44- Olympic Aspirations
Colleen Giran, now nine, jogged into the barn. It was four in the morning the day after the last day of school. She was excited about the long break, and about what she was going to do. Her grandfather had asked her to be a groom and go with horses to the track.
“Hey Colleen!” a voice exclaimed. Colleen turned and smiled when she saw Meghan, her long-time babysitter.
“Hey Meghan. Guess what Grandpa asked me to do?” she asked. Meghan caught up and Colleen continued walking.
“I don’t know, what?” Meghan asked, stopping at a stall to pat her brand new horse Sea Breeze.
“He wants me to be a groom all summer long, and he’s going to pay me! He wants me to help him at the track,” she said excitedly.
“That’s great kiddo. Do you know what horses you’ll be working with?”
“Nope. I just hope I get some good ones. I don’t want any of the ones nobody else can handle.”
“He wouldn’t give you any like that. What’re you doing down here so early? Your first day off, I thought you’d be sleeping the day away.”
“No way! It’s the first day of freedom. I have to be at the doctor’s office at eight anyway. He wants to take some more X-rays of my elbow. He’s still not sure what to do about the damage.”
“Has he said anything about riding?” Meghan asked. Colleen shook her head sadly, stopping at her pony’s stall. Mischief put his head over the door and nickered.
“Nope. Mom keeps telling me not to worry. I don’t know though. I have to wear the stupid brace no matter what I do. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to ride again,” she said sullenly. Meghan put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
“Don’t worry Colleen. You used to be a great rider, and I think you will be again. So… where’re you heading now?”
“To Grandpa’s office. He wants to give me my assignments. Doesn’t that sound official?” she asked, excitement beginning to build in her voice again. Meghan grinned.
“That’s great. I’ve gotta’ muck some stalls for my father, so I’ll see you later Colleen.”
“Bye Meg.” Colleen continued on her way, knocking on the office door before going in.
“Hey sweetie,” Jason said, smiling at her. Colleen plopped down in a chair and smiled at him.
“Hi Grandpa. What horses do I get to be a groom for?” she asked
“So far Country’s Majesty, Power Play, Crown Jewel, and Phantom,” he said. Colleen smiled.
“Those are some of the best horses at the farm Grandpa! Thanks. When do you want me to start?”
“Right now. Get Power Play ready and bring him down to the oval. Here’s the training schedule for the next two weeks, so just follow the order they go in.”
“OK grandpa, thanks a lot!” she said excitedly, racing from the room. Jason smiled, glad that he had found something to make her happy.
When the mail came that afternoon, Colleen was the first to get it. She looked through, smiling when she saw a letter from Chris. He was one of her good friends that she had met when her mother rode in the Olympics. He still lived in Nevada.
“Hey Mom, I got a letter from Chris!” she called. Beth popped her head out of the kitchen and smiled.
“What’s it say? Anything interesting?” she asked. Colleen ripped it open and read through, smiling at some of what he wrote.
“Not really. He sent a picture of his new horse, and of him and Stacy. He wants me to send a picture. Can I?”
“Sure. You just got your school picture, send him that one.”
“Mom, that’s an awful picture. Can’t we take some new ones with me and the horses? Grandpa put me in charge of five racehorses. Couldn’t you take my picture with them?” she demanded. Beth smiled.
“Well, if you’re a groom you’ll be in the winners circle. We can get some good pictures there. I’ll ask Grandma Cotey to take some more with you around the farm.”
“Can I call and ask her?” Beth shook her head slowly.
“Nope. Your Grandma doesn’t take pictures like that. She sneaks around and takes them when you don’t know she’s there.”
“What do you mean?” Colleen asked. Beth put down the cookbook she’d been reading.
“Come on, I’ll show you.” She led Colleen upstairs and then to the attic. It was hot and humid on the top floor of the farmhouse, but Beth didn’t seem to care. She went to a box and opened it, digging through its contents. She smiled after a moment and handed Colleen a framed picture.
“Who’s this?” she asked. Beth smiled, dusting the picture off.
“That’s me and your father the day after he asked me to marry him. Your Grandma took that picture without us knowing it.”
“So she takes pictures when you’re not paying any attention at all?”
“Yup. I wouldn’t be surprised if she has some of you someplace. I’ll call her and talk to her later.”
“Thanks. Do I still have a doctor’s appointment today?”
“Yes. Your dad is taking you. I need to take Abby out for some new clothes.” Abby was four now, and was growing like a weed.
“OK. What time do I need to be ready?” she asked. Beth glanced at her watch as she started down from the attic.
“Twenty minutes or so. Your father is at the track the Grandpa Giran, but he shouldn’t be much longer.” Colleen nodded.
“I’ll get washed up and changed. Thanks for showing me that Mom,” she said. Beth smiled.
“You’re welcome honey.” She watched as the little girl went into the bedroom and closed the door behind herself. With a smile she thought of the walls in Colleen’s room; they were still adorned with Whinnie the Pooh.
Dominick and Colleen walked into the doctor’s office and sat down in two of the vacant chairs. The nurse smiled up at them.
“How’re you doing today kiddo?”
“I’ll be better if the doctor tells me I can ride,” she replied.
“Well I’ll tell him you’re here,” she said. Colleen smiled and watched as the woman disappeared.
“What do you think he’ll say Daddy?” Colleen asked. Dominick shrugged.
“I’m not sure sweetie. He may just say what he has been saying, or maybe today he’ll have some better news.”
“I hope he doesn’t just say what he has been. I’m sick of hearing ‘it doesn’t look good Colleen,’” she muttered, doing her best impression of her doctor. Dominick smiled.
“Colleen, come on in,” a familiar voice interrupted. She looked up and smiled at her doctor.
“Hi Dr. O’Hanlon. Same place as usual?” she inquired. He nodded and held the door for her.
“Yup. Dominick you can come with us. We only need three X-rays today.”
“Good! It gets so boring in there usually… it’s hard to stay awake,” Colleen said. They all walked in and Colleen had three pictures taken of her elbow. When the X-rays were done Colleen looked at the doctor expectantly.
“Let’s take a look,” Dr. O’Hanlon said, clipping one onto the light board.
“What do they say?” Colleen asked. He was looking at them closely.
“Well, it looks like things are getting better. Everything looks much, much better than the last time you were here.”
“Really? What does that mean?” she demanded.
“Well, it means that I think you could start riding for a half an hour every other day. I want you to be very responsible and keep that time limit though, because if you overdo it you could strain your elbow.”
“I can ride?” she asked incredulously. He nodded slowly and smiled at her.
“Yes. Why don’t you go out and see what kind of candy Alice has at the front desk?” he suggested. She nodded, racing out of the room.
“So what else is going on with her?” Dominick asked. The man sighed.
“She’s lucky that elbow has healed this much. I don’t think it’ll get much better. I want you to keep a tight rein on her, no pun intended. A half an hour, maybe even less when she starts out. No jumping, and no strenuous pleasure riding. Her elbow could give out at any moment if she over-exerts herself.”
“So you’re saying that this is all she may ever be able to do?”
“No. She might be able to move it up to an hour in a year, but not right away. Try to get her into something else… maybe a musical instrument,” he suggested.
“We’ve tried all of that. She wants to ride, and she’s determined to,” Dominick said.
“Keep it to a minimum. Her elbow isn’t well, and it’s never going to be. After she rides, she may get sore. I’ll give you a prescription for a painkiller just in case.” Dominick nodded and watched as Dr. O’Hanlon scribbled something down.
“Thanks Doc,” he muttered, taking the prescription and walking out.
Colleen raced into the house when they got home from the hospital and hugged her mother.
“What’s going on?” Beth asked, glancing at Dominick. He grinned.
“She can ride again,” he said happily, but she could see in his eyes that there was more to the story.
“Isn’t that great Mommy? Can I go ride now?” she asked.
“Go get Mischief saddled,” he said. “We’ll be right down.”
“What did Dr. O’Hanlon say?” Beth demanded. Dominick sighed and his smile disappeared.
“She can ride for half an hour every other day… no jumping or strenuous flat work.”
“So she can’t do anything fun?” she asked incredulously.
“Basically. Right now she doesn’t care about that. She’s just happy she can be back in the saddle. She’ll care this summer when Seneca is doing shows though.”
“She could show in junior flat classes. They aren’t strenuous,” Beth said.
“I know. Let’s get down to the barn. Mischief is probably saddled and ready to go.”
A week later Colleen posted to Mischief’s trot, smiling as they moved along. Her parents weren’t there, but she was keeping a close eye on the clock. When she glanced at her watch she sighed; she only had five more minutes.
“Come on Mischief, let’s do those cavaletties,” she said. She eased him to a walk and then went over them. After two times she asked him for a trot. They moved over them with ease and she smiled.
“Colleen!” a voice exclaimed. Colleen pulled up and turned in her saddle. Her parents were standing at the wall, both staring at her incredulously.
“Hi guys. Was my form alright?” she asked.
“Yes. How long have you been riding?” her father asked. Colleen looked at her watch.
“I have two more minutes. I started at one thirty, so can I finish?” she asked.
“Why don’t you show us your canter? You said you weren’t doing too well with it,” Beth said. Colleen nodded and moved forward, asking Mischief for a trot. Soon they were cantering, Colleen keeping good contact with her saddle. Beth glanced at Dominick and he smiled sadly. Suddenly Colleen pulled up.
“Time’s up,” she said, letting Mischief walk to cool down. After a few moments she halted and dismounted.
“You’re being very good about riding for your time limit honey,” Beth said. Colleen looked up at her seriously.
“If I don’t do what Dr. O’Hanlon says, I won’t be able to ride at all. Someday I’ll go to the Olympics, just like you did. I can’t do it if I hurt my elbow again.”
“Well I’m proud of you. Daddy and I will be up at the house.” Colleen nodded and led Mischief to his stall.
“I hope she’s able to move past that,” Dominick said, wrapping his arm around her waist.
“It kills me to see her so hopeful about it Dom. If she can’t do it she will be devastated.” He nodded and they walked from the arena.
Two years passed, and to everyone’s surprise Colleen’s elbow continued to get better. One summer day she led Power Play outside. She put him in crossties and began to hose him down.
“Colleen could you please do me a favor?” her Grandma Fute called. Colleen turned.
“What is it Gram?” she asked. Jess smiled, shielding her eyes from the sun.
“When you’re done with him, bring Powerhouse and Jester in.” Colleen nodded, turning off the hose. Power Play snorted and shook, spraying water everywhere. Colleen sputtered, glaring at the stallion.
“I should have you gelded,” she muttered. He looked at her, seeming to glare back. She grinned and began to run the sweat scraper over his glossy grey coat. When he was mostly dry she put a light sheet over him and led him back to his stall. On her way back outside she got two halters and leads, and then went to the paddock. Powerhouse was a two year old, sired by Power Play. Jester was two also, sired by another horse named Phantom. She brought them both in at the same time. “Cool it Jester,” she warned the prancing colt. He was black, but one side of his face was pure white. She put them each in their stalls, then went to get Crown Jewel. The animal was six. And had started racing as a four year old filly. She had won the triple crown a year before, and was still winning big for the farm.
“Colleen who are you working on now?” her grandfather called.
“Jewel!” she replied. She led the mare into the aisle and put her in crossties. She repeated what she had done with Power House, then brought her inside.
“All done?” Jason asked as he came out of the office. She nodded and smiled up at him. At eleven she was petit, her long hair hanging to the middle of her back.
“Yup. Need anything else?” she asked.
“Will you take Majesty out and work him for me? You’ve been on the oval with him plenty of times.” She nodded.
“Sure, I’ll get him ready,” she replied, hurrying off. Jason smiled, glad she was able to ride again.
Beth watched her daughter urge Power Play around the oval. The stallion was trying to take the bit, but Colleen was holding him tightly. Seneca, now nine, rode up to the fence on his horse Jumping Jack Flash.
“Is that Leen?” he asked, still calling her by his nickname for her. Beth nodded and watched as the horse and rider sped up. They had reached the quarter mile marker, and Colleen was breezing him.
“Yup. She’s been working hard at this.”
“She’s really good isn’t she?” he questioned. Beth nodded again, watching as Colleen stood in her stirrups to pull up. She came out, smiling happily.
“How’d we do?” she asked. Beth smiled and patter Power Play on the neck.
“Pretty good, very nice fractions. Go take care of him and then get up to the house. You have a birthday party to get ready for.” Colleen smiled. It was her twelfth birthday. Several of her friends were coming for a sleepover.
“Alright. Is Daddy going to be home in time?” Beth nodded.
“Yup. Go on, we’ve got a lot to do before six o’clock rolls around.” Colleen nodded and rode Power Play toward the barn.
Colleen stared out the window, wondering where her father could possibly be. It was almost seven o’clock and the party was in full swing.
“He’ll get here Leen,” Seneca assured her. She nodded and gave a deep sigh.
“I guess you’re right Sen. Come on, let’s tell Mom it’s time for cake.” They went into the kitchen and soon everyone was singing happy birthday. Suddenly the door burst open and Dominick walked in.
“Hey Colleen I have two big surprises for you,” he said with a smile. Colleen stood and stared at her father curiously.
“What are they?” she asked. He stepped aside, and Colleen’s jaw dropped. Her friend Chris walked in and smiled at her.
“Oh my god!” she exclaimed, racing to his side and hugging him tightly. He hugged her back.
“Long time no see,” he said. She laughed and hugged him tighter.
“I missed you s much,” she said quietly. He smiled.
“I missed you too. Is there any cake left?” he asked. She laughed and nodded.
“Yeah, come on,” she said, taking his hand and leading him to the table. “Hey everyone this is my friend Chris from Nevada. Chris this is everyone. Abby keep your hands off the presents!” she exclaimed. Abby turned and flashed a very six year old grin.
“Sorry Leen,” she replied. Colleen smiled and glanced at Chris.
“Wait a minute, where’s my other surprise?” she demanded. Dominick laughed.
“I didn’t think you’d forget it forever. Come on, follow me everyone.” They all went outside, gasping when they saw what was in the driveway. Colleen stared at the horse with big eyes.
“Oh my,” Beth muttered, staring at the horse too. The animal was over fifteen hands tall, jet black, and had the most perfect conformation Beth had ever seen. Colleen walked up to the horse slowly and put a hand on his shoulder.
“Hey big guy how’s it going?” she murmured, stroking his cheek. “What’s his name Daddy?”
“That’s up to you,” he answered. She smiled and thought for a long time.
“I think I’ll call him Raven,” she said. Dominick glanced at Beth and winked.
“Why don’t you take him to the barn, then you can open all your other presents.” Colleen nodded, glancing at him.
“Give me a boost onto his back?” Everyone laughed, watching as she was given a leg up. She trotted, and then urged her new horse into a canter. They watched as she rode off toward the barn.
Chris was scheduled to stay for two weeks. He and colleen walked down to the barn on the tenth day of his visit.
“So were you really surprised?” Chris asked. Colleen nodded, going into the barn.
“Yeah. I didn’t think you’d be able to come visit until we were a lot older. I was so happy to see you.” Chris nodded and followed her into Raven’s stall.
“Who should I ride today?” he asked. She shrugged.
“You could just ride Molly again,” she said. Molly was a sixteen hand bay more. She was fourteen and had been retired from racing for a long time.
“Ok, I like her,” he said.
“I’ll meet you out in the yard,” she said. He nodded and left the stall. Colleen finished up with Raven and led him outside. She and the horse had hit it off instantly. It was late in the afternoon and it had cooled down substantially. Chris appeared moments later and they both swung into their saddles.
“Where are we heading today?” Chris asked as they trotted up the lane. Colleen shrugged, posting to Raven’s smooth trot.
“How about the stream? We haven’t been there yet,” she said.
“Sounds good. Can we canter?” She nodded and asked Raven for a canter. They moved along and reached the stream rather quickly. They each dismounted and sat down on the bank of the stream.
“Isn’t it pretty here?” she asked. He nodded.
“Yeah. I’m only going to be here for four more days. That stinks,” he said. She nodded, glancing over at him quickly.
“Yeah it does. What should we do until you leave?”
“Are there any races coming up?” Colleen’s face brightened.
“Yeah! The Travers Stakes is running day after tomorrow. I can’t believe I forgot. I’m a groom for the horse we have running, so we’ll be able to be in the ring and everything,” she said excitedly. Chris nodded.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” he said. She nodded, splashing him with a little water. “That was pretty dumb,” he said.
“Why?” she demanded. He shrugged, splashing her.
“Because I splash back,” he said. Soon they were having a full blown water fight. Suddenly they were sitting in the stream, laughing hysterically.
Early that Sunday, the day Chris was supposed to leave, they rode out to the stream again. His flight wasn’t leaving until ten a.m. so they had plenty of time. Colleen dismounted.
“This sucks,” she said. He nodded, looking down at the water.
“Yup.” She smiled weakly, reaching over and taking his hand.
“So you’ll still write won’t you?” He nodded slowly, looking at her.
“Sure.” They stared at each other for a long time, and suddenly he leaned closer and kissed her. His lips barely touched hers, but she could feel her heart skip a beat. They both pulled back quickly, glancing at each other, then looking away.
“I guess we should get back. My Dad’s going to be waiting,” she rambled. Chris nodded.
“I guess you’re right. Let’s go,” he muttered. They both mounted and rode off in an uncomfortable silence.
Beth knocked on Colleen’s bedroom door the next morning. The girl hadn’t come down to help with morning feeding, and Beth was getting worried.
“Colleen?” she called. The door opened and Colleen let her in. Beth watched her carefully, wondering what was going on.
“Hey Mom, is something wrong?” she asked. Beth shrugged, sitting down on the edge of Colleen’s neatly made bed.
“I don’t know. You’ve been awfully quiet since Chris left yesterday. Do you just miss him?”
“I’m not sure… I’m just… I don’t know.”
“Colleen, what’s going on?” Colleen took a deep breath and sighed.
“Yesterday morning when we went on our ride we went to the stream. We were talking about how much it stinks that he had to leave. All of a sudden he leaned over and kissed me,” she muttered, not looking at her mother. Beth smiled.
“So you got your first kiss from a boy?” she asked. Colleen nodded, glancing up hesitantly.
“That isn’t bad is it?” she asked sheepishly. Beth laughed, putting an arm around Colleen’s shoulders.
“No, of course not. If you didn’t mind Chris kissing you, then there’s nothing wrong with it.”
“OK. You won’t tell Dad will you?” she asked.
“No. Your father hasn’t quite realized that you’re twelve, and not exactly a little girl anymore. This will be our secret.”
“Thanks Mom.”
“Anytime honey.” They sat in silence for a long time, but suddenly Colleen looked up at her.
“Mom do you think I’ll go to the Olympics someday?” she asked. Beth thought for a moment and then smiled.
“I think there’s a very good chance of it.”
