Chapter 2: The Case of the Missing Stirrup
The sun had barely risen over Meadowbrook when Laura arrived at the stables, brimming with excitement for the day’s training session. She had a dressage test coming up and was determined to perfect her routine with Thunder. The morning air was crisp, and the birds chirped cheerfully, setting the perfect backdrop for a productive practice. Laura’s routine was as meticulous as ever. She brushed Thunder until his coat gleamed, checked his hooves, and carefully tacked him up. Everything was going smoothly until she threw her leg over the saddle and reached for her stirrups. Her right foot found its place easily, but her left foot dangled in mid-air, searching for a stirrup that wasn’t there. Confused, Laura dismounted and checked the saddle. Sure enough, the left stirrup was missing. She scratched her head, wondering where it could have gone. She was certain it had been there when she tacked up Thunder. After a few moments of puzzled contemplation, she began searching the stable, hoping to find the missing stirrup.
As Laura scoured the stable, Ben sauntered over, munching on an apple. “What’s up, Laura? You look like you’re searching for buried treasure,” he said, chuckling.
“It might as well be,” Laura replied with a sigh. “My left stirrup has vanished, and I have no idea where it could have gone.”
Ben’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Maybe Thunder’s decided he wants to go stirrupless today. You know, to keep things interesting.”
Laura couldn’t help but laugh. “If only it were that simple.”
Determined to solve the mystery, Laura expanded her search, looking under hay bales, in the tack room, and even in Thunder’s feed bucket, just in case he’d somehow managed to hide it there. But the stirrup was nowhere to be found. Just as she was about to give up, Laura noticed Thunder swishing his tail a bit too energetically. Her eyes widened as she realized what had happened. The stirrup had somehow gotten hooked onto Thunder’s tail, and he was now flaunting it like a prize. “Thunder, you cheeky boy!” Laura exclaimed, half-amused, half-exasperated. She reached out to unhook the stirrup, but Thunder, sensing a game, swished his tail harder, keeping the stirrup just out of reach.
Ben, watching from a distance, burst into laughter. “Looks like Thunder’s practicing his tail-flicking for a new dressage move!”
Laura tried to remain serious, but Ben’s laughter was infectious. She approached Thunder slowly, speaking softly to calm him down. “Easy, boy. Let’s get that stirrup back where it belongs.” Thunder, still in a playful mood, flicked his tail again, sending the stirrup flying into the air. It landed with a clang, startling a nearby chicken, which squawked indignantly and fluttered away. Ben doubled over with laughter, while Laura finally managed to retrieve the stirrup.
“Gotcha!” she said triumphantly, holding the stirrup aloft. Thunder looked at her with what could only be described as horsey amusement, as if he’d enjoyed their little game.
With the stirrup finally back in place, Laura remounted and resumed her training. Despite the delay, she couldn’t help but smile at the morning’s antics. Thunder had a way of turning even the most routine activities into an adventure. As she rode through her dressage routine, Laura felt a newfound sense of lightness. The case of the missing stirrup had reminded her that, in the world of horse eventing, it was important to take things in stride and find
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker