Disclaimer – I don't own any of the 7th Heaven characters. Only the ones you've never heard of. Finally! Another chapter is up. Sorry it took me so long to write, but I had tons of homework to do, including going to the barn. So, here it is!
It's not that Archer was ugly; in fact, the Dutch Warmblood blood bay mare was really quite attractive. It was her attitude that made Ruthie unsure. She was hot-headed, flighty, and fast. Not the kind of show horse Ruthie dreamed of. She had only ridden her once, and that one time was enough for her! She had been jumping simple cross rails. Her legs were bent, her eyes looking foreword, and her hands following her head. They were fast approaching the jump, and out of nowhere, the mare decided that her shadow was a very scary thing. She let out a piercing screech, and launched into a gallop. Ruthie had been thrown out of the saddle, and landed painfully on the ground. Just the thought of another repeat made Ruthie shudder. She quickened her pace a bit as the barn loomed in front of her. She wanted to have Archer ready before all the others so she could calm her down without any crowding if she was acting foolish.
It was now 3:45 and try-outs were just beginning. Clover was standing in the middle of the circle of horses. She was beaming with pride as she looked around at the kids all sitting nervously in the saddle. Ruthie swallowed hard as she glanced around at her fellow classmates. They all looked so calm! She thought fretfully to herself. Beneath her, Archer shifted her weight uneasily and tossed her head. Ruthie's heart gave a little flutter as she reached down to stroke Archer's neck as an attempt to calm her down. It did no good. Ruthie sighed quietly, and instructed her attention to Clover, who was starting to speak. "Ok, I have some announcements for all of you before we begin the first day of try-outs! As you all hopefully know, there will be only two days of try-outs. The fist day, today, will consist of flat work and basic horsemanship. The second day will be focused more on jumping and showmanship."
Ruthie nodded to herself. I can do this. She thought, her confidence suddenly waking. She absentmindedly fiddled with Archer's silky black mane. Clover continued. "It has also come to my attention, thanks to Candice, that we do in fact have enough money and room for one more person, making a competing team of four." There were relived looks flashing all over the circle, and Clover smiled. "Now. There's just one more thing I must set straight before we get started, and that's this. You must understand that this will not be very easy. I will judge you very harshly on the flat, and I intend to make every little mistake count. This is how Candice will be judging you on your jumping as well. We must do this only because of the very limited spacing. Also because I, and I'm sure you, want to win some shows, and move up the rated ladder. With that all said, lets get started!" she exclaimed, her eyes glinting. Ruthie's stomach felt a tad queasy, and her palms were clammy. They were being much tougher then she expected! But when she caught a smug glance from Ericka, the spark of determination grew into a blazing fire.
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Well, that's it for now! Don't worry, the next chapter will follow bother her try-outs. It should be much more interesting then this one, I promise. If I put it on this one, it would be like, three pages long! Bye!
-Camouflaged
