Sometimes I'm in a jam
I gotta make a plan
"Okay, Ghost. Please be good for me." Lexi whispered as she adjusted the stirrup on Ghost's saddle. Today, she was going to attempt to ride Ghost. Ghost flinched under Lexi's feather-light weight as she mounted, but, thankfully, did not try to run off.
Ben was holding Ghost's bridle, stroking the mare's cheek. He noticed Lexi's nerved look. "Relax, Lex. Being nervous will only make Ghost nervous, as well."
Lexi nodded as she gathered up the reins. This would be a test of all their hard work. One mistake could ruin the mare's only chance to be like all the other horses.
Ben led Ghost around the ring. Ghost sidestepped and pranced continuously, but did not try to run off.
After a few minutes, Ben stopped and looked at Lexi. "You think you're up to trying it by yourself?"
It might be crazy
I do it anyway
Lexi thought for a moment. Ghost was suprisingly calm. The worst she could do was toss her, which she had already experienced. She nodded. "Let's do this."
"Okay." Ben slowly let go of Ghost. Lexi lightly nudged Ghost forward. Ghost took off at a trot. Lexi held on tight. Ghost's pace quickened to a canter. Lexi took hold on the reins and brought Ghost to a halt. After standing there for a moment, Lexi again nudged her forward. This time Ghost only walked fast. Lexi stroked her neck, rewarding her for listening. Ghost liked this, and decided to do as Lexi asked.
Lexi brought her to a halt once more. She leaned forward and hugged her neck. "Good girl, Ghost." She slid out of the saddle, landing beside the snow-white mare. She turned to Ben and smiled. "We did it!"
"No, you did it. I helped." Ben corrected her.
"Great job, Lex!" A voice congratulated. Lexi turned around to see Ace sitting on the fence.
No way to know for sure
I'll figure out a cure
"Thanks, Ace." Lexi led Ghost past him and into the barn. Ace followed her
"So... do you want to go for a trail ride again?" Ace asked.
"Sure. Just give me a minute to untack Ghost and get Annie ready." Ace then disappeared to go tack up Thunder. While about half-way done, Lexi saw Tech, Rev, Duck and Slam wandering around. "Hey, guys! Ace and I are going for a ride. Wanna come?"
"Sure!" And they disappeared to get their horses ready.
I'm patching up the holes
But then it overflows
Tech found Cassidy in Phantom's stall, brushing her. "Hey, Cass. You wanna come for a ride?"
"No thanks, Tech. I think I'll give Phantom a little break today."
Tech looked at her worriedly. She seemed distracted. Maybe she didn't get enough sleep last night. "Okay." He shrugged.
If I'm not doing too well
Why be so hard on myself
A few minutes later, Lexi met Ace outside. "Ready?" He asked.
"Yep, we just have to wait for the others."
"The others?"
Nobody's perfect
I gotta work it
Again and again till I get it right
"Yes, I invited Tech, Rev, Duck and Slam to come with us. I hope you don't mind."
"Oh, not at all." Ace tried to hide his disappointment. He had been hoping to be alone, but he could always try again.
Nobody's perfect
You live and you learn it
Even if I mess it up sometimes
When Tech, Rev, Duck and Slam arrived, they headed down the trail to the lake. "Where's Cassidy and Rachelle?"
"Rachelle wasn't feeling too good today, so she decided to rest." Rev explained
"And Cassidy wanted to give Phantom a break." Tech explained.
Nobody's perfect
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sometimes I work a scheme
But then it flips on me
Cassidy walked into the tack room and grabbed Phantom's bridle and saddle. She quickly tacked the mare up and led her to the large ring outside. No one was in sight. It was lunch time, so everyone was in the cabin, eating. Except Ace, Lexi, Tech, Rev, Duck, and Slam, who were on a trail ride.
Doesn't work out how I plan
Gets stuck in quicksand
'Tech's right. I need to try. The only way I can try is to get Phantom to try with me.' Cassidy walked into the ring, but Phantom froze, terrified. "Come on, Phantom. You can do this." She faced the mare and stroked her head. Phantom hesitantly stepped into the ring. "Good girl."
No problem can't be solved
Once I get involved
Cassidy led Phantom around the ring several times before mounting. They just walked around the ring. After several minutes, Cassidy pointed Phantom at one of the small jumps and urged her forward.
I try to be delicate
Then crash right into it
Phantom trotted towards the jump, but, at the last minute, dug her heels into the ground, sending Cassidy flying over her head and over the jump. Cassidy landed with a large, 'THUMP" on her torso.
But my intentions are good
Sometimes just misunderstood
"Oww..." She winced as she stood up. She again mounted and pointed Phantom at another jump. Again, Phantom planted herself. But this time, Cassidy managed to stay on. Cassidy tried several more times, and was sent flying several more times.
Nobody's perfect
I gotta work it
Again and again till I get it right
Suddenly, Cassidy got an idea. What if Phantom saw someone jump, as well? Cassidy grabbed Phantom's reins and led her towards the smallest jump. She began to run, and then jumped over it. Phantom stopped again, her legs only a few inches away from the pole.
Nobody's perfect
You live and you learn it
Even if I mess it up sometimes
"Follow me, Phantom." Cassidy urged, beginning to walk away. Phantom hesitantly lifted her one leg up and over the jump. Cassidy automatically rewarded her. Phantom's courage was boosted, and her other three feet followed the first.
Nobody's perfect
I gotta work it
I know it's time I found a way
Cassidy led her over a couple more jumps. Phantom went over them quicker and quicker each time. Cassidy mounted her again and pointed her at a jump. Phantom hesitated only slightly before lifting herself and Cassidy over the jump. Cassidy brought her to a halt, dropped the reins, and hugged the mare's neck. "You did it, Phantom!" Phantom whinnied as if to say "thank you."
Nobody's perfect
You live and you learn it
Everybody makes mistakes
Nobody's perfect
(end chapter 15)