24- Spring Training
Jess jogged down the aisle in the barn, a longe line dangling from her pocket. Jason was calling her name from one of the stalls and he sounded worried.
“What is it?” she asked. He was standing at the stall belonging to his daughter’s horse, Apprentice.
“Apprentice is gone, and Beth didn’t tell me she was taking off.”
“Yeah, but she told me. She rode over to Cotey’s so she could do some stuff with Dom and Rach,” Jess said with a smile.
“I thought she’d decided to run off without telling me again,” he muttered. She put her arm around his waist.
“Relax Jas. She’s only eight years old, but she knows better. She doesn’t want you to pull her out of music lessons again.”
“I guess you’re right. Were you going to work with Bliss now?” he asked.
“Yeah. He did such a great job yesterday. I think he’s actually had some training before he came here. He responds to voice commands already.”
“Great. I’m glad he’s working out for you.” Jess smiled, then frowned as her thoughts shifted to Fantasy. Jason touched her shoulder gently. “Don’t think about her hon. Go work with Bliss, turn him into a champ.” She nodded, turning and going back to the colt’s stall.
Cotey stood at Bliss’s head three weeks later. Jason was giving his wife a leg into the saddle.
“OK, I’m up,” Jess said. Cotey smiled and handed her the reins.
“You’ve really ridden him before?” Cotey asked with a worried smile.
“Sure I have. He just doesn’t like being mounted quite yet. He actually loves to be ridden. Come on Bliss, let’s show them how great you are,” she said. She squeezed gently with her legs and he moved forward. They trotted around several times, then cantered. There was a large jump at one end of the ring, but Jess was going around it. Suddenly Bliss veered in, taking the jump beautifully. Jess pulled him up, glancing back at the jump.
“That’s set at about three and a half feet!” Jason called.
“I think I just found my newest jumper,” she said with a smile.
Doctor Jacobson was sitting behind his desk when Jess walked in two days later. He smiled when he saw her, standing and shaking her hand.
“Hello Jessica. I’ve looked at your X-rays and your MRI results,” he told her.
“What did they look like?” she asked.
“I think you can start training for races again,” he said with a smile. Jess stared at him in disbelief, then hugged him quickly.
“Thank you Doctor Jacobson!” she exclaimed. He nodded and smiled.
“You’re welcome Jessica. Good luck with racing.” Jess nodded, hurrying from the office.
Jason glanced up as Jess ran down the aisle, and smiled when she threw her arms around him.
“What happened?” he asked. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him.
“He said I could race again!” she said excitedly. Jason glanced at Beth, who had stopped trotting around the ring.
“Really? That’s great hon! Training starts next weekend, so you’ll be able to start in exercise sessions.”
“I’m so excited,” she said, turning toward Beth. The little girl swung out of her saddle, throwing her arms around her.
“I’m really happy for you Mom,” she said.
“Thanks Bethy. Do you have piano today?” she asked, watching as the little girl remounted. Beth nodded and gathered her reins.
“Yup. Dom and I are working on ‘Duet for Piano and Flute’ so I might be a little late getting home. Dominick said he’d walk me home though.”
“How about I pick both of you up after? You could call me and then I’ll drop Dom off at home,” Jess offered.
“Thanks Mom, that’d be great. I’m going to get back to jumping him,” she explained, becoming serious again.
“Would you watch her for awhile? I need to go call Sam about training plans. I want to let him know that we have our number one jock back,” he said.
“Ok,” she said. He nodded, walking out of the arena and closing the gate behind him.
Jess walked into the music studio quietly, hearing the sound of piano and flute blending together. Beth was seated at a piano, her back ramrod straight. Dominick was standing beside the piano, his fingers moving on the flute keys gently. Jess smiled and listened, amazed at how beautiful the music was. Suddenly both kids stopped.
“Both of you are off beat. You need to learn to ignore things like that when you’re playing Beth. Up until the last measure you were fine.”
“I’m sorry,” Beth said, glancing at Dominick and smiling sympathetically.
“It’s alright. Dominick have you been practicing this piece?” Mrs. McCarthy asked.
“Not as much as I should have been Ma’am. I’m entered in a horse show this coming weekend, so I’ve been working on riding a lot lately,” he admitted.
“Well I guess that’s a pretty good excuse. Get in as much practice as you can, but don’t let anything cut into your riding time or your school time.” Dominick smiled.
“OK. Are we done for the day?” The woman nodded and smiled. Dominick disassembled his flute and put it away, and Beth put hr music in her folder.
“See you next week!” they called, walking out of the room. Beth smiled when she saw Jess.
“Hey Mom, what’re you doing here already?” she asked. Jess smiled, putting an arm around both kids.
“I decided to come early to hear you two play. It sounded wonderful.” The both smiled.
“Thanks Jessi,” Dominick said shyly.
“Anytime Dom. So are you going home today, or do you want to eat over at our house?”
“I’d like to come over, but Mom and Dad are going to a party and Rachel and I have to come. Sorry.”
“That’s ok kiddo. Maybe some other time.” Dominick nodded, sitting back in the car and enjoying the ride home.
At ten thirty that night Beth was still practicing the duet piece. The metronome was set for the wrong beat, but Beth was trying hard to play it right.
“Beth you have school tomorrow!” Jason called from the kitchen.
“Five more minutes!” she returned. Jason sighed, glancing at Jess.
“Beth, come on! Remember what Mrs. McCarthy said… playing shouldn’t interfere with school!” Jess called as she put the dishes away. The playing stopped.
“OK. I’m going to bed now,” Beth said, walking in and giving each of them a kiss.
“Night Bethy,” Jason said.
“Night Daddy, goodnight Mom.”
“Get some sleep,” Jess said. Beth nodded, jogging upstairs.
The next weekend Jess walked down to the training oval. Her hair was pulled back in a braid and she was wearing breeches and a T-shirt. Jason smiled when he saw her.
“Hey everyone our star rider is here!” he called. Everyone laughed and clapped good naturedly. Sam and the twins were there. Mr. Giran stood by his grandson.
“I wouldn’t go that far,” Jess muttered. “Who am I riding first?”
“Law. She recovered faster than you did, and I wanted you to ride her first,” Sam said.
“Thanks. Get me up there!” Jason gave her a leg and then told her what to do with the mare. Jess moved the big mare onto the track. They galloped, Jess in a tight two-point. At the quarter pole she let Law have more rein. Law ate up the track, and Jess moved with her easily. When she came out everyone was smiling.
“Great fractions Jessi,” Jason told her. She smiled and dismounted.
“Thanks. My knee seems to be working fine. Do I have anyone else to ride today, or do you want me to take it easy?” she asked. Mr. Giran stepped forward.
“There’s one horse that you might like,” he said slowly.
“Who?” she asked. Mr. Giran glanced at his son, then at Jason.
“Citadel, the one we just brought in. I think you could do a good job with him.”
“Are you serious?” she demanded. He nodded, putting his arm around her shoulders.
“Yes. I’m very sorry about what I said this winter. You’re a great rider… a great jockey. Have fun with him… win with him.”
“I will Mr. Giran.” She led Law to her stall, still smiling. After handing her off to a groom she went to Citadel’s stall. The tall thoroughbred eyed her carefully. “Let’s get out there and tear up that track,” she murmured.
Later that afternoon jess, Jason, and Beth arrived at the Saratoga Horse Show. Beth was riding Apprentice in four classes and Jess was riding Bliss in two and Miami in two. They spotted Dominick warming up in a fenced off ring.
“There’s Rachel!” Beth exclaimed.
“Go ahead,” Jess told her. Beth smiled gratefully and raced off. Just then Cotey walked up, leading Miami.
“Here’s the big guy. Your first class on him is dressage, so he should be good during the jumping. How’s Bliss doing?” Cotey asked.
“He’s fine… a little nervous. I’m not expecting any ribbons out of him, but I think we’ll do ok,” Jess explained, patting the young horse on the neck.
“I think he’ll be fine for you. He has such great potential.”
“Thanks. I entered him in a green over fences class, but we’ll see how that goes. I’m going to get him warmed up.” She led him to the practice ring and Jason followed, watching as she mounted and rode into the ring. Bliss was a little jumpy, but soon settled into his work. Jess cantered him a couple times, trotted and then came out.
“He looks great,” Jason said.
“He feels good too. Maybe this day will go alright after all.” She rode Bliss back toward the trailer and Jason followed, a smile on his face.
Jess stood at the fence watching Dominick and Rachel as they entered the ring for their first class. They were mounted on Romeo and Juliet, two of their mother’s horses. They still hadn’t found horses to take the places of the ponies they had outgrown. The class they were in was a walk, trot canter class. The judge called out, “Canter!” Rachel and Juliet picked it up first, with Dominick following. His position was flawless. They went through the class easily. After several minutes of work the judges called all the kids into the center of the ring.
“First to Mark Allen, Second to Dominick Giran, third to Stacey Kellerman, fourth to Rachel Giran, and fifth to Jimmy Caulten.” The twins came out of the ring, Rachel wearing a frown.
“Good job guys. You both did a good job,” she said. Dominick smiled, but Rachel shook her head.
“I got fourth place! That’s almost last!” she exclaimed, looking ready to cry.
“Rachel, you did a good job. I wasn’t getting ribbons when I was eight. I could barely stay on while I was eight. You’re a great rider, and you should be proud of yourself.”
“Ok. Thanks Jessi,” she said. “I’m going to go cool her off and put her away until our next class.”
“Beth has a class in five minutes. I’m sure she’d want both of you here.” They both nodded, leading their horses toward their trailer.
Beth was sitting on Apprentice, clutching her reins tightly. Jess patted her leg.
“You’re going to do great. Even if you don’t get a ribbon, I know you’ll be wonderful. Your Dad and I will be proud of you no matter what.”
“Do you think he’ll jump good for me?” Beth asked, looking at the course in the ring.
“Of course he will. Just remember your paces and your pattern. He’ll do the rest.”
“Thanks Mom.” Jess nodded and watched as she went into the ring. Jason arrived and put his arm around her.
“Was she really nervous?” he asked. Jess nodded.
“Extremely. It’s her first jumping class. She’ll do fine.” They watched as Beth saluted the judges and began. The cleared the first few jumps, nicked two others, and then went over the last one clear. Jess smiled at Beth as she came out.
“So was it ok? I didn’t knock anything down did I?” she asked, looking from her father to her mother.
“You nicked two, but they stayed up. Bethy you went clear!” Jess exclaimed.
“I did? Wow! Wait until I tell Dom and Rach,” she said excitedly.
“Well stay here for now, they’ll be calling the riders back in soon.” Beth nodded and waited as the last two riders went. After they were done all the riders went back into the ring.
“First place goes to our youngest rider, Beth Fute on Sorcerer’s Apprentice, second to…” but the rest was forgotten as Beth came out of the ring.
“I won!” she exclaimed, dismounting carefully. Jess and Jason both hugged her tightly.
“You did a great job Bethy,” Jason said.
“Thanks Daddy. I need to go take care of Apprentice, and then get some lunch. I’m starving.”
“Well let’s get him settled and we’ll all get something to eat,” he said. Beth nodded, leading the animal away quickly.
“I’m so proud of her,” Jess said, taking his hand.
“Me too,” he murmured.
Later that afternoon Jess rode Bliss into the ring. A small jump course was set up for the green over fences class. Bliss looked around excitedly, his ears flicking back and forth. Jess saluted the judges and gave Bliss the signal to canter. They approached the first jump and he went over it hesitantly.
“Come on guy, you can do this,” she whispered, rubbing his neck with the heel of her hand. They took the next jump perfectly, along with the next four. On the last jump, Bliss nicked it hard and it rolled to the ground. The audience groaned, but Jess grinned, pulling Bless up. “Good boy!” she exclaimed, trotting from the ring. Jason held the reins while she dismounted.
“That was great,” he said, giving her a tight hug. Beth had taken the reins and was watching them hug.
“I’m so proud of him,” Jess said. Cotey, Sam, and the twins came jogging up.
“Great job Jessi,” Sam said, giving her a high five.
“He did most of it. I can’t believe how good he was.”
“Well he had one of the best riders in the ring. You’ll be called back for ribbons,” Cotey said. Jess smiled.
“I’m going to go down to the trailer to get his halter and a couple carrots. Be right back,” she said, turning and jogging away. She returned moments later, taking his bridle off and replacing it with a halter.
“He did such a good job Mom,” Beth said, patting his shoulder. Bliss nickered softly when he saw the carrots and sugar cubes.
“Yeah. He deserves some treats. Just a sugar cubes now big guy, I don’t want you going into the room with orange gunk on your face,” she said. He ate the sugar eagerly and she grinned, putting his bridle back on and remounting.
“Are you nervous?” Rachel asked. Jess smiled, noticing the pink ribbon clipped to her backpack.
“Not any more than I was when I jumped him. I’ll see you guys in a minute.” She rode into the ring and made Bliss stand quietly when the judge arrived. “Wonderful class ladies and gentlemen. First goes to Jessica Michaels on Bliss, second to David Parsons…” Jess trotted out of the ring, watching the blue ribbon on his bridle flutter in the wind. “I can’t believe it!” she exclaimed, making him walk back to the trailer. She stayed mounted.
“He did a good job,” Beth said, patting his rump. Bliss jumped forward.
“Relax big guy. Alright, let’s get him settled. All three of the kids have a class together next.”
Beth trotted behind Dominick, Rachel behind her. The class was just a simple walk, trot class, and all three of them could do it easily. They were currently doing a posting trot.
“Walk riders, all walk,” the judge said. Beth tightened her reins gently, and Apprentice slowed. She sat straight and tall, keeping her heals down and humming the Sorcerer’s Apprentice song softly. The judge smiled at her, shaking his head in disbelief. Most of the kids had masks of fear, or deep concentration… but not Beth. “Trot please,” the judge said. Beth picked up the trot, starting to post on the correct diagonal. “Sit to it please,” the judge added. Beth tightened her reins slightly and sat. Apprentice moved around the ring with ease until the judge called them into the center. Beth steered him into the middle of the ring, still humming.
“Beth why are you humming?” Rachel whispered.
“I don’t know, it keeps him calm. I guess he just likes that song.”
“Why would he?” she muttered. Beth glanced at Dominick, rolling her eyes.
“The song is called Sorcerer’s Apprentice, and that’s his name. He likes it because he was named after it.”
“Oh, cool.” They fell silent as the judge arrived with the ribbons.
“First to our humming friend Beth Fute on Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Second to Rachel Giran on Juliet, third to Patty Martin on Martian, fourth to Samantha Davis on Wembly, and fifth to Dominick Giran on Romeo.” All three kids came out smiling, even Dominick.
“I got second!” Rachel exclaimed, dismounting excitedly. In her hurry, she kicked Juliet’s rump. The horse jumped, sending Rachel to the ground and taking off. People moved out of the way, but one person caught the reins and led Juliet back over.
“Does this belong to anybody?” he asked. Cotey smiled, throwing her arms around the big man.
“Allen what are you doing here?” she demanded.
“I decided to take a little vacation, so I wanted to visit my favorite ex-jockey,” he said. She grinned and turned to Sam.
“Well you remember Sam, my husband, Then there’s Jason and…” Allen cut her off.
“I was sorry I couldn’t make it to Carrie’s funeral Jason. I was extremely busy with football.”
“It’s alright Allen,” he said, glancing at Jess. She smiled at him, her arm around his waist.
“Anyway, Jess and Jason got married back in August. Beth is Jason’s daughter, and Dominick and Rachel are our twins,” Cotey said.
“Nice to meet everyone. Now, I think someone is about to get a lecture about being careful around horses,” Allen said.
“Yup. Come on Rachel, we’ll go put the ribbon on the trailer and have a little talk.” Rachel sighed but followed her mother. Jess held Apprentice while Beth dismounted.
“You did a great job honey, we’re really proud of you.”
“Thanks Mom. I can’t believe I took the blue ribbon again. I barely had any time to practice before this show.”
“You’re a good rider. Come on, your Mom has a class in ten minutes,” Jason said. They walked off, leaving Sam and Allen at the fence.
“So Jason got remarried? Isn’t Jess a little young for him?”
“Not really. He loves her, that’s all that matters.”
“What about Beth? She’s too old to be Jess’s real daughter. She must be from Carrie and Jason right?”
“Yeah. Beth really loves her though.”
“I thought so. I mean, she calls her mom. Jason’s ok with that?” Sam sighed.
“Listen Allen, all of us have grown up a lot since you last saw us. All of us have been through a lot. If you want to know about the details of Jason’s marriage, ask him or Jess. You probably won’t get a warm reception from them either.” Allen nodded slowly, his smile fading.
“You must’ve grown up. I mean, you finally married Cotey. I never thought that would happen.” Sam’s fists clenched angrily.
“I’m going to walk away from you this time Allen. Next time, you won’t be so lucky,” he muttered, walking away.
That night Jason carried Beth up the stairs, along with her four blue ribbons. Jess followed, carrying her own three blue and one red. He laid Beth in bed.
“I think she had a great time today,” Jess whispered, curling her fingers into his back pockets. Jason nodded, smiling as he looked down at his sleeping daughter.
“I think I would’ve had a good time if I’d gone blue in all my classes too,” he kidded.
“I think it was more than that. It was her first big show, and she rode well. I think she would’ve been happy even if she hadn’t placed. Rachel and Dominick have pressure from Cotey and Sam… like if they don’t place that’s a bad thing.” They walked quietly from the room, closing the door partially.
“We don’t put any pressure on her?”
“I don’t think so. I know that I don’t always win… sometimes I don’t place at all. She knows that I don’t expect her to win, and you don’t either. She’s happy with the way it is I think.”
“So are Rachel and Dominick,” he said, walking into their bedroom. Jess nodded, flopping down on the bed.
“I guess you’re right. I think I’m going to bed. I’m tired,” she said, stifling a yawn. He nodded, pulling off his shirt and kicking off his shoes.
“Me too. It’s been a long day for everyone.” Jess went into their bathroom and changed into a tank top and shorts. When she came back Jason was already asleep, his head in the crook of his arm.
“Night Jason,” she whispered, kissing his forehead and climbing into bed beside him.
The alarm went off at four a.m. and Jess and Jason got out of bed. They got dressed and walked downstairs.
“What do you want for breakfast?” she asked.
“Eggs… but Beth won’t eat them.” Jess nodded, taking a carton of eggs out of the refrigerator.
“I’ll fix her some French toast. I’ll let her sleep until I’m done with workouts. She’s got school today, and I know she’ll be tired after the show yesterday.”
“I’ll head down to the barn with you when we’re done eating.”
“Sounds good. Am I scheduled to ride this morning?”
“Yup, Law and Citadel are on the list. They have races in Maryland and Kentucky in a few weeks?”
“Who’s going up as jock?” she asked, her voice excited and nervous.
“I’m not sure yet. Sam and Mr. Giran haven’t made any decisions yet.”
“Oh. I’m going to go put on some riding clothes.”
“I’m sure they’ll put you up Jessi,” he assured her, watching as she went up the stairs.
“I know. That’s what I’m afraid of!” she called back, jogging up the stairs. Jason sighed, shaking his head and cutting his eggs.
Down at the training oval Mr. Giran was already there.
“Hey Mr. Giran, how’s everything going?” she asked, leading Citadel up.
“Pretty well. Are you busy the first week of next month?” he asked distractedly, watching another jockey ride around the track.’
“No, I don’t think so. Why?”
“I was wondering if you’d like to Jockey Citadel in a couple races down in Kentucky,” he said with a smile.
“I’ll have to check and make sure Beth doesn’t have any music recitals, but I’d love to ride him. Thanks Mr. Giran!” she exclaimed, getting a leg into the saddle. She rode onto the track and, still smiling, put in an excellent workout.
