32- Training
Beth Fute sat in the terminal at Albany Airport. Her horse Lion was being loaded on a plane, and she watched nervously.
“What if he acts up Daddy?” she asked, looking at him with big eyes. Jason sighed, patting her knee gently.
“He’ll be fine as long as you’re with him sweetheart. Just relax. If he sees you nerved up he’ll get the same way,” he said.
“Thanks Daddy. You really don’t mind that I’m starting at Cornell next term?”
“That was your decision Bethy. Your mother and I agree that this is one heck of an experience to pass up.” She smiled again, then looked toward her boyfriend.
“Nervous?” Jake asked quietly. She nodded quickly, squeezing his hand.
“I’m going to be the youngest rider there Jake. What if they treat me like a kid?”
“Michael Jones must’ve thought you were pretty damn good. Just don’t let anything get to you. You’re going to be fine,” he said.
“Thanks Jake.” He kissed her forehead. Suddenly her flight was called and she stood up.
“Daddy you’ll tell Mom that I love her won’t you?” she asked. Jason nodded, knowing that Jess had wanted to cancel her entry in a race that day to be there but Beth had told her not to.
“She knows it already, but I’ll tell her. Call us when you get to Georgia,” he said, giving her a tight hug. She grinned and walked toward the tunnel with Jake.
“I’m going to miss you Beth Fute,” he said. She smiled up at him, then put her arms around him in a tight hug.
“If you make me start crying now, I’ll never stop. I’ll call you when I get there.” He leaned down and kissed her.
“I’ll be watching on TV when you win the gold,” he said, watching as she walked away.
Lion was glad to be back on the ground when the plane landed. Beth gave him a carrot and patted his neck.
“You were such a good boy,” she whispered. He nickered and nudged her shoulder. “They’ll feed you in a little while. I have to go get changed, but you be a good boy for the people here,” she murmured. He looked away from her and she laughed. “I’ll see you later champ.” She turned and walked out of the barn, her stomach still tight with nerves. Suddenly someone shot around a corner, nearly knocking Beth off her feet.
“I’m so sorry!” a female voice said.
“It’s alright, everyone is sort of out of it today. What’s your name?” Beth asked.
“Angela Piper. Sorry about the collision. I’m trying to find time to do everything before dinner,” the woman said. Beth nodded in agreement.
“I know. I have to get up and change. I have no idea how they can expect us for dinner after a long flight.”
“Well, Mr. Jones runs a tight ship. What’s your name?”
“I’m Beth Fute. Maybe I’ll run into you again later,” she joked. Angela laughed and jogged into the barn.
“Let’s hope so. Bye Beth!” Angela called. Beth grinned and walked toward the lodge.
At dinner Beth found Angela and sat down next to her. Michael Jones sauntered in moments later, wearing a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. He glanced around at the ten people surrounding the table.
“Welcome to Georgia ladies and gentlemen. Tomorrow morning you will have your horses saddled by five and in the stable yard by five fifteen,” he explained.
“We’ll have to be up by four,” someone said. Michael looked at the man, his eyes serious.
“Would you rather go home and sleep in?” he asked. Everyone laughed and the guy shook his head. “Alright. After dinner we will meet in the barn,” he said. They all nodded, beginning to eat.
Angela and Beth walked side by side to the barn. They had discovered after dinner that they were roommates.
“I like him; he’s exactly like I am. I always get up early to ride, it’s my favorite time.” Beth said, pulling her long curly hair into a ponytail.
“Last time I was here I didn’t get to ride, but I made the main team as reserve rider. These are tryouts, but even if you make it there’s no guarantee that you’ll ride.”
“I like a challenge. I wonder what Mr. Jones wants tonight?” They went into the barn and found everyone. They were all standing in front of an empty stall.
“Good, we can begin. First off, I hope none of you think you’re special. None of you can go into this thinking that you are the best. You are all the worst riders in the world. Don’t forget that,” Mr. Jones said. Beth stared at him, her eyes confused. Michael caught her before she had a chance to hide it. “Miss Fute you look extremely confused. What’s the trouble, hasn’t anyone ever told you that you aren’t the best?” he asked. She stared at him evenly, never missing a beat.
“Nobody ever needed to. I know I’m not the best. I was just wondering why we’re here if you don’t think we can ride.” He smiled and shook his head.
“I like you Miss Fute… that attitude will take you far. Check on your horses then hit the sacks everyone. I’ll see you tomorrow morning,” he said, turning and walking from the barn. Angela nudged Beth’s shoulder, her eyes wide.
“I can’t believe you just talked to him that way!” she explained.
“Somebody needs to keep him in line. I’m going to go check on Lion.” She walked to the stall and let herself in. The horse had a half-full hay net and a full bucket of water. She smiled and patted his shoulder. “See you in the morning champ,” she murmured, leaving the stall and walking back toward her room.
Beth arrived at the barn at precisely four am wearing breeches, high boots, and a sweatshirt. It was chilly out, and she was glad she’d decided to bring her gloves. She walked to Lion’s stall and smiled when his head swung over the stall door.
“Morning champ, how’d you sleep?” she asked, glancing in. His hay net was full and a stable hand was filling his water bucket.
“Morning Miss. He seemed fine all night,” the young boy said.
“Thanks. He hasn’t given anyone any trouble with feeding has he?” she asked. The boy shook his head.
“He’s been real good for me, stood quiet when I came in. I’d say he’s one of the best mannered around this place.” Beth smiled again, going into the stall. She was carrying a carrot, and she let Lion lip it out of her hand.
“That’s good. Is the tack room unlocked? I want to make sure my tack is all set.”
“Yup, right down the aisle. I think Mr. Jones plans on taking you cross country today,” he said.
“Thanks.” She went to the tack room, smiling when she saw that all three of her saddles were there. She took down her cross country saddle and checked all of the buckles and hooks carefully. She cleaned it quickly, then took its matching bridle down. Everything looked fine, so she carried it all to Lion’s stall. She groomed him while he ate, and then saddled up. They went outside and she swung into the saddle, riding into one of the exercise rings. She warmed up at a walk and an easy sitting trot.
“Miss Fute I wouldn’t tire him out. I’ve got quite a course for you to go over today!” a voice called. Beth pulled up, glancing toward the fence. Michael Jones was standing there, watching her carefully.
“This is our normal workout Mr. Jones!” she returned, asking Lion to continue with the sitting trot. Soon people were leading their horses from the barn, so Beth rode out of the ring.
“Alright everyone, we’re going to go down to some of the jumps on the cross country course. We won’t do the entire course today, just a few,” Mr. Jones explained. They all nodded, watching as the aged man swung into his horse’s saddle and rode off. They all followed, eager to get started.
Michael watched as each rider took the natural log obstacle. Beth urged Lion over it and the horse took it easily. She patted his neck gently, giving him a little more rein for the stream.
“Everyone stop! Miss Fute, come back here and take the log and stream again!” Michael called. Beth sighed, but nodded anyway.
“Come on champ. If he’s going to pick on us let’s make them wonder why,” she whispered. She trotted back over, and at Michael’s signal asked for a canter. They went over the log easily, then cleared the stream.
“Did everyone see how she keeps her heels down, even though she has to go over her mount’s neck further?” he called. Beth began to blush.
“I didn’t give him enough rein on the log though, and we were off stride,” she explained, trotting back to the group.
“I wasn’t looking at your stride Miss Fute,” he said. Everyone laughed and she patted Lion’s neck. She watched as everyone else took the two jumps, but no one could keep their heels down as far as Mr. Jones wanted them.
“It’s impossible,” Angela said, glancing at Beth.
“Miss Fute would you explain to the group how you keep your heels down so far?” Michael asked. She sighed.
“You were only seeing my right leg Mr. Jones. The only reason it looks like it goes down further is because…” She stopped abruptly, embarrassed.
“Please continue,” he prompted.
“My heel goes down further on my left leg because I have a prosthetic leg,” she explained.
“Oh, well that explains why everyone else couldn’t do it. How far does your heel go down on the other leg?” he asked. She laughed, shrugging her shoulders.
“I don’t know, I’ve never looked. Next time my left leg is on the inside I’ll remind everyone to check,” she replied. They all laughed.
“Is that all for today Mr. Jones?” The man nodded, then watched as everyone cantered back toward the barns. Beth stayed behind. She waited until everyone was out of sight before talking.
“If you ever put me on the spot like that again, I’ll leave. You knew about my prosthetic leg long before you asked me to be on the team. I don’t like being used as a demonstration,” she said. He chuckled softly.
“I knew there was a good reason to have someone so young here at training. You’re going to keep everyone in line right?” he asked. She shrugged, telling Lion to trot.
“I don’t know Mr. Jones. Maybe I’m here to keep you in line!” she called, asking for a canter. She went into a two-point, staying low over Lion’s neck. Michael watched with a wry smile, knowing already that Elizabeth Fute would be on his team.
The next morning Angela and Beth rode side by side in the words, Beth trying to keep Lion calm.
“Go easy you nutcase. These woods are just like the woods we have at home,” she muttered. He calmed after a few moments, walking beside Angela’s horse Pegasus.
“What did you say to him after we left?” Angela asked.
“Not much. I had to ask him something. What are we doing on the course today?”
“Water jumps. Mr. Jones doesn’t think anyone can do them right, but I’m sure you’ll prove him wrong.”
“I hope nobody hates me because he’s always using me as an example of how to do something. I didn’t ask him to… in fact I told him not to. He’s using the poor little disabled girl to show that anything is possible, and I don’t like it.”
“That’s bull and you know it. I’m thirty and I know I don’t ride anywhere near as well as you do. Mr. Jones knows it too… and he also knows that you’ll have the energy to keep the whole team going.”
“I’m glad someone is so sure about this. He probably brought me as an example of overcoming the odds, but he’ll drop me from the team.” Angela laughed, asking Pegasus for a trot. Beth followed her lead and soon they were at the large water jump. Mr. Jones was standing about ten feet away from the jump.
“First ones here! You get to sleep late tomorrow morning,” he said.
“An extra ten minutes?” Beth asked.
“You catch on quickly Miss Fute. Is everyone here now?” he called. They turned and discovered that everyone was. “Good. Go back to the end of the field and take the cross rail, then take this water jump. I’ll be watching you carefully,” he warned. They all nodded, going to the end of the field.
“Hey Beth you could go first!” one of the guys called.
“No way,” she replied. They all laughed, and someone else went first. She watched as everyone else went, choosing to go last. “Let’s make this look not so easy for us champ,” she murmured. They went toward the fence and she could feel him getting excited. Water jumps were his favorite. “Not too early big guy,” she whispered, holding him in check until they reached the right spot. They cleared the cross rail and then cantered toward the water jump. The took off perfectly and landed squarely in the center of the water. She urged him on, smiling as they jumped back on to solid ground. Beth patted his neck and eased him to a halt.
“Very nice. Everyone go down to the beach and exercise at your dressage movements. I’ll be down in a moment,” Michael ordered. Everyone went through the path, trotting at an easy pace. Beth caught up with Angela and glanced at her.
“I made it look like I was showing off didn’t I?” she asked.
“Beth you need to relax. Everyone here knows you’re an amazing rider. Just ride how you always do. You’ll make the team.” Beth nodded and they continued toward the beach.
Beth urged Lion into an extended canter. Everyone else was doing the same thing, moving through the waves. Lion was slightly winded but hadn’t worked up a sweat, even after an hour of strenuous dressage work.
“Everyone back to the barn. I’ll meet you there for our lunch break!” Mr. Jones called.
“How long for the break?” Beth asked.
“Two hours. Give your horses some time to cool down, then get ready for some stadium jumping.” She grinned; stadium jumping was her second favorite part of riding. She and Angela rode back to the barn together, dismounting in the stable yard.
“How long have you been riding?” Angela asked suddenly.
“Since I can remember. Why?” she asked, feeding Lion a carrot.
“You’re just really good. I started when I was fourteen… and that makes seventeen years for me.”
“I’ve probably been on a horse since before I was born. I can remember my father sitting me in front of him in the saddle, taking me all over the farm. I was one I think, when I fell off for the first time. I don’t remember it, but Dad says I cried for hours even though I wasn’t hurt.” Angela laughed.
“You grew up on a farm didn’t you? I lived in the city and my Mom had to drive me to the stable every weekend. You probably rode every day.” Beth nodded.
“At least once a day if I could help it. Come on Lion, let’s get you settled.” She led him toward his stall, the smile still on her face.
Almost a month later Beth woke up from a nightmare, sweat pouring down her face. She swallowed several times, trying to shake the awful images from her head. With a sigh she grabbed her prosthetic leg and attached it carefully, knowing she wouldn’t be falling asleep anytime soon. She pulled on a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt, then left the room. Lion was just starting to wake up. It was almost four am. She gave him a carrot and patted his neck.
“Morning Lion. How’d you sleep? Probably better than I did, right?” she murmured. He nickered softly, moving back into his stall. She went and got some hay and fresh water, putting them in h is stall. “Eat up big guy, we’re going for a ride this morning.” When he was done eating she saddled him up with his cross country gear, then rode him to the beginning of the course. They took off, clearing the first four jumps. The fifth was a huge brush jump, and Beth felt him hesitate. She gave him a light tap with her crop and his ears flicked back. She grinned as they soared over it and moved on toward the log and stream. They cleared them easily and then went over the water jump. They moved forward quickly. Mist was still on the ground, and the rising sun was casting a warm orange glow over everything. They reached the end of the course and she steered toward the beach. The sun was coming up over the ocean. Lion pranced and she grinned, asking him for a trot. There was a long stretch of beach ahead, so she asked him to canter and then gallop. She smiled broadly as water splashed up at them. When they stopped Beth let him walk back toward the barn on a free rein, glad they had the day off.
Michael saw Beth trotting toward the barn and he frowned. She saw him and sighed, sure she was in trouble.
“Miss Fute there’s an urgent call for you. Take it in the office,” he said. He took Lion’s reins and watched her jog into the barn.
“Hello?” she said. There was a sigh on the other end of the phone.
“Beth it’s Daddy. Dominick is in the hospital,” her father said. She felt her hands begin to shake.
“What happened?” she managed to whisper.
“He was riding on the cross country trail, but he wasn’t paying attention. He forgot to check for ice patches… I guess he figured November was too early for ice. They went over one of the jumps and it was sheer ice on the other side. Objection slipped and broke his front legs… he had to be put down. Dom hit his head pretty hard; he’s in a coma right now.”
“Is he going to be ok?” she asked. Jason sighed again.
“We don’t know sweetheart. The doctors can’t seem to give us a straight answer on that one.”
“I’m coming home. I’ll be on the next plane,” she said, her whole body shaking now.
“He wouldn’t want you to do that Beth. He wants you to make the team.”
“If I got here once I can do it again. I’ll be home as soon as I can.” She hung up before he had the chance to object.
Angela and the rest of the group stared in disbelief. Beth had just told them she was leaving.
“But you’re going to make the team!” Angela exclaimed. Beth sighed.
“If Mr. Jones wants me badly enough he can let me go home. My best friend is in the hospital… he could die. I have to go.”
“I don’t understand. You’re going to give up the Olympics for a friend?” someone else asked incredulously.
“He’d do the same,” she replied, turning and jogging away to find Mr. Jones.
Michael nodded slowly and then looked out his window.
“I don’t know what to do about this Miss Fute. It could take months for him to wake up… you’ll miss all that training.”
“It’s up to you. If you want me on the team, then I’ll be back as soon as I can. If you decide it’s too much to ask, I understand that too. There’s always next time. I have to leave no matter what you decide. My friend takes priority.”
“Over the Olympics? Over your dreams?” he demanded. Her face softened slightly.
“If it wasn’t for Dominick I wouldn’t have any dreams. It’s your decision, but my flight leaves tomorrow and so does my horse. My friend’s father is sending a jet.”
“A jet? Your friend’s father owns a jet?” he asked. She nodded, standing and starting for the door.
“His father is Sam Giran. I need to go get ready to leave. Let me know when you’ve made your decision,” she said, walking from the office.
The next day Beth was up at dawn and arrived at the barn right as Lion was finishing his breakfast. Everyone was standing around the stall.
“It was nice to meet everyone. I hope I’ll be back,” she said. A truck and trailer pulled up and Beth began toting her gear to it. A couple of the guys helped her, and soon she was leading Lion out. Angela gave her a quick hug, smiling at her.
“I’ll write to you,” she said. Beth grinned and glanced at everyone.
“I guess he didn’t want me on the team that badly,” she said.
“Yes I did,” Michael Jones said, jogging into the stable yard. Everyone turned. “Miss Fute I want you back here as soon as you can get back,” he said. She smiled.
“Thank you Mr. Jones. I better go, the jet takes off with or without me. See you later, and good luck everyone. Remember to keep your heels down!” she called as the truck pulled away.
Jason saw Beth first and he stood, going to her quickly.
“Where’s Dominick?” she demanded. He sighed, giving her a tight hug.
“He’s in having a CAT scan done.”
“Is there any news?” Jason shook his head, leading her to the waiting area.
“Not yet. Cotey went home to sleep.”
“Where’s Rachel?” Jason shrugged.
“She doesn’t hang around here too often… says it’s depressing. She goes off somewhere else in the hospital.”
“I’m going to go try and find her. If anything happens come find me,” she said, dropping her jacket in one of the chairs and walking off.
Rachel was standing by a huge window, looking out at Saratoga. Beth walked up and cleared her throat. Rachel turned, her eyes getting wide when she saw Beth
“I thought you were training for the Olympics,” she said quietly. Beth shrugged, moving to stand beside her.
“Daddy called me about Dom and I came home. My friends are more important than the Olympics. I told Mr. Jones if he wanted me on the team badly enough he’d let me come home.”
“What happened?” Rachel asked. Beth smiled a little.
“He wanted me badly enough,” she said.
“Wow. So should we be grateful that you’re here?” she asked, looking at her seriously.
“Only if you want to be,” Beth replied. Tears filled Rachel’s eyes and Beth put her arms around her former friend.
“I’m so sorry Beth, for everything. I just want to be friends again. I’m so sick of fighting.” Beth nodded, rubbing Rachel’s back gently.
“He won’t leave. He promised me a long time ago that he wouldn’t leave unless I was with him,” she whispered.
Two weeks later Beth drove to the hospital. Dominick was still in a coma and hadn’t been responding to the doctors. He showed no signs of brain damage, and the doctors were still hopeful that he’d wake up. She walked past the nurses’ station, smiling at the familiar faces. She got to Dominick’s room and went in slowly. Dominick was surrounded by machines, and his head was wrapped in gauze. Beth took a deep breath, going to the side of the bed and taking his hand.
“Hey Dom, how’ve you been?” she whispered. Suddenly she felt his fingers tighten around her hand and she gasped. She grabbed the call button and pushed it hard.
“Can I help you?” a voice asked.
“I need someone to come to room 210. Dominick just squeezed my hand!” she exclaimed. Moments later the door opened and a doctor rushed in.
“What happened?” he demanded.
“He squeezed my hand, just for a second. He just did it again,” she said. The doctor moved to her side, talking to Dominick as he took his hand. After a moment he smiled.
“He just squeezed my hand too. Stay here and talk to him, tell him to wake up,” he explained. She nodded, taking Dominick’s hand again and talking to him. Suddenly his eyes fluttered open, and he smiled when he saw her.
“What’re you doing in my room?” he muttered hoarsely. She smiled, leaning down and kissing his forehead.
“Waiting for you to wake up! We missed you Dom,” she whispered happily.
That night Beth called Georgia, and Mr. Jones picked up on the third ring.
“Hello?” he said. Beth took a deep breath, feeling her stomach tighten with nervousness.
“Mr. Jones this is Beth Fute,” she said. There was a pause that seemed to drag on forever.
“What’s going on Miss Fute?” he asked, his voice gruff. Beth smiled.
“When do you want me back? My friend woke up today.” She heard him sigh with relief.
“ That’s good. Get back as soon as you can. We have the rest of the winter and the first two months of summer to get you ready.”
“I’ll be back as soon as I can. Thank you for keeping me on the team Mr. Jones, I really appreciate that.”
“You better not have gone soft on me, I liked having someone to argue with,” he muttered. She laughed.
“I’ll keep that a surprise. I’ll call you the day before I fly down,” she assured him, hanging up after saying goodbye. Her phone rang almost as soon as she put it down. “Hello?” she asked.
“You came home because of me?” Dominick asked quietly.
“I came home for a lot of reasons… you were just one of them.”
“Don’t play around right now Beth, Jake was just here so I have a headache. You were in Georgia trying out for the Olympics and you left. Mom and Dad told me. You shouldn’t have done that.”
“Let’s not argue about this, ok? We’ll never agree. I’m going back to Georgia as soon as I can get back, and Mr. Jones still wants me. So no damage was done.”
“You mean you’re going to be on the team?” he asked.
“I guess so, but probably just as the reserve rider. I’m not too hopeful about being the star of the Olympics.” She heard him sigh, then cough.
“I’ve got a wicked cold from being out in the cold so long before somebody found me. I’m pretty lucky though… at least that’s what they tell me.”
“I need to go Dom, Jake’s suppose to be here in a few minutes. Are you two talking again?”
“We’re on our way to being civil, but it’s hard. I guess I should go too, I’m pretty tired.”
“I’ll come see you tomorrow, ok?” she asked.
“Yeah, ok. Goodnight,” he said. He hung up before she could say anything else. She sat in silence for a minute, and then heard the doorbell ring. She went downstairs and opened the door, smiling when she saw Jake standing on the porch.
“It’s freezing,” he muttered, hurrying into the house. Once inside he backed her against the door and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him tightly. When the kiss broke she smiled up at him.
“So did ya’ miss me?” she asked. He laughed.
“Do I need to kiss you again to show you just how much?”
“I didn’t catch it the first time around,” she said, pulling him closer. He kissed her again, this time harder. Beth let her hands slide under his leather bomber jacket, touching his polo shirt. He pulled away after a few minutes, a smile on his lips.
“I’m glad you came back,” he said seriously. She nodded, putting her head on his shoulder.
“So am I. I missed everyone so much. I’m going to ride at the Olympics… Mr. Jones wants me,” she said. He pulled away and then kissed her again.
“That’s great Beth! When do you go back?” he asked. She shrugged, her eyes growing sad.
“As soon as possible. Mr. Jones didn’t want me to come home in the first place, but I talked him into it. He really wants me to ride, and I really want to do it. I’m going to ask Sam if I can use the jet to go back.”
“How long do we have together before you leave again?” he asked.
“Two weeks at the most,” she said. He sighed softly.
“Are you coming back for Christmas?”
“I think we the end of December and the first two weeks in January off.”
“I’m going to miss you. I’ll go crazy when you leave.”
“No you won’t. You’re pretty sound of mind,” she kidded, holding him tightly.
Two weeks later Beth stared out the airport window. Her parents had stayed home that day, knowing she would only be gone another month. Jake drove her to the airport, then waited with her until the jet was ready to leave.
“I heard that you and Rachel are back on speaking terms,” he said suddenly. She nodded, glancing at him.
“Yeah. When I first went to the hospital we sort of made up. I’m glad… we were friends for a long time.” Her flight was announced and they stood, walking out to the jet together.
“So this is it?” he asked quietly. She nodded, putting her arms around him. They hugged and then kissed.
“I’ll write in a couple of days when I have something interesting to tell you about,” she said.
“Call me as soon as you can. I’ll be home all day,” he said.
“OK. I’ll miss you,” she said. He nodded, watching as she climbed the steps and disappeared into the jet.
Angela picked Beth up at the airport, giving her a tight hug. Beth hugged back, then glanced at the trailer.
“Is Lion alright? He was fine on the plane, but I couldn’t be with him when they unloaded him,” she said.
“He’s fine… happy to be on solid ground I think. Come on, everyone is waiting to see you. I wrote you about who made it didn’t I?” Angela asked.
“You, me, Mark Ambrosia, Tim Girard, and Mike Dallas,” Beth said.
“Yup, and there’s that other girl. You know the one with the blonde hair? She’s the reserve rider.”
“So I’m definitely riding?” Angela nodded, starting the car and pulling onto the road.
“Definitely,” she said with a broad smile.
Michael Jones was waiting in the barn, along with the rest of the team. Beth grinned, leading Lion into his stall.
“Welcome back Miss Fute. I assume you’ve brought all your correct tack and riding garb,” he said. She turned, a look of surprise on her face.
“Oh dear… I knew I’d forgotten something!” she exclaimed. Everyone laughed, including Michael.
“Alright, dinner at six thirty this evening. Tomorrow morning we’ll assemble on the beach at six,” he said. They all nodded, following him from the barn.
Beth saddled Lion the next morning and led him outside. She was the first person up, so she swung into the saddle and cantered to the beach. Lion tossed his head as they cantered through the warm surf.
“Miss Fute do you do anything but ride?” a voice called. Beth pulled up, glancing behind her. Everyone had arrived, and one of the team members was impersonating Mr. Jones. She laughed.
“No Mr. Jones, I don’t. Do you do anything but ask me questions?” she returned. They all laughed.
“Where’s Mr. Jones?” Angela asked. Someone cleared their throat and they all turned.
“Would you look at that, he can ride too!” she exclaimed.
“If you’re quite through Miss Fute, we’ll start. Today we will be working on balance so you don’t fall off in the middle of the games,” he explained. “Drop your stirrups, and I need a volunteer.” Beth raised her hand.
“I’ll do it,” she said. Everyone clapped and cheered. She crossed her stirrups in front of her, then went to where Mr. Jones had dismounted.
“I will be longing you Miss Fute,” he explained. Beth nodded, adjusting her seat. She let her legs lengthen, still keeping her heels down, her back straight, and her hands low.
“Do you want me to ask for aids, or are you going to call out commands?” she asked.
“I’ll tell you what to ask him for, and then you will do it. Are you read?” he asked after he had clipped the longing equipment to Lion’s bridle. She nodded. “Walk,” he said. She asked Lion to walk, and they made a large circle around Mr. Jones. Everyone had backed away, taking Michael’s mount with them. “Trot!” he called.
“Rising or sitting?” she asked. He thought for a moment, then smiled wickedly.
“Extended rising,” he returned. Beth nodded, her face becoming concentrated. She asked for a trot, and once Lion was in an even stride she took back on the reins while keeping even pressure with her legs. He extended his stride and Beth posted, slowing her movements to keep time with his movements. Mr. Jones stared at her, trying to figure out a way to unseat her. “Canter Miss Fute!” he called. Beth nodded, signaling for a canter. They went around several times, going through the water as half of their circle. “Collect!” he said. Lion’s stride collected almost instantly and he sighed.
“If you want me to fall off I’ll do it,” she said, smiling slyly.
“Collected trot,” he ordered. She brought Lion down and made him collect. “Piaffe.” Beth asked for a half halt and then moved through the rest of the aids. Lion did it perfectly, and Beth’s balance didn’t waiver.
“Are we done yet Mr. Jones?” He shook his head, knowing that somebody else should go. The temperature was already rising, and Beth had worked up a sweat.
“Working canter,” he ordered. They went around several times before he asked her to stop. She dismounted and led Lion over to the group.
“That was amazing,” Angela whispered. The rest of the group nodded in agreement. Beth shrugged, glancing as Tim Girard began.
“The first thing I learned was how to stay on without my reins and stirrups. My father use to make me go without them when I was working in the pasture.”
“He had the longe line right?” someone asked. Beth laughed, shaking her head.
“I fell off a lot. Sooner or later you learn how to stay on.” Timothy fell onto the sand during the extended canter.
“Somebody else get up here. Miss Fute cannot be the only one who knows how to stay on!” Mr. Jones bellowed. Beth sighed, watching as someone else rode up to face his torment.
That night Beth sat in her room, a pen in hand. She glanced at the clock and sighed when she saw that it was nearly midnight. With a deep breath she began to write:
Dear Jake,
Today we worked on balance down on the beach. Mr. Jones had us drop our stirrups and reins while he longed us and had us do some things. It was fairly embarrassing because I was the only one who stayed on through all of his challenges. I told you longe line work pays off in the end. I will definitely be home for Christmas, so just a little less than a month. I miss you.
Love, Beth
She sighed and sealed the envelop before taking out another fresh piece of stationery and beginning to write:
Dear Dominick,
You wouldn’t believe how weird Michael Jones is. He had us working on the longe line today, seeing if we could stay on through all this different stuff he wanted us to do. I hate that I’m the only one who stayed aboard. I bet everyone thinks I’m showing off, but I’m not. Lion and I are a perfect team, and I just look good on him. I’ve made one really good friend, but she’s thirty. Her name is Angela. I feel like I’m hanging out with my Mom every time we’re together. It’s pretty strange.
This might sound stupid, but I’m homesick. Everyone here is so different than everyone at home. Mr. Jones is a lot like my dad and your dad mixed together, but he’s also so different. He’s also so much older… weird to have someone so old be so very good at riding still. I hope I’m that good when I get to be his age. The worst part about being here is that the nightmares still won” go away. I don’t have Doctor Sheridan here, and I don’t have you to talk to anymore. Come to think of it, I didn’t have you to talk to before I came.
So here I am, training to be on the Olympic team (by the way, I’m not the reserve rider. I’m definitely riding in the games!) and I’m sitting here complaining about not having my parents here to help me through the night. I think somebody needs to train me about growing up, because everyone must think I’m a major baby.
Love ya, Beth
P.S.- I hope you’re feeling better. Tell Rachel I miss her too
