Disclaimer- nope, still don't own 7th Heaven…probably never will either…

                                                Second Annual Pine Grove horse show

                                                                    Rated A

     The sweet smell of hay, horses, and sweat mingled in the crisp spring air. Ruthie sighed with contentment as she walked down the long aisle to Archer's stall. The team was finally at one of the largest open shows in the tri-state area. And together, Ruthie was really quite confidant that the team would bring home a champion ribbon. They had gone to a few schooling shows after Clearbrook Hunter Stable. They had done relatively well. Laura brought back two third place ribbons in pleasure classes, Erica (much to Ruthie's disliking) brought home two blue ribbons and one red, earning her a champion ribbon for her division. Michelle fell off, getting her disqualified, but then earning a third in another division. As for Ruthie, she placed all second in her jumping division, earning her the right to take home a reserve champion ribbon. She reached the stall door, and swung it wide open, and walked in. Archer nickered softly, and moved towards her. Ruthie smiled. Nothing could get passed the nose of a horse. She held out her and, and unraveled her fingers to reveal the sugar cube. Archer launched at it, and quickly returned to her corner. Ruthie sighed and grabbed a brush and began to curry her sleek coat. Her first jumping class was going to start in a half hour, but Candice ordered all the girls to meet her on the course twenty minutes early so that they could practice. "We need to warm up, don't we girl?" She cooed, stroking her soft neck. Just then, some one called her name. "Ruthie! Ruuuuthie!"  It was Michelle. "Candice wants you and Archer out on the course right now. You'd better hurry up. The last division went quicker then planned!" With that, Michelle dashed back down the aisle. Ruthie attacked Archer with grooming equipment and tack, and they were soon on their way out the door. 

   "Are you sure this is even the right class?" Laura asked, a look of panic flashed across her face. Candice nodded. "I'm dead sure. We're right up after the pleasure classes. See?" she pointed to the class listings. "it says right here, Junior Hunter Division." She showed them, pointing to where it was. Ruthie sighed heavily. "Um…I'm not so sure we're ready for this course." The course in fact was quite difficult. There were two oxsers serving as the diagonal line, both about 3'6. The first outside line consisted of a green roll top around 3'3, followed by a simple looking vertical decked out with flowers. It also was around 3'3. The second outside line looked easy, but the wall was firm, causing problems if the horse's hoof hit it. The last jump was also a vertical, but had tires planted underneath them. They were both 3'6. As the team observed the course with unease, Candice began to pep talk them. "Come on guys, it's not that hard for you to do. We've done this height before, just at home. If you put your mind to it, and give your horse no choice but to go over, you've got it made. Now, let's get started! We don't have a lot of time before the class begins."

  Ruthie sat nervously in her saddle, awaiting her turn to ride. The person before her had knocked down a pole, awarding her a ten point penalty. As she watched her go over the last jump, Ruthie adjusted the reins in her sweaty palms. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest, and her throat was dry. She watched as the girl finished the course. She seemed displeased with herself. Candice patted Ruthie's leg, and told her to go ahead. "Ok, I can do this, I can do this." She told herself franticly as she directed Archer into the ring. The gate shut behind them, and Ruthie slowly signaled Archer to canter. The horse smoothly picked up the gate, which was as smooth as velvet. Ruthie rocked along with her horses beat, and picked out the first jump. The diagonal line. "Five, four, three, two, one..." she gave a gentle squeeze of her legs, and Archer launched into the air.  Ruthie arched her back, and placed her arms like a v on her neck. As soon as Archer landed, she was back in the saddle. The next jump was fast approaching. Again she counted the strides, this time she held Archer back a bit, and waited for her horse to jump. Another perfect jump. Ruthie smiled to herself as she looked at the next jump. Things were going well. But she spoke too soon. Archer suddenly veered off to the side of the jump, and turned back around wildly. Ruthie's face slammed into Archer's neck, then was snapped back as her horse hurtled around the course. Acting as quickly as she could, Ruthie yanked back the reins, and brought Archer back to a controlled trot. Her hopes shattered, she finished the course at a trot, and left the arena greatly embarrassed.

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      "You ok?" Michelle asked gently, giving Ruthie a supportive hug. Ruthie shrugged. "Yeah sure. It's not a big deal, I guess. This isn't the first time Archer's done something like this." She told her friend, taking a sip of her chocolate shake. They were sitting on the grass near their trailer, just getting back from getting some lunch. "True, but this is our first A rated show." Michelle reminded her. Ruthie made a face. "Ugh, don't remind me. We only have one more show left before the end of the season. Let's not forget Candice and Clover formed the team half way through the season. Not to mention the fact that we also spend a lot of time working at the barn to help pay for the expenses to do our shows. And I guess the fact that I haven't fallen off makes all the shying ok. I did pretty good with the last show we went to, right? So this whole thing isn't a complete bust." She said to Michelle, taking another sip of her milk shake. Michelle nodded. "Right." The girls stayed silent for a while, taking in the sights and sounds of the big time shows. This was one of those once in a life time things. Only, the San Francisco National Horse Finals was also A rated. But the girls didn't care. They were there, and they never wanted to leave. 

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   Most defiantly my longest chapter. The next one will be my last, unless I somehow come up with more interesting ideas for Ruthie and Archer. If you liked this story, then have no fear, I have a sequel stirring in my head! Now, go review!