The Eventers Club

Chapter 35:

" Easy boy, you're okay... " I whispered as I kept my body firm, but not tense.

It was a struggle and probably didn't look as pretty as the rest of our test, but we had done it!

I slowed Hugo back down to a trot and changed leads across the arena. I couldn't keep the smile off my face. He was going to get so many carrots tonight!

Once we reached C I slowed him to a medium walk until we reached H, where I let the reins slide through my fingers so Hugo could have his head and move into a free walk. Hugo's free walk was his highlight in all of our tests, always earning 9s and 10s and when I looked back at old footage of it, I was always amazed by it. He put his head down low, almost touching the ground with his nose, but his walk maintained purpose and didn't get lazy like many other horses, who struggled with both their head and their impulsion during a free walk.

I gathered the reins before we reached B, where we moved back into a medium walk easily until we reached F.

I felt tears welling up in my eyes as we trotted at F over to A and down the centerline, halting and saluting the judges.

Cheers erupted from the crowd that had doubled since Hugo and I had entered the arena and I leaned down to kiss his sweaty neck.

" You did it, boy! " I giggled. " We did it! "

Hugo bobbed his head as he shook out his mane, walking calmly out of the arena as if this accomplishment had been no big deal. Such a modest boy...

" And that was a beautiful ride for Evelyn Holloway and her gelding King of Holloway! "

I dismounted and watched the judges eagerly. I was hoping for third place at the least...

" O.M.G! You are amazing! " Blair squealed as she pulled me into a hug. " That was the best dressage ever! "

I giggled. " Probably not the best, ever, but it was definitely me and Hugos best dressage to date "

" Hey! " Blair pulled away from me. " Evelyn Holloway doesn't have to be so modest all the time! Brag a little bit! "

I rolled my eyes teasingly. " What? Like say how I totally kicked everyone's butts and I'm the best rider here? " I teased. " We're barely through half of the riders competing. I'll brag when Hugo and I have won the whole event "

Blair giggled. " Fair enough! "

" Hey! "

I turned to see Jake walking over with Luna, who he had decided to ride in the final show instead of Titan. I was happy to see him on the mare again, but I knew that Titan was a great match for him and another nice horse for him to have.

Blair shot me a playful smirk. " Well...I better go see how Ash and Beauty are managing... " she replied not-so-casually as she backed away from us.

Jake and I laughed when she was gone.

" Congrats on your ride, that test was almost perfect "

I giggled. " Almost? "

He smirked. " Well, if you want my critique... "

I playfully punched his arm. " Don't you dare! Let me have my moment! "

He pretended to wince as he rubbed his arm. " Okay okay! " he laughed.

" Ladies and gentlemen, the score for Evelyn Holloway and King of Holloway are... "

Third place at the least.

" ...85.95%! They are currently in first place with a 5 point lead over Franklin and Harvey! "

I nearly screamed.

Jake's eyes widened. " Whoa! That's awesome! " he smirked. " But I think Luna and I can beat it... "

I stuck my tongue out at him. " Good luck! "

He suddenly pulled me into a hug!

I hesitated before hugging him back, feeling my face heat up and probably turn apple red.

We pulled away and awkwardly stayed quiet for a few minutes.

" Well... " He cleared his throat. " I better get her warmed up...we only have three riders before our test "

I held Luna as he mounted and the beautiful white mare and Hugo bumped noses. Hugo arched his neck and blew out a breath, while Luna seemed to bat her eyes at him and turn away mysteriously.

How were our horses better at flirting than Jake and I?

" Congrats again Eve " Jake spoke up.

I smiled and nodded. " Thanks, and good luck out there "

He returned the smile before he let Luna walk toward the warmup arena.

I turned after he was gone and immediately hugged Hugo. " We did it, boy! "

I wanted to celebrate, but I knew I couldn't get too comfortable, there were still a lot more riders to come, including Jake and Luna and Ash and Beauty.

However, if this summer has taught me anything, it was to live in the moment.

And I intended to live in this moment of being in first at Spruce Meadows during my first year competing Preliminary with my perfect horse for as long as I could.