Back in the Saddle (17 page)

[HALEY]
So you're probably wondering if I'm disappointed that we didn't win, right? Lol, I don't blame u—it's all I've been talking about. But I think u guys sort of guessed what was happening before
I did. I was getting too intense again, sorta like before that clinic. Only this time it was all about winning, instead of just trying to get everything done. And I know now that being like that isn't so cool. I mean, there's nothing wrong w/doing your best and wanting to win. But u can take that too far, u know?

She sent that much and stopped to think again. Her sixth-place ribbon was on the desk where she'd tossed it, and she smiled when she saw it, knowing she'd never forget today. No blue ribbon could change that.

[HALEY]
I def. don't want to end up like that girl Claire I just told u about. I mean, she's so obsessed w/winning that she traded in her perfectly nice horse in search of victory, even tho it was her own riding that hurt her last time. Crazy!!! I guess it worked, tho, since she won this time. But I'd rather never win another ribbon in my life than trade in my awesome Wings!!!!!!!!!!!

She sent that message too. When it appeared, she remembered something else she'd wanted to say.

[HALEY]
Besides, I realized u can do everything u can think of to make sure u win, and u still might have bad luck and lose. So why not have fun either way?

She smiled as she posted that message, but part of her still felt a little troubled by the idea that luck could have such a big effect on eventing—and on life. No matter how prepared you were, something unexpected could come along and mess you up big-time. Her mind wandered back to Riley for a second, and the bad luck of that bird flying out at just the wrong time. And that wasn't the only bad luck that had come into play today. If the event hadn't been located right next to a cow pasture—or even if the cows had decided to graze at the opposite end of their pasture—maybe Jan wouldn't have had to withdraw, and maybe Augie wouldn't have been distracted and made Haley rush her warm-up, and maybe their dressage score
would have been good enough to move them up into the top ribbons. . . .

Maybe, maybe, maybe,
she thought with a shake of her head.
I guess we'll never know, though. Which is sort of the point.

Realizing that her eyes were drooping shut of their own accord, she smothered another yawn and opened one last text box.

[HALEY]
Anyway, it was an interesting day, so it's all good. Not that I won't try to win next time out, lol—I'm still me, and I still like to win! But winning isn't the only reason I do this, right? It's not even the main one. Anyway, thanks for trying to let me know I was getting too intense. Maybe I didn't listen, ha ha, but it's nice to know that u guys are always there for me, just like I'm always here for all of u. Can't wait to hear what fun things you and yr amazing ponies do next!!! But it'll have to wait until tmw, lol, b/c I'm beat. Good night!

Glossary

beginner novice:
A level of eventing. The sport is divided into six recognized levels. From lowest to highest they are beginner novice, novice, training, preliminary, intermediate, and advanced. (Advanced-level eventers are the ones you see competing in the Olympic Games.) There are also many local, unrecognized events that feature levels below beginner novice, which can be useful for riders and horses new to eventing. These low levels can have names such as elementary, introductory, starter, tadpole, grasshopper, and various others.

combined training:
Another name for eventing.

free lease:
The lease of a horse or pony for which no lease fee is paid. Sometimes also referred to as a “feed lease,” since the leaser frequently (but not always) pays for the animal's feed, farrier, and other basic expenses during the course of the lease.

hocks:
A joint in the rear leg of a horse or pony. While located about halfway down the leg (roughly parallel to the knees of the horse's front legs), the hock corresponds biologically to the ankle of a human leg.

jump judge:
In the cross-country phase of eventing, a judge is posted at each obstacle on the course. These judges are often volunteers. Each judge is responsible for scoring at his or her fence, confirming whether a horse and rider made it over, and noting any penalties, such as refusals or falls.

quarter horse:
The nickname of the American quarter horse, a versatile breed of horse developed in the early days of the United States. The American quarter horse is the most popular breed in the US today, and its breed association is the largest in the world.

roping:
A rodeo event in which two riders must rope and tie a steer. It's the only rodeo event in which men and women commonly compete against each other.

start box:
The spot where a horse and rider begin their cross-country course. This is often a three-sided, fenced-in “box” about the size of a large stall.

stock horse:
A type of horse suited for working with livestock. Quarter horses, paints, and Appaloosas are the most common American stock horses.

transitions:
Changing from one gait (or halt) to another. Upward transitions are from a slower gait to a faster one. For instance a rider can do a transition from walk to trot, from halt to canter, and various others. A downward transition is from a faster gait to a slower one—for instance from gallop to canter, from trot to halt, and various others.

Don't miss the next book in the series!

Book 8:
The Road Home

Don't Miss

MARGUERITE HENRY'S

Ponies
of
Chincoteague

Book 1: 
Maddie's Dream

Book 2: 
Blue Ribbon Summer

Book 3: 
Chasing Gold

Book 4: 
Moonlight Mile

Book 5: 
A Winning Gift

Book 6: 
True Riders

Coming Soon

Book 8:
The Road Home

This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author's imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

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This Aladdin hardcover edition August 2016

Text copyright © 2016 by The Estate of Marguerite Henry

Jacket illustration copyright © 2016 by Robert Papp

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