Chapter 5: The Cross-Country Comedy
The cross-country phase of the event was finally here, and the air was electric with excitement. Riders and horses buzzed with nervous energy, eager to tackle the challenging course that wound through the rolling hills and wooded trails of Meadowbrook. This was the heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled highlight of every eventer’s competition, and the Meadowbrook team was no exception.
Tom gathered Laura, Ben, and Emma for a final pep talk. "Remember, it's all about rhythm and balance. Trust your horses and keep your eyes up. You've got this."
As Tom demonstrated the ideal riding position, mimicking a galloping horse, he tripped over a stray log and landed face-first in the mud. The riders burst into laughter, and Tom, wiping mud from his face, grinned sheepishly. "And don’t do that," he added, to more giggles. First up was Laura and Thunder. Laura took a deep breath, gave Thunder a reassuring pat, and set off. The start was smooth, with Thunder showing a surprising level of focus. But midway through the course, a mischievous squirrel darted across their path, catching Thunder’s attention. The gelding swerved to follow the squirrel, veering off the marked trail and into the woods. Laura managed to regain control after a few frantic moments, guiding Thunder back on course, both of them now sporting a few extra twigs and leaves. Next, it was Emma’s turn with Bella. Determined to redeem themselves after the dressage debacle, Emma and Bella started strong. Bella’s elegant stride carried them smoothly over the first few jumps. But as they approached a water obstacle, Bella’s diva instincts kicked in. She skidded to a halt at the edge of the water, refusing to budge until Emma coaxed her with a mix of firm encouragement and gentle coaxing. Eventually, Bella leaped into the water, sending a spectacular splash that drenched Emma and elicited cheers from the spectators. Then came Ben and Duke. Ben, still riding high on the humour of the previous day, was determined to show that Duke could excel in cross-country too. They navigated the first part of the course without incident, but as they approached a challenging combination of logs and ditches, Duke decided it was time for a break. He slowed to a stop, much to Ben’s dismay, and began to munch on a particularly tasty patch of grass. “Come on, Duke! We’ve got a course to finish!” Ben pleaded, pulling on the reins. Duke, however, seemed quite content with his impromptu picnic. It took a few more seconds of cajoling before Duke finally resumed the course, clearing the jumps with his usual lazy but capable style. Finally, it was time for Tom and Sparkle. Despite her small size, Sparkle had the heart of a champion. Tom guided her through the course with precision, and Sparkle tackled each obstacle with determination. However, as they approached the final jump, Sparkle spotted something in the crowd that caught her attention—a small child holding a bright red balloon. The distraction caused Sparkle to hesitate just before the jump, and she cleared it with an awkward leap that had the crowd both gasping and laughing. As the riders gathered at the finish line, they shared stories and laughter about their cross-country adventures. Laura, still picking twigs out of her hair, couldn’t stop smiling. “I think Thunder and that squirrel have a new friendship,” she joked.
Emma, wringing out her soaked jacket, added, “Bella sure knows how to make a splash.”
Ben, patting Duke’s neck, grinned. “And Duke? Well, he knows how to enjoy the finer things in life, like a good patch of grass.”
Tom, despite Sparkle’s awkward jump, was beaming with pride. “You all did great out there. Cross-country is about more than just speed and precision—it’s about partnership and trust. And, of course, finding joy in the unexpected.” That evening, the team gathered around a bonfire, recounting their favourite moments from the day. They toasted to their horses, their camaraderie, and the laughter that had made the day unforgettable.
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