by Erika
(Coaldale, Alberta, Canada)
"Nikki, can you line up the horses in alphabetical order?" Rachel asks me and I jump to obey. While the rest of the group chats and Rachel answers questions, I line up the horses.
First there is Ace, Adam and Annabel. Next is Bella, a pretty bay, and then Cookie. Dancer and Dodger are next, with Ellie and Frodo falling after. Graham and Heath, then Indigo, Jazz, Katonah, Lucy Maude & Mountain Boy, Noel, Oscar, Princess, Renegade, Sierra, Two-Two & Vienna.
For the most part all of the 23 horses are quiet and well-behaved, but Renegade lives up to his name I discover as he aims a kick at me. Vienna is a little skittish but I see the pretty gray mare is just nervous with all the people.
"Thanks Nikki!" Rachel says and she hands out lots of little note card things to everyone. Mine says:
NIKKI TOWERS
ADVANCED
14
RENEGADE
My heart sinks. Renegade? Rachel must have seen the look on my face.
"Hey, don't worry Nikki," she says kindly. "He isn't as bad as he seems-I bet you'll love him!"
"I bet I will-not!" I mutter when Rachel is out of earshot.
My phone buzzes. Jules!
Nikki98: Hey! What's up?
Julia: Nothing much. Just seeing whatcha doing;)
Nikki98: Oh just getting ready to trail ride-here's a pic!
I snap a photo as Renegade tries to kick Oscar.
Julia: Cool! But doesn't that mare-horse look a little dangerous?
I laugh. Jules doesn't know ANYTHING about horses, but I love her anyways.
Nikki98: Oh, that's Renegade. He's a little testy-and guess who gets to ride him!?
Julia: Oops. I better study up on my horse terms;) U have 2 ride him?/
Nikki98: Yup. Oh well it should go okay--I hope! gtg, Rachel`s looking @ me.
I slip my phone into my pocket and hurry away toward Renegade. I hold onto his halter and slip him a polo mint.
'Buddy, you bettah beha-ave" I fake drawl and blush when I notice a girl beside me looks at me weirdly.
"Hey, it works!" I laugh as Renegade perks his ears little and calms down. I slip his halter off and take the bride Rachel hands to me. I bridle him with only a quick nip to my hands. I saddle him up and swing up onto him.
"Mariela, can you lead us on Frodo?" Rachel asks, but I notice that she stays extra close to Frodo on her horse Cowboy.
"All right girls!" Rachel says excitedly. "Get ready for the best trail ride of your life!"
***
NEXT CHAPTER COMING SOON!!