Heather had a start in the advanced classes with good old Raimondo.
Julie took both Talon and Jessie.
Talon was nothing but rears in the warmup, and Julie just wanted to pack up her things and leave.
Julie could hear and see how some of the people in the crowd, pointed and gasped when Talon did her things. Julie couldn't calm her down. Heather went up to her, and told her to take it easy, and she should just get off and go ready Jessie, Heather was sure Jessie would give her good run. Heather took the hot headed Talon and walked out of the arena. She walked the mare until she was cool and didn't bounce around anymore, then she turn her down, and put her in the trailer.
She went over to the arena, to see Julie finish her round on Jessie, the spotted mare did very well, alert, alive and responsive.
Julie rode out of the arena in a big smile. "Thanks Heather I was so mad to start with, but then during my trip around the track, I just got my spark back, and we were flying!" Heather smiled back "I told you she wouldn't let you down" Julie smiled and rode off to cool down Jessie. Her smile faded suddenly. Jessie was always there for her. She felt betrayed by the black mare, now standing in the trailer. They had fought so hard to get where they were now, and still, she flipped out. Julie knew it wasn't fair thinking like that, Talon didn't do it on purpose. She was just.. special.. She let her arm slide down the shoulders of Jessie, and gave her a hug. "thank you for being there today" she whispered into the mares chestnut and white mane. I tear fell down her cheek, she had so much love for her horses, but she just couldn't forget the stares and pointing fingers and the feeling of betrayal. She sat up, and shook her body "ugh it went well with Jess, and Talon will do better another time!!" she said to herself trying to sound confident, but she wasn't sure if she believed in the part about Talon.
Later that day it was Heather's turn. It was always exciting to see the more professionnels going at it.
Raimondo was great as always, Heather had a little trouble keeping him in line, as he took over the fences leaving room to spare between him and the jump. Julie knew that was something they really had worked on, as he would tire himself jumping the extra height. Heather soon got him into a better rhythm, and they went on a little more effortless.
Besides that little bump, Raimondo was just amazing.
Julie had always loved the gangly stallion ever since he came to PSH. He also bred some great foals. Maybe Talon could get covered by him sometime or Jessie? The thought of another Talon was a little tiresome right now. But maybe his good temper would come through instead of Talons, anyway it would not happen until some years.
Julie clapped at Heather who jumped the last jump on the course. Soon it was time to go home.