain some more rein, Cam pushed the stallion forwards to avoid him to start bucking. They focused the first jump and Cam tapped the stallion's should slightly before the jump to make him listen. Without touching the upper pole, Liam landed safely on the other side, the timer now counting the real time. It wasn't that easy to keep the horse under control, but Cam noticed that the stallion seemed to get calmer again.

Jump 2
Oxer
-
The second jump was green white in color and Liam pricked his ears forwards. Without any aid from his rider, the stallion flew over the poles, making Cam really proud of the horse. After a quick turn jump 3 already came into sight.

Jump 3
Vertical
-
The vertical wasn't that spectacular, but the upper pole seemed to be a bit out of position, meaning that by any touch it would fall down. Cam controlled his mount and aided him with the crop two strides before the jump. They landed without making the pole fall.

Jump 4
Double Combination - 1 - Vertical
-
The first jump of the combination. Liam got too near to the yellow "sun jump" and almost touched the poles with his forelegs. That moment the courage left Cameron, because he knew that the next jump would fall.

Jump 5
Double Combination - 2 - Oxer
-
A blue oxer, blueish striped, dark and light. Two wavy fillers were placed under the jump and it looked nothing good at all. All you could hear was snorting now. It was otherwise quiet around. Although it were only about two seconds, it seemed like eternity. Liam's snorting seemed to fill the arena, only his breath. You could hear the crop clapping against his shoulder and the grudging of his last stride before the stallion jumped. With an even louder thud, the two upper poles fell to the ground, a disappointed "ohhh", going through the audience.

Jump 6
Liverpool
-
Cam was a bit angry now and pushed his horse forwards. He would have to make some time otherwise his chances would go against zero, but on the other hand, Liam was a horse, not a machine. To calm him a bit, Cam touched Liam's neck and focused him on the liverpool then. The water reflected in the sun, but although normally the stallion wasn't a fan of these jumps, he managed to clear it without faults.

Jump 7
Oxer
-
Cam felt miserably, although it wasn't the end of the world, he still had a chance to place, if he just gathered some courage. Cameron gave Liam some more rein and let him decide the distance. The stallion felt the sudden change in his riders emotions. Because he wanted to make his rider proud, he rounded his neck and made a big jump. The red white oxer stood there unaltered and the way it stood there before the rider and his horse flew over it.

Jump 8
Triple Combination - 1 - Oxer
-
In this combination the most faults were made. Liam was unconcentrated again, without visible reason. The first oxer was black, plain black. Since it wasn't that spectacular, the stallion paid not as much attention and knocked down the jump. Cam tried to keep calm, the readout showing 8 faults now.

Jump 9
Triple Combination - 2 - Vertical
-
The vertical in the triple combination was violet in color, very bright and irritating. Liam tried to break out to the side, but Cameron held him on the course and used his crop. The horse made a big jump and had only one stride left before the oxer, forcing the pairing to do an "in out".

Jump 10
Triple Combination - 3 - Oxer
-
It was very close to knocking down and Cam almost lost his balance while the Irish Draught jumped as high as he could. The grey oxer was left behind and only three jumps were left now.

Jump 11
Triple Bar
-
Again, it seemed like the way to the jump was endless. The triple bar was blue green white in color and by far the biggest jump. Cam wasn't sure anymore if Liam would be able to do the jump. He just wanted to complete the course to be finished. The stallion threw around his head and even bucked several times before the triple bar. Cam lost the control over Liam and just tried not to fall off. With super speed the horse ran towards the jump and, unbelievably, he cleared the jump without even touching it.

Jump 12
Oxer
-
It was impossible for Cameron to gain back control over Liam. The stallion reacted even worse to his riders helpless aids and bucked in outrage. He was totally out of business now. With a last buck the pairing reached the oxer and managed it without breaking their necks.

Jump 13
Vertical
-
The last jump came into sight. Although Cam believed that the stallion reached his speed limit, he still gained a bit more furious pace and raced towards jump number 13...
The young man closed his eyes and clinged into Liam's breastplate. He already feared that they would race through or directly into the jump and fell, because for the vertical, they were simply too fast. The stallion was breathing heavily and his spirit slowly left him. With his last bit of strenght, he cleared the jump before they finally got slower again.

Leaving the arena
"Choices of the Sun, ridden by Cameron Leighton, with a total of 8 faults, currently placed..."
With a total of eight faults, but a really good time due to Liam's freak-out, the pairing left the course, totally out of breath. While leaving the course, the audience applauded and the announcer said something, but Cameron wasn't able to hear it.
Dakota immediatly approached the pairing and asked Cam what happened, but he couldn't answer her. He didin't knew what just happened. It wasn't real. Both humans still praised the stallion, but it was unclear why he had this "meltdown". Then the three walked back to the stable tents, trying to find out what the stallion's problem was.

After the show
The disappointment had left Cameron and he praised Liam. His performance was ok and maybe there was a reason, such as pain or that he was simply spooked by something. Liam snorted and his muzzle touched Cam's arm and then his belly. Dakota saw that, too and loosened the girth. Then something fell to the ground and the stallion breathed deeply. A needle lay there and it must have been pinned to the girth. "What is that?" Cam asked and looked at Dakota. The young woman looked up and said: "It's a needle."
After caring for the horse, Cam and Dakota walked to the registration office and asked were the organizer was. The woman there asked the couple what their problem was and they said that their was an issue with the saddle girth and that it was sabotaged. The woman was shocked and called one of the organizer's helpers to solve the problem.
Later one of the starters admitted that he sabotaged the girth and excused himself, but neither Cam nor Dakota accepted the excuse. It could have been worse and the stallion could have injured himself, despite that he was in pain. The needle must have jabbed into the skin when they entered the arena, because he was calm beforehand.
Cameron shook his head and said: "It was my fault, I could have checked on the girth and saddlecloth before I mounted. It happened before, your remember, don't you Dakota? There are so many people out there who would do anything to win a competition..." Dakota put her hand on Cam's shoulder and they walked out of the office.

After the solving of their problem, Cam took Liam out of his box and led him back to the arena, where they watched some other participants whom were the last starters before the end results would be up.

[xdenmark]

Username // xDenmark
Link To Horse // xxx
Horse's Name // Freyr
Gender// Stallion
Breed // Canadian Horse
Entry // work in progress

[blackhoeses]

Username Blackhoeses
Link To Horse Chloe
Horse's Name Cleopatra's Pride
Gender Mare
Breed Andalusian
Entry Getting ready for the show/Training:
Chloe gave a little snort of frustration, it had been a while since her girl had been out to practice. And she was starting to feel less fit, she shook her head. This buged her as the show season was about to start soon. Chloe looked towards the barn, pricking her ears forward as she thought she caught the sound of her girls voice. It sounded sad, Chloe quickly trotted to the gate to see what was going on. As she stood at the gate her girl and a group of people cam walking up. Her girl was talking alot, and saying weird words like collage and things like not enough time to give Chloe what she deserved. Suddenly a young girl steeped out of the group and came over to Chloe and started talking to her. Chloe liked this young girl right away as she mentioned the magic words bath.

Soon this new girl and her old girl were taking her up to the barn, they tacked her up. All the time talking about Chloe and the up coming show season. Once they reached the riding ring strangely the new girl got on Chloe to ride. Chloe did not mind so much as it felt so good to be back to work. They did some warm up then did a few of the small warm up jumps already set up in the ring. Chloe could feel the happiness radiating of the new girl. As they came up to the gate to leave the ring a lady asked the girl on her back "So Sky what do you think of her, is she the one?" Chloe shifted a bit uneasily wondering what they were talking about. The girl Sky patted her on the neck before answering the women. "Yes she is the one". After a good brushing and a bath Sky lead Chloe to a trailer she had never seen before. Chloe balked a little realizing that her old girl was not coming with. Her old girl walked up to her and told her it was going to be alright. And that she would miss her a lot. Trusting her old girl Chloe loade in the new trailer, after a long drive they arrived at a new barn. Sky lead Chloe to a stall and got her all settled and did all of the little night time rituals. Making Chloe feel more at home in this strange place.

The next morning Sky came to the barn and got Chloe ready for a ride. As Sky tacked Chloe up she talked about how excited she was to start training. And that in just a few weeks there was a hunter jumper show that she hoped they could enter in. As they entered the training ring. A lady walked in and began giving Sky directions, after warming up they did a little basic dressage before moving on to some basic jumps. At the lessons end the lady told Sky that she thought her and Chloe made a good team and the with a lot of practice they would be ready for the hunter jumper show.

So in the flowing weeks Sky was out every day working hard with Chloe. Both of them practicing hard on getting there time and feel for each other down. Chloe expecaly loved there "break" days when all they would do is play around and do dressage moves. Soon Chloe was feeling at home and giving her all when Sky asked for it.


The Day of the Show:
It was early morning the birds had not even started to chirp yet, when Sky got to the barn. Chloe gave a sleepy nicker. And shook herself carefully awake, so that her braids would not be messed up. Chloe gave a happy sigh her favorite hair lady had come yesterday afternoon. And did her main and tail, after a day of preshow pampering, Chloe was ready to go. Sky lead Chloe out of her stall and out in to the morning cool. Chloe was grateful for her light sheet and stood patiently while the last minute things were load in to the trailer. Within a few minutes Sky load Chloe in to the trailer and they were off.

About a hour later they arrived at the stable where the show was being held. Sky unload Chloe and lead her to the stall that was there's for the day. And gave Chloe a little hay and left the top half of the door open so Chloe could watch watch what was going on. Sky then began the sing in process, getting there number and the sheet for what the course would be. Sky then got all of there tack ready. And as soon as the course was set up went to walk it with the trainer, pacing out the course. About 20 minutes before there class started Sky finished tacking Chloe up and put on the finishing touches on her outfit. The then went to the warm up ring to loosen up there muscles and try and get in to the right mind set.

Going into the ring:
Sky's mom gave both Sky and Chloe a last minuet hoof and boot wipe. Both Sky and Chloe shifted a bit in nervousness. As the announcer called there names and numbers. A calm came over both of them and they moved in to the ring with a calm assurance.

The Big Moment:
... to be continued

Coming out:

springen 11

[Penultima]

-scratched-

Good luck entrants!

[.Live.Love.Laugh.]

Username
.Live.Love.Laugh.
Link To Horse
Lattè's Page
Horse's Name
O'Lena Midnight [Lattè]
Gender
Mare
Breed
American Paint Horse
Entry
Training
The day of the show
Into the ring

[warmblxxd]

Username
pupstar200

Link To Horse
viewtopic.php?t=1910389

Horse's Name
Fiero

Gender
Stallion

Breed
Paint Warmblood

Entry
Training
I ran out of the house and to the barn Rushing With Excitement. "The Hunter Jumper Jamboree!" I exclaimed to Fiero as I reached his stall and gave him a pat. Fiero is an excellent hunter jumper, and we both Love to compete. With great excitement I grabbed my tack. I chuckled as i caught my breath and Calmed down. I Lay down my neon Orange pad on Fiero's back and then his polished leather saddle. The girth buckles slid on at both sided and Fiero looked at me as if to say, "Mom! What's that for?!" I chuckled and then I slipped on his bridle easily as he took the loose O-ring bit. We walked to mounting block and i jumped on. We warmed up smoothly through the walk, trot, and canter. "Woah.." I said as he transitioned into a walk and I gave him a Pat. I jumped down. "What a good Boy!"I exclaim as i walk off. I laugh as I look back and see Fiero following me. Iwalk to the jump and raise it to about 2'6(ft) Vertical. Then i set an oxer around 2'3. Finally, i set up the hogback. WIP.[left]




springen#22

[PollyPoos]

Username
PollyPoos

Link To Horse
Leo

Horse's Name
Great Warrior

Gender
Stallion

Breed
50% Irish Draught 50% Gypsy Vanner

Entry
Bright sunshine came in through my window,waking me up from a deep slumber. I got up in excitement, still in my pajamas, and made my way out to the stables. Today was the Hunter/Jumper Jamboree and I couldn't wait to get to there to show off. It was a little chilly, seeing my breath as I took small exhales on a beautiful fall day. I could see Leo in the pasture, he seemed to be just as excited as I was. He was my adventurous boy, perfect for training since he always wanted to learn new things. I thought a little harder, 'How did he get into the pasture?!?' I walked into the stables seeing his stable unlocked, I shook my head and smiled knowing the rebellious stud unlocked it himself. I walked back out whistling for him, as he galloped over his gait looked smooth surprising for a heavy horse. "You ready for some training Leo?" I asked almost expecting him to answer. He snorted, which brought a smile to my face. "Alright let's have some breakfast first." I opened up the gate and my tall stallion followed like a puppy, ready to fill his appetite. I placed some hay with a mixture of grain within his food bucket in his stall. He gave me a not-so-pleased kind of look as he had to get back in his stall to eat. I went into the tack room which also had my riding clothes in it, I changed,grabbed his favorite English set, also his halter and lead. I returned out to the pasture where I placed his tack, excluding the halter and lead.

W.i.p

spingen#13

[Phönixfeder2000]

Username sternenstaub20
Link To Horse viewtopic.php?f=10&t=2047530
Horse's Name Red Rose
Gender female
Breed Andalusian
Entry

Training:

I grabbed Red Rose on the halter and lead them out of the barn to the pastures over straight to Trainingspaddock.Red Rose looked at me attentively with wide eyes as I with a wonderful jumping saddle wiederkam.Sie loved to jump ! Following a very successful workout I led her back to the barn .

----- ---- 3weeks later (the day of the tournament)
I opened the door of the horse trailer and brought Red Rose heraus.Heute it was ready , the day of Springturnieres.Der jumping saddle shone on Red roses and I went back auf.Meine hands trembled as evaluators my name aufriefen.Red Rose looked at me highest and winked at me as if to say ' do not worry , I 'll do it ! < I trotted into the ring and the voters nodded to me to start.The first five obstacles were leicht.Beim 6 We almost touched the Stange.beim 7 , the double ochser , ris Red rose a rod , but by the time we were here well dabei.Es came to me like a eternity ago , until we finally got the 13th and last rod erreichten.Wir jumped , it seemed like slow motion , everything depended on this one jump off, and ... done! On Course 1 we could not indeed be, but guarantees on any of the other two !
Now it was time, the evaluators had us all Ausgewertet.Jetzt they were before , and began to speak > And on the first Place is ... driiiiiiiiing <
Why, since when is ringing referee ? Oh, now I understand it all. Had my alarm rang and the tournament was just a dream! With good cheer, I stood up and thought with a grin at last my dream back * who would have won? * I thought to myself, but since I already called my mother up to finally stand up.

springen25

[preppy paws]

Preppy Paws


viewtopic.php?f=53&t=2073090


Misty


Mare


Appaloosa
Although Appaloosas are sometimes too round in the barrel for higher jumps, they are extremely strong and determined animals that won't balk at "scary" jumps. They are good teachers for younger children just learning how to jump and can make excellent eventers or hunters because of their fluid movements. Some Appaloosas have foul dispositions and many are stubborn, but this doesn't preclude their ability to jump.


My father woke me up exactly at 6:00 in the morning. Rubbing my eyes, I didn't know why he decided to wake me up so early, until I realized the event that I was waiting for my whole life snuck up on me. I suddenly jumped racing to get proper show clothes on then to trot straight to the barn to greet Misty. I could see the other horses walking around their stall thinking I have come to give them food. Misty was lying in her stall to lazy enough to get up and gaze at me for treats, although I had none. Finally, impatient, she rose to her hooves. I was happy to listen to the beating heart of hers. I put on her halter and snapped on a lead rope to lead her out in the hall of the barn. I grabbed my scissors and hoof pick. Her mane and tail were full of burs. Pulling them all out one by one, brushing her hair as well. When that was finished it was time to get the dirt out of the hooves of a campion. Who knew a lazy horse like her could be the dirtiest horse in the barn? Now to the basics, Brushed her coat, sprayed that stinky fly-away spray, shined up her body, and tacked her up. I was running out of time so I had to hurry. (Didn't notice that her saddle wasn't tight enough) My father loaded her into the trailer. We set off to my very first competition with any horse of mine. On the way there, my dad told me stories about his good old black horse. His horse supposively was state champ jumper horse. Im not sure if I should believe him but they way he told his stories, tears tried to flow down. I knew that that horse was his life. I wanted to ask what happened to his horse but I strained myself not to.

ANNONCER
"Now its time for contestant number eight with their Appaloosa horse, Misty. What do you think about this one folks? Aye, I agree. Her coat is stunning and those markings...Gorgeous! But I must say whats coming to my mind here. Why an Appaloosa? Out of all the horses, she picks an Appaloosa? Geez, Im out of breath just thinking about it. Well, we will see about her performance. With that, lets begin!"

Misty took some big steps on her way to the arena. She stopped and waited for the judges to say go. Finally the buzzer buzzed and off we went steering her to the first jump. Sure I was nervous but this is my first show after all so what did you expect huh?

JUMP ONE:
First jump was the worst. I thought I was going to die. My heart was beating fast, until I saw my father in the stands and remembered the story he told me about his black award winning horse. A tear went down my face. While I was thinking of that, I didn't notice that Misty was almost to the jump. I immediately got into position hoping she would make it. She did but she just nicked it a bit. My eyebrows were shocked I guess you could say. I don't know if she knocked anything down or if the judges even noticed it but I was in high hopes.

JUMP TWO:
I felt more confident that this jump would be successful but anyone could never be to sure. I crossed my fingers and hoped not to die with less points then the other horses.

JUMP THREE:
Gosh, this jump looked the easiest ever! I wiped my face and jumped her effortlessly over. I closed my eyes then to open them finding myself over the jump with no problems whispering to myself, "Success!"

JUMP FOUR:
You could say by now that anyone got the hang of jumping by the fourth jump but...I felt something wrong with the saddle. It wasn't tight enough. My eyes were wide open. I tried not to put to much pressure on the saddle, for it would brake. I made the jump out alive.

JUMP FIVE:
I was so worried about the saddle that I wasn't paying attention to anything at all. The crowd was cheering but yet I heard nothing. My father was screaming, "watch out!" Thats when I got out of dream land and jumped the, fourth jump? No it was the fifth. I knew I was in trouble now. Good grief.

JUMP SIX:
I payed attention to this jump now. Knowing that the last jump I went to "La La Land". Misty was like flying over a cloud. She went so high! I was very impressed on how well she was doing.

JUMP SEVEN:
No mistakes at all on this special jump. Theres nothing more to say to it.

JUMP EIGHT:
My lucky number. "Lets make this one the bast one" I whispered to Misty in a soft, encouraging voice. Looks like she heard me pretty good out of those small ears of hers.

JUMP NINE:
I got distracted by the judges. I wanted to see what they thought of me. I couldn't tell but I thought my score was oh so ok. I wanted to impress the judges so what do I do..? I made her land with a little kind whinny.

JUMP TEN:
I could feel the saddle slipping. I held onto it tight. I hope it was tight enough because the next jump is up. I made her jump lightly so the saddle wouldn't slip underneath. I was lucky enough to even get over that one.

JUMP ELEVEN:
I felt her veins, blood pumping rapidly. She was so tired. She was slowing down by a few seconds in. Now what? She makes it over but she gets slower in pace. At least its not really slow. Not slow enough for the best judge to see.

JUMP TWELVE:
She was racing to the second to last jump, when the saddle makes a *click* noise. I knew right then and there I was done and over with. My father stood up in the stands and ran to the front. He knew what was happening. The saddle would come off any minute now. I acted natural and still made Misty jump towards the end. She did so and we made it. The saddle strap was hanging down. I could do nothing but make her jump the last jump.

JUMP THIRTEEN:
Nervous and almost crying, we paced towards the final jump. When she lifted her first hoof up to jump the saddle slid side ways. I didn't notice it so I thought if I didn't notice it, the judges wouldn't either. I could be wrong though. She hit the ground with a moan. The time stopped and it was the ending of it all.

I led my horse to the exit of the arena. I tied her up to the public poles and she happily stood there with the other seven finished horses. I gave her some hay but the two horses next to her kinda ate it for her. She didn't want any I guessed. I sat with her for about an hour or so until all contestants were finished. I then went into the arena with my horse because it was time they announced the winners. I smiled to my father then looked at the judge, Teresa, to make her decision.

TO BE CONTINUED...

springen#8
WIP