Jr Clique!

[spaz]

LTF that is...not you ErinB.


/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[ErinB]

LTF what's wrong? You know we're only playin'...

FLP snatched Matt away from me too, after Spaz claimed him for me and everything!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif But heck I will forgive her, someday. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

~Erin Lizzy
Visit my Website (http://www.virtue.nu/sugabebe/)!

[spaz]

Oooh FLP that's a goooood movie! I'm getting my hair cut like Kate Hudsen n the movie (I have curly hair ) /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Kellybird]

Aw, Er-bear, don't get discouraged. maybe just take a no-riding vacation at home. Just let your ponies chill for a while, no showing, no riding--maybe trails or something but no heavy 'training' type work. You can build jumps, just have fun and don't stress about all the little stuff. We're gonna rule the A/O's, so relax about qualifiying for Devon as a junior, LoL. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I swear, we WILL get Uncle Bill to take us out to buy us each a new double-wide...I want a whirlpool tub in mine! hahaha

And to whoever is wondering what is so great about Becca--shh! You'll bruise her delicate ego. Then the elders would really get on your case. Plus, we love Bec--she brings some dignity and sense to our crazy clique. And she is nearly as obsessed with Armani suits /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif on guys as I am <can you say Ben Affleck!>. Heeheeheehee
/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

KBird...reiner-in of the JR Clique. It's a thankless job. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[spaz]

I'm watching Survivor LOL.

"The tribe has spoken"

I really wanted Alecia to win, but she got kicked off! I'm so glad they kicked that Gerry b*tch off!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif But the person I wanted to win just got kicked off /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif Oh well.

I'm so caught up in the media. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Steve]

Me to Spaz, she is from so close to me

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[matt3443]

spaz, me too! Elizabeth was hot:(! im going to be in a foul mood for the rest of the night now. LOL, wow, i love this whole 'reality TV' thing way too much; its not healthy. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[matt3443]

steve - newton right? i shouldn't know that -- i could stalk this girl if i wanted

[JumpTheMoon]

I was in a good mood but not anymore (thanks to you guys). /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif I've had "Friends Forever" by Vitamin C playing on repeat for the past half an hour. It's so sweet it makes me want to cry. It's such a nice (unlike you guys!) song! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

~Munchkin I am sorry you are so wrinkly and old...Jr. Clique power for ever!! Sluggs you are the best!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ~

[spaz]

What do y'all think of this horse? Sorry, there is only one pic:

http://205.163.41.2/scripts/hrsdetl.exe?978911543&0

Just from first impressions...I don't know why I'm looking now, I won't be getting a horse until like September, and I'll probably get a horse from my trainer, but this one looks perfect for what I want!

[Steve]

yep, she goes to bc i think too. there is a person from Newton on Who Wants to Be A Millionaire too

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[spaz]

Do y'all know each other? Where's Newton? I'm so confused /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

[Steve]

wow, the 100th page is comming soon, only 11 more to go

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[spaz]

Somebody hit me. I'm bored.

[Steve]

no, we both live in Massachusetts, Newton is a town there

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[spaz]

Ooooh I get it.

I wanna move to Massachusetes (I CAN'T SPELL! Oh well...hey that ryhmes) All the guy riders live up there. We have cowboys though /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif They wear tight pants /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Steve]

good job spaz

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[JumpTheMoon]

Steve who has called you?

~Munchkin I am sorry you are so wrinkly and old...Jr. Clique power for ever!! Sluggs you are the best!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ~

[spaz]

Hehe thanks Steve. I like you. You're a good guy. Keep up the good work /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Who here likes Pastaroni??? I do...when I can make it. I swear I can burn water LOL.

[spaz]

I'm still bored and yet nobody has hit me...

[ErinB]

Spaz- *smacksmacksmack*

Better? /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

~Erin Lizzy
Visit my Website (http://www.virtue.nu/sugabebe/)!

[JumpTheMoon]

*slaps spaz across the face* whew that feels good!

~Munchkin I am sorry you are so wrinkly and old...Jr. Clique power for ever!! Sluggs you are the best!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ~

[Steve]

people, i have talked to kels and marion aon aim, and they are gonna call me soon, so its all good, and other people that i used to talk to but now i don't

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[Steve]

LTF, how much money did you get from colins policy?

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[ErinB]

Thanks Kellybird. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif We WILL rule the A/O's... and hey, if we become pros we could beat Georgina Bloomberg! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif Hey do you think Uncle Bill could get me one with one of those cool beds that folds down from the wall??

Spaz- Wow that horse is impressive! So you're getting a new horse? Did you mention that like wayyyyy long ago and I should know but I don't? Well I wouldn't be surprised. Anyway, very very cute!

~Erin Lizzy
Visit my Website (http://www.virtue.nu/sugabebe/)!

[spaz]

Ouch.

Mentally and physically /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[spaz]

Where is everyone??? This is usually the "prime time" for adding senseless posts...

OK I'm off to my room. Adios.

When I get back I expect to be to page 99. I want to be here for 100 /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[JumpTheMoon]

Colin...I have no comment on Colin, thank you.

~Munchkin I am sorry you are so wrinkly and old...Jr. Clique power for ever!! Sluggs you are the best!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ~

[JumpTheMoon]

Should I download AIM? Where do I get it from?

~Munchkin I am sorry you are so wrinkly and old...Jr. Clique power for ever!! Sluggs you are the best!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ~

[Steve]

Erin and her future, we all gotta get on her good side now

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[Steve]

go to www.aim.com (http://www.aim.com)

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[ErinB]

I'm here. And I think you can get AIM from www.aim.com (http://www.aim.com) or www.aol.com (http://www.aol.com), maybe aim.aol.com?

~Erin Lizzy
Visit my Website (http://www.virtue.nu/sugabebe/)!

[JumpTheMoon]

You guys are boring. Back to my old peoples clique.

~Munchkin I am sorry you are so wrinkly and old...Jr. Clique power for ever!! Sluggs you are the best!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ~

[JumpTheMoon]

AIM and AOL are the same thing?

~Munchkin I am sorry you are so wrinkly and old...Jr. Clique power for ever!! Sluggs you are the best!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ~

[Steve]

2 pages in a row

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[Steve]

yeah they are, aim is just the direct site, you can get to it at aol.com too

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[JumpTheMoon]

Ok all of the names i want are taken

~Munchkin I am sorry you are so wrinkly and old...Jr. Clique power for ever!! Sluggs you are the best!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ~

[Steve]

LTF, they are all asleep. it is past there bed time

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[JumpTheMoon]

Ok i am FrostPrincess06

~Munchkin I am sorry you are so wrinkly and old...Jr. Clique power for ever!! Sluggs you are the best!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ~

[JumpTheMoon]

What page were all the screen names on?

~Munchkin I am sorry you are so wrinkly and old...Jr. Clique power for ever!! Sluggs you are the best!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ~

[Steve]

i am gonna go for now, i will probally be on later, bye

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[Raincloud]

Hey...whats up...this thread is slowing down I thought I would get back from drivers ed and have to read like 10 pages but I only had to read like 2 /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif
"You gotta LUV me"
~EM
Scary thought...I will be driven on the roads in 4 days /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[GoosyBabe2]

K, I'm back!
Stupid concert...It kinda sucked! & "we sounded like dead cats"
lol
Ryan and I now have 75 little ones /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
We're catching up! LTF I think you might need to be on probation......Talking about us to the "old people clique"?? One day probation(thats equal to about 10 pages) /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Ryan~ It's all purple! The feminine or gay color...Take your pick /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

I'm gonna see what replys come up, I need posting ideas....

ttyl playaz
/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif
kris
"If confusion is the first step to knowledge, I must be a genius."

[JumpTheMoon]

I already served my sentence so /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif Go have some children!

~Munchkin I am sorry you are so wrinkly and old...Jr. Clique power for ever!! Sluggs you are the best!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ~

[FatLilPony]

Almost Famous was SO good guys! well g-night-I don't *think* we're gonna get to pg 100 tonight..poo ;(

Matt- I know I've never met you...but I've never been more in love....

[spaz]

Let's get page 100 tomorrow.

OK I have no idea on the bridle thing. I'm thinking the Showmark...does anyone have one? What about those Curcuit ones?

[GoosyBabe2]

We gotta make 100 tonight, I HAVE to be here for it! Why'd I get stuck on the east coast...Time goes faster here!
~Correction~ Our *75* dead sexy children!!

ttyl playaz
/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif
kris
"If confusion is the first step to knowledge, I must be a genius."

[Steve]

lol ya'll

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[spaz]

Good night!

[Raincloud]

...like everyone decided to go to bed early tonight /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif
Spaz..what bridle thing were you talkin about?!!?
"You gotta LUV me"
~EM

[Blue Devil]

I think the exhaustion of staying up 'till 2 am for this thread has finally kicked in, and everyone decided to SLEEP! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

**~~Emily~~** proud member of the junior clique!

[Raincloud]

I'm not the only one out here...Kinda funny it's both the EM's that are still up /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
"You gotta LUV me"
~EM

[Raincloud]

Well...This EM(1 or 2) is gonna go do homework cause my sister wants the computer so I have decided to be a nice sister and give it to her.
"You gotta LUV me"
~EM

[Lisi]

ok, it is time for lisi to go to bed. i will post more tomorrow, i have been busy doing my homework all night long. by tomorrow you all better be at pg.100.

nighty-night!

[ErinB]

GOOD MORNING!!!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

~Erin Lizzy
Visit my Website (http://www.virtue.nu/sugabebe/)!

[wadino]

Last night Kris and I baby making was a success. We now have 125 dead sexy children. They will soon be sold to Old Salem Farm, Don Stewart Stables, and to a plantation in Georgia to be grooms/slaves.

Ned and Stacey is on. This show rocks.

Krista it is my feminie side coming out. LOL It did this before and then went back to normal. Weird scanner. Oh well. HMMMMMMMMMMM

My lesson was awesome. I got to jump the show jumps which are awesome. I got to do courses too. Ummmmmm yeah I am going to go eat some food. Bye.....

Ryan

[Islander]

Hey all, Just moving this up! It was all the way at the bottom of the page /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif Only 9 pages to go till our goal /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif What is everyone doing this weekend?
~Lauren

[wadino]

This weekend I am doing NADA!!!! LOL sound exciting huh? My mom's coming home at 2:30 so hopefully we will go grocery shopping so i can get some food. me and my little cousin will prolly go to the fun fort so i can act like a little kid. LOL

Lauren post the pics of Keds!!! Everyone deserves to see him. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Ryan

[JumpTheMoon]

SEMI FORMAL TONIGHT!!!!! So I can't help ya make it to 100, sorry guys. But good luck!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif And then tomorrow i'm sleeping and riding and sunday I have to work and then I have choir! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif And somewhere in there I have to find time to do hmwk LOL. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

~Munchkin I am sorry you are so wrinkly and old...Jr. Clique power for ever!! Sluggs you are the best!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ~

[Steve]

I am going out to night to a party, saturday i am going to the barn, and sunday i am doing nothing except i think we are having dinner guests

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[ErinB]

This weekend we're going up to north Florida and canoeing and then going to this 4 star restaraunt for my dad's birthday. Well I'm not going canoeing, I'll be staying with one of my friends from my old school that I haven't seen in a year (I WAS going to ride FLP's horse in the eq at a horse show, but my peoples said no. /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif ).

~Erin Lizzy
Visit my Website (http://www.virtue.nu/sugabebe/)!

[spaz]

Eggrolls taste really nasty naked. (The eggrolls, not me /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif )

I'm riding today so I can't do anything, and then I think I am seeing a movie tomorrow.

The bridle thing: My bridle broke and I need a new one /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Lisi]

mi fin de semana: tonight my horsey friends (sad, there are only 2; our barn is low on juniors my age) are coming over to eat pizza, watch wallace & gromit, and play mariokart on our nintendo. saturday i will probably be forced into going on a hike with my dad and my friend's family. i hate hiking. last hike he made me go on was me and 3 of his friends, 14 miles in the rain, in four hours. we were practically running. and most of it was on this ledge with a cable to hang onto with a 100 foot dropoff on one side. miserable! on sunday i will be writing a health speech, doing my history project and a history essay.

[matt3443]

finally!! It's friday! I don't know about anyone else, but i really needed a weekend.
aww man! i just got back from my lesson - my horse was a complete @��, so i had to work him down for about an hour and a half... with out stirrups! needless to say I'm in a pretty crippled state here...;) no fri night partyin for matt.

[Lisi]

no stirrups, aah, i sympathize w/ you. i had two longe line lessons on tuesday and wednesday, one was 45 min and one was 30, all without stirrups. for my first 2 days back riding. owww. and i have one today. but i bet its worse when you have to deal with your horse too.

[matt3443]

i had a trainer who enjoyed lunge lessons... i feel your pain. ya he was bein a real 'tard, the trainer doubled up my curb rein and he was still flying, lol

[Lisi]

where IS everybody?! probably all avoiding me

[Kellybird]

Oh my.....why are your CHILDREN so dead sexy....isn't that incest? /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

ErinB--Devon and Harrisburg are mine in the A/Os...you can have the Florida shows...but all the Cali, VA, Catskills, Vermont, Hampton......etc., and the Garden are fair game. Bring it! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif This will be QUITE the battle. Then we'll take all of our junior and elder BB friends to Mosby's afterwards to celebrate our victories. And yes you can have a Murphy's bed--that's what the pull-downs are really called. I am a fountain of knowledge. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Lisi--I love Wallace and Gromit /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
Ciao, ya'll....

KBird...reiner-in of the JR Clique. It's a thankless job. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[ErinB]

Kellybird- We will have so many ribbons after all of that that we could make every BB'er a ribbon quilt, too! Hopefully all the blue, red, and yellow will coordinate with their color schemes. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
And those beds have actual names? /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif Where do you get this information?! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

~Erin Lizzy
Visit my Website (http://www.virtue.nu/sugabebe/)!

[Me 'N Pi aka Phashion Phorward]

This is my weekend in nutshell:

Friday: Be in a play [The Keep], go out to hang with muh drama buddies

Saturday: Ride the Pirate!! Lesson. Go pick out tux for prom date. Be In Play Again!!![The Keep]

Sunday Riding Pirate again!!! Yay!!!

[Me 'N Pi aka Phashion Phorward]

What I get on after 3 days and everyone leaves?

I did the 1000 Jr Clique Post~!~

[JILLO626]

Is it okay if if a become a member of the Jr. Clique? I havent been on the board for about a week and there is like 90 pages. Well i am very excited my prom is tomorrow and i am going to St.Clements on Sunday. So to say it in short i am so much stuff to do this weekend!

~Jill

[Me 'N Pi aka Phashion Phorward]

Yepp you can be a member. You need to fill out your new member present request.

Horse or Pony:
Height:
Sex:
Age:
Color:
Markings:
Personality:
Ability/Talent/Skills:

Tack Brands
Saddle:
Bridle:
Girth:
Martingal/Breastplate:
Boots:

Show Apparel
*Please note color, brand, & size*
Jacket 1:
Jacket 2:
Jacket 3:
Jacket 4:
Shirt 1:
Shirt 2:
Shirt 3:
Shirt 4:
Breeches 1:
Breeches 2:
Breeches 3:
Breeches 4:
Boots:
Gloves:
Helmet:
Hairnet/Bows&Braids:

Blanket/Sheet Sizes:
Cooler/Scrim Sizes:
*Complementary set of brushes, brush box, and large show trunk included

I did the 1000 Jr Clique Post~!~

[ErinB]

We spoil you ROTTEN in this clique! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif But you can't ever leave us or your big ol' gift basket gets taken back and delivered to needy children in Bolivia.

~Erin Lizzy
Visit my Website (http://www.virtue.nu/sugabebe/)!

[and dreaming]

Geez, Pi! Why didn't I get my membership form thingie? GRR this is bothering me so badly, does anyone have AOL? The navigation bar thing at the top keeps kicking out on me so its basically frozen and I have to right-click and select back every time I wanna go back, and I can't get to any new pages unless I either get a link from somewhere, or get off, then back on. I hate aaaaoooooooooooooollllllllllllllllllllllll :P

So whats everyone up to this weekend? Showing? I'm not- I might go spectate though, I just sold my mare and she's showing with a little beginner this weekend - how cute!!

* Emily *
"Somewhere, someone wants me crazy"

[FatLilPony]

Mi n Pi-are you straight? Pirate's such a cool name! whoo hoo! what's his show name?

Matt- I know I've never met you...but I've never been more in love....

[and dreaming]

on my way home from school. My mom and I were going home, and I saw this Chrysler convertible (or something) with the licence plate HIPPIE69, I saw it and just sat there thinking "oh god please don't let mom see that" but then of course we got stopped behind it at the light. She reads it, and is like "Hmm, that's original" while I'm sitting there thinking "please dont know what that means please please please" and just sort of nodding my head in agreement..nod and agree, nod and agree /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

* Emily *
"Somewhere, someone wants me crazy"

[FatLilPony]

em! omg...my mom would laugh histericlly-my dad on the other hand would've run of the road and covered my eyes! hehe

Matt- I know I've never met you...but I've never been more in love....

[FatLilPony]

anyone there dears?

Poop a Loop...

[FatLilPony]

okeys...no one lives here...okeys...

Poop a Loop...

[matt3443]

i here

[FatLilPony]

ohh! matt hey! How are the 20 children doin..?

Poop a Loop...

[Kellybird]

I saw a good plate the other day....

"STAY BACK"

I was quite amused--and the person behind it was following the instruction. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[palindrome]

I'm here...

Keep posting, everyone - only 8 more pages until we hit 100! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[spaz]

I saw a plate yesterday that was SPZ-??? I thought it was SOOOO cool LOL!

I got to ride the cutest horse today! Seriously, he has a big white blaze and 2 socks...16.1...4 years old. I just need him to hang around till I sell my horse LOL. I only trotted him around like twice so my trainer could see how he moved though /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

I'm going to a show tomorrow! It's a schooling show, but oh well, a show is a show! I got a new shirt from one of Langshaw's friends...it's purple /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif And my horse is clean, and my tack is clean, and my boots are clean. This is so amazing, my first show since like, October!

[ErinB]

Good luck at your show Spaz!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Well I'm off to bed, I have to be up at 5:30 tomorrow to go stay with my friend and go to my dad's birthday thing, and I won't be back until Sunday evening! /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif Don't add too many pages without me!

<3 y'all [hehe)

~Erin Lizzy
Visit my Website (http://www.virtue.nu/sugabebe/)!

[Steve]

hahahaha erin b you aer going to miss the 100th page, it is going to happen on saturday pm

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[Kellybird]

Aw ErBear...you'll miss the celebrated 100th page /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

But have fun with your friend /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

KBird...reiner-in of the JR Clique. It's a thankless job. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Islander]

Yawn. I'm not doing anything too exciting this weeked. Tomarrow I'm doing the March Of Dimes with my school's FBLA and FCLA and then probably going to buy a new laptop!! Woohoo ok, that is exciting. Then sunday I'll ride Keds and possibly go to the senior campout. That could be scary...I might not go. Then monday is senior ditch day 2001!! Yeah!! I don't know what I'm doing yet....
Ideas anyone? I'm thinking Six Flags Elich Gardens, since I haven't been there in forever and I should go before I leave civilization!
~Lauren

P.S.
Ryan~ I don't know how to post pics or else I would post them! I'm going to make a webpage soon (and by soon, I mean with in the next 3 months...) and I'll put the link up! That will have pics of all my horses on it /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Lisi]

ugh. i ate way too much pepperoni-sausage-mushroom pizza. my horsie is going to a show next week. its the first big a show in oregon this year. my horsie is doing the pre-greens with my trainer. its his first show, ever. i would go watch but its 1 1/2 hours away on wed and thurs afternoon and i'm not allowed to skip school. my friend was going to show this pony for some people but then they decided they didn't want to pay for the pony to go, so we're not staying the weekend.

[Me 'N Pi aka Phashion Phorward]

Yes I am straight. I am a straight 16 yr old FEMALE. YAY for me!!

I did the 1000 Jr Clique Post~!~

[JILLO626]

Horse or Pony:Edison (Arnie)
Height: 17 hands
Sex: Gelding
Age: 5
Color: dark bay
Markings:only a few white hairs on his forehead
Personality: sweet,quiet, can be a dork sometimes
Ability/Talent/Skills: he is really athletics, has great strides, he just lopes around his courses with his huge srtide

Tack Brands
Saddle:Tad Coffin
Bridle: Pessoa
Girth: Beval
Martingal/Breastplate: Pessoa
Boots: (I am asuming you mean horse ones)Hadfield open fronts and Eskadrons

Show Apparel
*Please note color, brand, & size*
Jacket 1: I only have 1 jacket but I am getting 2 more at the show this week. It is navy blue GrandPrix (boring I know)
Shirts:I have a ton of shirts. I can remeber what they all look like.

Breeches: several pairs of Tailored Sportmens in the TS beige
Boots: Der-Dau
Gloves: I have no idea
Helmet: Regal Crowne
Hairnet/Bows&Braids: hairnet of course in the reddish color

Blanket/Sheet Sizes: 82
Cooler/Scrim Sizes: 84

[JumpTheMoon]

IM BACK!! And very mad that you guys only put on 3 pages. You guys are hopeless. /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif So come on guys...7 pages by tonight. Can we do it? I think so!!!

Who all is riding today?!

~Munchkin I am sorry you are so wrinkly and old...Jr. Clique power for ever!! Sluggs you are the best!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ~

[JumpTheMoon]

I would like a head count of all of the adults (aka antique clique -- over 20) who are following this thing. So all adults present say AYE! And you will never be forced to speak on this thread again. It's good for our ego y'know. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[GoosyBabe2]

Hey ppl! I'm back, at my friends' house.....Just updating myself after a computer faliur again...! Ryan & I now have 125 very special children /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Ry~ I think the purple color was a good thing for ya /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif I g2g...

ttyl playaz
luv ya ryan(my sexy purple man)
/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif
kris
"If confusion is the first step to knowledge, I must be a genius."

[Rockford]

I'm assuming that if we want to be in the junior clique we are supposed to fill out one of these? I'm a little confused so just bear with me...

Horse or Pony: Rockford (Kirby), Corporate Raider (Raider)
Height: 17.1, 17.0
Sex: gelding, gelding
Age: 7, 12
Color: bay, bay
Markings: none, little itty bitty star
Personality: Kirby- really really sweet, he thinks he's a dog; sorta lazy too (warmblood mentality I guess), Raider- sweet, he likes his job
Ability/Talent/Skills: Kirby- equitation/large junior, Raider- jumper/eq

Tack Brands
Saddle: I have a sovereign...it's cheap but I love it
Bridle: Beval
Girth: Beval
Martingal/Breastplate: same as bridle I guess
Boots: Beval and Eskadron (sp?)

Show Apparel
*Please note color, brand, & size*
(um, no, I don't have THAT much spare time on my hands, but I'll sum it up for ya)
Jackets: navy blue, green, brown
Shirts: WAY to many to count or put on here
Breeches: 4 way stretch TSs, 28L
Boots: custom Vogels
Gloves: i dunno what kind those are
Helmet: unapproved something...International maybe?
Hairnet/Bows&Braids: brown hairnets

Blanket/Sheet Sizes: 82, 80
Cooler/Scrim Sizes: same

~*~Megan~*~

[Rockford]

This is getting slow, how bout if we post pics of our horsies?

This is Raider and me doing the Medal at a show in Camden...

[Rockford]

Here is Kirby, but you've probably already seen this pic cause I've posted it a gazillion times /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif I'm gonna go ride now, but when I get back, there better be some more posts on here or else we're gonna fall to the bottom of the page!!

[Islander]

Horse

Horse or Pony: Islander ("Keds")
Hieght: 16.1 1/2
Sex: Gelding
Age: 7
Color: Chestnut
Markings: star, stripe, snip, 4 half stockings.
Personality: So sweet and lovable! I'm sure he thinks he's a little lap dog! He's also really laid back and easygoing.
Talent/Skills: Super scopey with a huge stride. Really compfy to ride and jump (if I can stay in the tack...) He flys over the bigger jumps. He does the 1st year greens and Large Juniors, but could do the Regulars with ease.

Tack Brands

Saddle: Devoucoux
Bridle: Edgewood
Girth: Edgewood with fleece
Martingale: Edgewood
Boots: either polo wraps or eskadron open fronts for schooling. F.T.E Italian leather with lambswool open fronts for Eq.

Show Apparel

Jackets: Grand Prix: Navy with teeny tiny red pin stripe, Hunter Herringbone, Olive with tiny salmon plaid, Dark grey with navy/light grey plaid. Top Call Hunter Shadbelly black, with canary points.
Shirts: Way way too many. I have 2-3 that go with each hunt coat.
Breeches: TS
Boots: Custom International
Gloves: Grand Prix (?)
Helmet: International unapproved with open back clear.
Hairnets:Thin French style. They have to be special ordered....pain in the @$$.....

Horse Apparel

Blanket Size: 78

That was exciting..... /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
~Lauren

[JumpTheMoon]

Aww Islander, hunny, I think you were supposed to post about what you WANT not what you HAVE! hehe thats ok, it just means less buying for us. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

~Munchkin I am sorry you are so wrinkly and old...Jr. Clique power for ever!! Sluggs you are the best!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ~

[Steve]

I have the same boots as you lol. your the only person that has ever heard of mine lol

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[Kellybird]

Heehee...ya'll need to do another survey--the list is a wishlist...you tell us what you'd dearly love, and we, being the all-powerful and wealthy *lol* get it to you as a welcome present to the Jr Clique. So, if you'va always wanted a perfect large pony--or just Newsworthy--or maybe the ultimate Jr Jumper--how bout Lapeti--or hunter--would Diplomacy work for you? Go ahead and ask /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif So dream away!

KBird...reiner-in of the JR Clique. It's a thankless job. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[MsRidiculous]

I'll cooperate. Here's a pic of my horsey that everyone has already seen, but just pretend you haven't. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

-Amanda

[Me 'N Pi aka Phashion Phorward]

I just got back from my lesson today. And guess what? I got to jump 3' for the 1st time!!! Yay for me!!!Grand Prix's here I come...I love the Pirate!!!!!!

I did the 1000 Jr Clique Post~!~

[spaz]

Hey ErinB, my mom is nagging me right now because MY dad's birthday thing is tonight!!! (Yes, I am easily amused)

I just got back from the show, my face is all red and a little V on my chest is red from where my shirt was open. I got a 1st and 2nd in the Green Hunter OF(2'6"), a 2nd in the Green Hunter US (we are still wondering how this happened...my horse is not the best mover in the world), and then a 3rd in my Jr. Eq. b/c I was stupid and almost trotted because I thought I was on the wrong lead LOL. We had to leave before we found out what I got on my Jr. Eq. over fences, but I jumped ahead on one jump so I doubt I got a 1st or anything. And I probably got a champion in the Green Hunter, they were giving out polo wraps! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif OK alot of other stuff happened, like my horse escaping and somehow hurting his nose and the like, but my dad wants to know the lotto numbers and my mom wants me to clean so I have to go. I will be on for a LONG time tonight because I will be trapped in my computer room while the adults are socializing /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Islander]

LOL Sorry LearningToFly! I never read directions, can you tell? I just did what the other people on pg. 93 did. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif
~Lauren

[JumpTheMoon]

LOL nono they did what they want also. It's ok, thats why I didn't do it. It's not as if I made it up ofr anything. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Islander]

Are you talking about Internationals? I love mine. I know, no one has ever heard of them /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif
~Lauren

[Steve]

Lauren - I like mine too, except when i first got them they put the wrong sized foot on them and sent them off to the wrong place not even in the same state, but now they are great

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[SoEasy]

that at least one adult moderator type is reading everything you write in here /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[JumpTheMoon]

Haha...well it hasn't been locked yet so we must be doing a good job. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Steve]

lol ltf

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[spaz]

True true, I say we test how far we can go /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[FatLilPony]

OMG! I just got back froma show..... I got reserve and grand champion-In my reserve-I got : 2 2nds 1 first...my grand: get ready....all THREE 1sts! I was SOOO incredibly happy! 1st time I've ever gotten a grand/reserve! yippe for whitney! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Oh...and it wasn't even against crappy horses...all 4 of the people in my classes were currently showing the 'a's... /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I'm so draned proud! ehehe my horsie was a GOOD GOOD boy tho /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif oh, and the one I won grand in was a 100$ classic-So I came home with $50...but my daddy took it and won't give it back /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif poo...it's just not right! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif well hi everyone! hehe

Poop a Loop...

[FatLilPony]

spaz-NO trsting untill the 100th page is met just in case of locks! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Poop a Loop...

[spaz]

Yay people who showed today! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[FatLilPony]

spaz-OMG! I felt SOOO bad for this one girl...she had her TS on backwqards..I felt so bad-but I didn't wanna embarass her by telling her: 'hey, girl, youir pants are on backwards...' aww... /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Poop a Loop...

[FatLilPony]

spax...you there...anywheres>>>??

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[Steve]

I rode today!! I had a lesson with one of my horses, and rode my other horse out side because they were doing fireworks in the indoor.

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[FatLilPony]

steve-FIREWORKS...you MUST explain...

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[Steve]

LoL Whit- we use them for the saddle horses to have them trot huge and be very alert and pay attetition to the rider i believe, i will verify tho

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[FatLilPony]

you have SADDLE horses at your barn that need fire works...whoah.... I've got to get up to date!

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[Steve]

LoL, Saddle Horses refering to Saddle Seat Horses. Saddle horses refer to Saddleseats horses in a whole not just english pleasure, classic, or park

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[spaz]

OMG That poor girl (the one with the backwards pants!) I got to ride home in my friends little 2-seater Miata convertable...but we had 3 people so I sat in her lap for 45 minutes. LOL It was soooo funny, we would wave and people and then realize that they could actually SEE us...

[Me 'N Pi aka Phashion Phorward]

This topic is really s-l-o-w-i-n-g down. 1 page in 4 hrs? what's that all about? how about 10 pages in an hr? Now thats what I call posting.

I did the 1000 Jr Clique Post~!~

[FatLilPony]

well, did anyone get the millers catalog??

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

hola, como estas?

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[This message was edited by FatLilPony aka Pokey on Apr. 28, 2001 at 09:38 PM.]

[FatLilPony]

o

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

l

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

a

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

Has anyone tried the roma gel pads? I hear they're good? should I get one? possibly?

[This message was edited by FatLilPony aka Pokey on Apr. 28, 2001 at 09:35 PM.]

[FatLilPony]

Does anyone know when ErinB is gonna be back?

[This message was edited by FatLilPony aka Pokey on Apr. 28, 2001 at 09:37 PM.]

[Steve]

did you all see the Destanys child thing on mtv today, it was just on again

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[FatLilPony]

everyone

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif ?

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[Steve]

i am good, how r u?

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[Chicago]

Okay, here's a picture of DF Duplication striking a pretty pretty princess pose. (He's kind of wild and wooly because it's summer).

Well, at least I'm trying to add a picture...

[FatLilPony]

what destiny choilds thing? (I obviously didn't see it /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif )

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[spaz]

The Destinys Child diary thing? I love that /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Oh no, the adults are here. There are like 30 of them and they are all eating my precious food!

[spaz]

I see no pic?

OK who do y'all think should win the crown or whatever?

[spaz]

I see pic!

He's very cute /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[FatLilPony]

spaz!!! you have food! omg..I am sooo hungry hehe! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[Chicago]

I just got home from playing bass at this random women's conference. I think it would be more fun to play at a men's conference, though. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

They had really good food, though, so it was all worth it.

Yay for everyone who did well at their shows!

[FatLilPony]

aww!!! DF! how cute! aww! Here's my baby /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[and dreaming]

So I'm gonna fill this out with *what I want* like we're supposed to /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif:)

Horse or Pony: Horsey
Height: 16-17 hands
Sex: Mare or gelding
Age: Anything over "baby" and under "dead quiet" lol (note I said dead)
Color: Don't care
Markings: Lots of white /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
Personality: Something that won't try to kill me if I touch him /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
Ability/Talent/Skills: Able to do the juniors and workings, and eq if I feel like it that day

Tack Brands
Saddle: Stackhouse or Butet
Bridle: Beval, square raised w/raised reins
Girth: Beval
Martingal/Breastplate: Beval to match me bridle
Boots: Beval Italia, but polos work just as well..white please!

Show Apparel
*Please note color, brand, & size*
Jacket 1: Dove Grey Marigold..you're not gettin sizes on any of this stuff, lol
Jacket 2: Navy plaid Grand Prix
Jacket 3: Olivey-colored something
Shirt 1: Do you have to make this hard for me? I'll take anything that goes with my coats /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
Breeches 1: two-way TS in the "TS Beige"
Breeches 2: two-way TS in the new taupe kinda thing, if they even come in that color
Breeches 3: four-way TS in the new color
Breeches 4: RUST TS! hah
Boots: Custom Vogels or Effinghams
Gloves: Um. Black ones?
Helmet: International unapproved
Hairnet/Bows&Braids: Blonde hairnets please, lots of them!
Blanket/Sheet Sizes: Depends how big my complimentary horse is /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
Cooler/Scrim Sizes: See above /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

That was fun. Ooh- I got a cell phone!
A topic to keep this thing going- if you could have ONE horse in the entire world, who would it be? I think I would have Overdressed only an inch or so taller and a couple years younger. He's so awesome! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif:D

* Emily *
"Somewhere, someone wants me crazy"

[FatLilPony]

and another....

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[spaz]

Yes, you want to know what "I" have?

Strawberries and chocolate sauce/powdered sugar
Cute little mini cheesecakes
This yummy shrimp stuff that my mom won't let me eat /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif
Brownies
Veggies and Dip
and bread, bread and more bread! (with goat cheese of course /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif)

I got to "taste test" and eat all the extra ones that "wouldn't fit on the plate"...muahaha...

[Chicago]

Oh, and I should have added with my picture that Deacon is a Morgan, so he's not exactly your average hunter/jumper type. And he was at stud until he was seven (when we got him he hadn't been gelded for very long, so he was 'confused' about his sexuality...). /infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif

[FatLilPony]

OMG! I have mini carrots and rach dressing! thanx for reminding me sapz...yum yum! brb! DF-I wanna c more pictures! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif PWEESE!

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[spaz]

I'm eating my little unknown foreign food now...what is it with adults and weird looking food? Hey, we should add that to the "Why juniors are better" list (we have normal looking food).

Boy, the thread is lonely without ErinB!

[Chicago]

Very charming pix, FLP!

NO FAIR, SPAZ!! I want some food too...except I've already eaten so much today...And we just got a big flat of fresh strawberries, and chocolate stuff to dip them in...

I can alreay see that I may need to buy a size larger breeches... /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[FatLilPony]

I know..we won't have her back untill tomorrow /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif poo

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[Steve]

do you show him in the morgan shows or just the hunter jumper shows?

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[FatLilPony]

awww! you have strawberries! poo..while I sit here munching on my baby carrots and ranch dressing! I wonder...are they really BABIES? poor little carrots...living such a short life...awww /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

df-can I PWEESE see pictures...? /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[Chicago]

I mostly just do schooling shows, because most of what I do is training stuff...I ought to put up some pix of my OTTB project.

Here's another one of Deacon. We opened our new barn this winter, and he was the "Christmas Pony." All the kids who came got to have a polaroid taken with him. We put all these dumb bows and ribbons in his hair, and this gigantic bow on his tail, except when I went to jump him he started swishing his tail, and the bow started poking him up the butt, and he got all pissed off.

Also, note the weird cheater bridle...we were going through a phase of trying out new bits and rein arrangements. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[FatLilPony]

aww!

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[spaz]

Arg, I just went to go find all of my long-lost pictures and I seem to have lost them in the move from tiny room to GRANDE room!
I will go get some bad proofs though.

[FatLilPony]

movie for me, I WILL be back to make sure we make it to pg 100 tonight...even if I have to post jibberish for 4 whole pages MYSELF!

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[Chicago]

Okay, here's a picture of Siyster (Si). This is the first time anyone other than a jockey (me) rode him. He's grown a few inches since then, so you can tell that he's a big boy. He was donated to our camp...He's not to bad looking for a gift horse!

Besides that he's super talented and all that /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif .

[SoEasy]

the moderators may come edit all the one letter or one word posts ... could make that 100 pages harder to reach!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Steve]

cool

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[FatLilPony]

NOOOOO! Plesae so easy-lemme edit them and I'll make them longer,...okeys? pweese??

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[spaz]

OK here is a really bad picture/proof, but I'm desperate to get y'all sick of me and my horse by the end of the night /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

(Please ignore my toes...it was a stage. And his form...even though that was NEVER a stage ( /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif ), just a pad pic...heck, just look at it real quickly and then look away)

[spaz]

OK here is another one...

I figured out my problem at this show! My stirrups were too long! Haha, I look at these pictures every day and it took me this long to figure it out... /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Don't you just love his fro? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[FatLilPony]

Chapter One

"Quick, Alex, you only have 10 seconds to beat her!", Nicki shouted out. Alex turned to the next jump, the round had been clear, the time- amazing. Up and over she went, she had an amazing smile the entire way. She made a quick turn to her left to complete her last obstacle, she would beat Sam if she could just make this last jump.

"Just one more Dale, we can do it", Alex chanted over and over. As they approached the jump, Alex suddenly felt her seat slip from under her. What was happening? What was wrong? Before Alex knew it, she was flying through the air. She hit the jump. She hit it hard.
When she woke up, she saw her horse, bridle dangling half-off, staring leery-eyed at her. People rushed in from all around. When she realized what was happening, she quickly rose to her feet. She then announced that she was all right.
As she patiently awaited the results of the show, she glanced over to the side of her, and to her surprise, saw her rival, Sam, smirking at her. Alex glared back. This was all she needed right now. One more dirty look from her and Alex would-
"You did great, Alex, in your first round, at least! I wish I could have been you!" blurted Nicki Hawfin. She smiled at Alex and tossed her light brown hair over her shoulder.
"Thanks, Nick. It's great to have a best friend like you", replied Alex.
The announcer cut in. "Thank you to all of our participants today, and a special thanks to our sponsor, Apples and Oats, where treats are a real treat! A special congratulations goes to Samantha Isquirdo riding her horse, Night Light, for her outstanding performance in today's junior jumper division."
"Darn it!" wailed Alex. "She beat me again!".
"Wait Alex! He is not finished!" Nicki yelled over the announcer. Alex waited. "And our Grand Champion is Samantha Isquirdo, and her lovely Thoroughbred gelding Night Light".
This time he spoke with a lower tone, a less enthusiastic voice, as if this announcement was not nearly as important as the one he had previously stated. "And for Reserve champion we have Alex Meekins on Country Dale, who unfortunately fell off in her second round. Congratulations".
He again spoke with an excited voice. "Refreshments are in back of the arena. Please, help yourselves."

"He even thinks refreshments are more interesting than I am. I've been Reserve way too long. I want to win!", Alex babbled, "And why does Sam always have to win? It's just because of her horse. If I had that horse, I could win too. But Country Dale is almost as good as Night Light." Nicki put an arm around her shoulder. "It's okay, Alex. You were great! If Dale didn't pop that one fence, you would have won for sure!" Alex shrugged. "Well, at least she doesn't have a hunter as good as my Country Aroma. She always has a tough time beating us in the hunter divisions."
"Of course, Alex," soothed Nicki. "Of course."

They loaded up, and in no time were back at Somewhere Farms. Alex propped her head on her hands as she stared blankly at the words "Producing fine hunters and jumpers" on the sign. Alex sighed. "Yeah, right", she thought sadly. I'm a hunter/jumper, all right, but I don't consider falling off in front of hundreds of people fine".

When they returned to the tackroom and unpacked their trunks, Nicki heard something suspicious going on in the "snobs'" tack room. Nicki shushed Alex, and they tiptoed over eagerly to eavesdrop. What they heard astonished them.
"Did you see how Dale spooked? That was hilarious! The plan worked out so well. When you waved those pom poms in the air he totally balked. It totally insured you winning, you're such a genius. Yeah, Sam, you were so great!". The voice of Candace Williams, the only girl in the whole barn who could out-snob Sam, rang out clearly in the silence. Kelly Solter, the trainer at Somewhere Farms, overheard the entire thing. She didn't mind, however, as the rivalry between them gave the barn "life", as she liked to say. She enjoyed the atmosphere of competition and believed it helped toughen up her students.
Alex didn't dare speak up. She knew one day that everything Sam did would come back to haunt her.

Once at home, Alex settled in comfortably, and practically forgot the whole thing, until her mother called her into the living room. She was staring seriously down at her hands but smiled brightly as her daughter walked in.
"Hello, Alex. Your father and I were talking today, and we're concerned that you haven't been winning anything with that horse of yours. Is it because Kelly isn't a sufficent enough trainer for you? I know of a simply fabulous trainer a few miles away." Alex stared at her. "Mom, Kelly's a great trainer!".
Her mother frowned slightly. "Then perhaps you haven't been getting enough lessons. I could always sign you up for more, you know".
Alex shook her head. "Mom! I take five lessons a week! I barely have any free time to trail ride!". Mrs. Meekins looked up sharply.
"Trail rides! How will that improve your performance in the ring? You know, your dedication leaves a lot to be desired".
Alex crossed her arms. "So what are you getting at?". Her mother patted a place on the couch.
"Sit down." Alex sat. "Your father and I have been looking for a more suitable jumper for you. One that is a very stylish horse, one that is faster than that Isquirdo's horse, one that wins!"
"Mom, it isn't all about winning! You just don't understand! I raised him from a young colt- we grew up together! I can't just give up on him now!" Alex mumbled as her cheeks felt wetter and wetter under her tears.
Mrs. Meekins said "Yes, Alexis Marie Meekins, I most certainly do understand. Really top riders can't afford to get sentimental with their horses". Alex couldn't bear the strain her mother was putting on her any longer. She turned around, tear filled eyes and all, looked at her mom blankly, not believing what she heard. Suddenly, with no regret Alex wheeled around, her hand hitting her mother's face, coming back to her side, then slowly turning away and making an almost unheard comment, "No mom, really, you don't understand."

Alex violently threw her splint boots into her old show trunk. She was mad, she was really mad. She was determined to stuff everything she could into that little show trunk. She had to get away, away from all of this nonsense about selling Dale. She didn't know where she was going, or how she would get there. She just knew she was.
Nicki walked in, and stared at Alex, bewildered. "What are you doing, Alex?" she questioned. Alex replied, "I can't stay. My mom's going to sell Dale!" Nicki wrinkled her eyebrows. "What? Dale... but I thought she was going to sell your hunter, Charlie". Alex turned around. "No, I think you're mixed up. Why would she ever sell Country Aroma? She's a top hunter, after all".
Nicki clapped one hand over her mouth. "Uh oh, Alex! You'd better tell that to Sam! She..." Just then, Samantha sauntered in, gloating. She casually waved a piece of paper in front of Alex's face. "Hello, Alexis. Look what your dear Mommy just gave me. Oh, but Charlie's such a silly name. The horse, from now on, will be known only as Country Aroma..." Alex gasped. "Sam, give me those! But, how... I mean, why... My mom sold Charlie! She's the top winning junior hunter on the East coast, and she sold her to you?" Samantha gave her a smug smile. "Yep, Alexis dear, and guess how much I got her for...! " Alex felt as if her lungs had collapsed, as if her entire equine world was slowly slipping away.....Charlie was worth more than that, almost eight times more than that. She couldn't speak... she couldn't even comprehend that this was actually happening. She needed to sit down. She plopped down onto her old trunk and grabbed the sale papers out of Samantha's hand, cowered up into a small ball, and thought. Samantha rolled her eyes, and whispered softly in a sly voice into Alex's ear, "Poor baby... she's crying...Oh, and Alexis... if you try to take these papers, dear... I'll have you sued. I understand your pain..."

[This message was edited by FatLilPony aka Pokey on Apr. 28, 2001 at 09:46 PM.]

[spaz]

Can you tell I'm bored in my little room?

[FatLilPony]

spaz-can you tell I'm bored...? /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif hehe

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

here's the other 1/2 of it /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
e-mail me if you want the rest! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Alex rose off her trunk, spun around, and slapped Samantha smack across the face. Then she turned, sobbing, her hand quivering, and again perched herself on her old trunk. Her head rose up and said in a tiny mouse like voice, "No, really, you don't understand."

Two days later, Alex was sitting at her kitchen table, eating a sandwich and watching her mom talk on the phone. Her mother looked very unhappy. "I simply don't get it, Mrs. Isquirdo. Why can't you?". She frowned. "Oh, I see. Well, I'm terribly sorry to hear that. Yes, yes, I hope he recovers. Yes. Mmm-hmm. Yes, I'll tell Alexis. I'm sure she'll be happy. Goodbye". Mrs. Meekins turned to her daughter. "Alex, that was Samantha's mother. Her poor grandfather had a stroke, and the medical bills will be ghastly. She simply can't afford to buy another horse for Samantha, so for the present we will keep your horse. I take it you won't be disappointed?"
Alexis jumped up. "Mom, that's great, but you almost sold the wrong horse anyway! You wanted to sell my jumper, who wasn't winning anything, my Country Dale. He isn't worth much right now, of course. But you nearly sold Country Aroma, my successful junior hunter, to Samantha for eight times less than she's worth! Mrs. Meekins stared at her. "Surely you're kidding, dear. How could I make that kind of mistake?"
"Mom, no offense, but you don't know about horses. I don't think you knew the difference". Mrs. Meekins patted her daughter's arm. "Well, thanks for the, um, enlightement to my weaknesses, Alexis, but I still don't see how a mistake of that caliber could be made on my part. Your father and I do business transactions every day, after all." Alex shrugged. "Anyway, Mom, there's a big show tomorrow. Can I go?"
"Certainly, honey, win some, um, gold ribbons with Charlie!"

Mrs. Meekins didn't know it, but Alex had a plan... She wasn't planning to bring her top hunter to the show... she would bring Dale. What's more- Alex was showing to win! Just one big win at one big show and she wouldn't have to sell Dale. She was certain of this, but was Dale?

"Come on, Dale, you have to get into the trailer, please! We'll have to sell you if you don't, please Dale!" With that, Alex slowly made her way over to the trailer. When she got there, she put her foot on and stepped up. Then, she stepped down. While doing this interesting ritual, she chanted, "step up, step down, step up, step down!". She clearly wasn't getting through to Dale. Just then, Samantha walked by with Night Light. She looked scornfully at Alex. "Oh, Alexis, I know I've mentioned you've needed to lose weight, but starting your own excercise show is a bit overdoing it, I think. Oh, what's this", she said, noticing for the first time Dale's loading problem, "little pony won't load?" With that she lifted the lead rope off the ground, Dale, oblivious to the fact that he was loading with the Wicked Witch of the West, hopped right in. He soon figured out who was behind that pretty face, after being slapped several times by Samantha on his well groomed rump. He then viciously kicked out, knowing now, of course, who it was.

Once they arrived at the show, Samantha examined the hoof mark on her thigh while putting her top-of-the-line show clothes on. "Honestly", she thought, "doesn't that little pony know these breeches must be dry cleaned?"

Meanwhile, Alex was busy tacking up Dale. She was studying a print-out of the junior jumpers course. She gulped. The turns were tight, the distances strange, and the jumps themselves were nicer than she imagined. Not to mention being set at the top height. She looked over Dale as she bent to put on his new jumping boots. She sighed. "I sure hope you do good today, boy."

After schooling Dale over some warm up jumps, she headed for the ingate. Alex whispered "Dale, just do exactly what Night Light does- only faster- and we'll be fine". Alex looked up as a number was called. "Number one forty-two, Samantha Isquirdo and Night Light, please enter the ring".
Samantha cantered a courtesy circle, and the buzzer began. The course consisted of ten difficult obstacles, including an in and out. There were triple bars, oxers... Alex snapped to attention and watched Samantha sail smoothly over her eighth perfect jump. She collected Night Light and moved for the ninth, a formidable
red, white and blue triple bar. She got the perfect striding, and she jumped it very well... until Night Light stumbled upon landing, falling heavily onto one forefoot, and catapulting Samantha into next jump, a large coop. Alex bolted into the ring as fast as she could and kneeled down beside Night Light. She ran her hand down the affected foreleg. He had fallen hard this time, and she didn't think he could get up.
She glanced up to see Samantha still lying face down in the coop, her nose in a flowerbox, her feet resting on one standard. Samantha struggled to get up, spat out a petunia petal, and said scornfully "stupid horse, can't even land after a jump. Well, personally, I don't care about Grandpa Bob's stroke, I need another horse desparately."
Alex bellowed across the air conditioned inside arena "If you hadn't have pulled the horse's head all the way to your right stirrup to make that turn to the next jump, he wouldn't have landed so badly, and he would have had a chance to be in the Olympics someday- probably not with you- but since you were so selfish trying to get Grand Champion he may never have that chance. I'm surprised he even put up with you for so long! Care about someone besides yourself for once!"
She slowly pushed herself up from her place next to the fallen horse as the on-site veterinarian began to examine him, and walked back to her horse, who was being held by her trainer. Kelly looked at Alex. "Bad, eh?", she asked. Alex nodded and mounted Dale.
Of course, the competition was pretty much over after Samantha's fall. She won Grand Champion with little effort, and with that ribbon she also won back Dale- for the moment.

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[Steve]

Whit, what is that long post about?

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[FatLilPony]

it's the 1st chapter of anovel-you should read=very good /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif ErinB and I wrote it a while back /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif it's like 100 typed pages long /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

only 3 more pages to go! whoo hoo! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[Chicago]

Cute horsey, Spaz.

FLP, your story is just like those Saddle Club books I read back in elementary school, except better, because you actually know about horses...

[spaz]

I'm writing a "short story" right now called "Second Best"...about a girl who is always second. Original, I know...I have 5 pages now, I add about a page a day.

[JumpTheMoon]

Niceness FLP. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I never realized you two knew eachother in real life.

Spaz you guys are sosososoooooo cute!!!! Your tow thing isn't nearly as bad as my looking down habbit! YIKES!!

C'MON GUYS!!!!!! WE CAN MAKE IT TO PAGE 100!!!!!!!!!!!!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Steve]

why don't you post it all here flp

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[spaz]

Thanks! Yeah, I fixed my toe habit after I ran it into about 50 standards /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif I have bad luck with standards...

[Chicago]

FLP, my nickname is Pokey too, I've had it for about 4 years now, because it was the only sorta horsey name my friends could think of. (Pokey and Gumby...) Most people just think its my nickname because I'm slow...

[spaz]

My horses nick name is Pokey /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif He's very...cow pony-ish?

[Steve]

lol spaz i already said that once so i can't! but i just did LoL Spaz

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[Chicago]

Okay, here's a really dumb picture of Si. He was yawning, and I caught him right in the middle, so he looks like he's really vicious or something...

[spaz]

Said what?

Why must everyone confuse me so?

[Dolce Vita]

I haven't read here since page 81, so fill me in! And it looks like we're gonna hit 100 tonite! Go us!

Anyway, today was a very very sad day /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif We had to put down a horsie. It was even sadder for me, because I had to walk him around all day when we waited for the vet, and kinda took care of him. He coliced (thats not spelled right -- ah well). His name wad Odie and he was 4 years old, and a perfect hunt horse. He was going to be someones dream horse. I rode him, and he was perfect, even for chicken me.
But what happend was that I went out there early this morning to work, and we were bringing in, and Odie was laying down on the hill, and he wouldn't come in, even when the other horses ran past him. So after everyone was brought in, we went up and literally pulled him up, and it took us probably 10 mins to walk in, because he kept turning his head to his stomach like he was itching, but he wasn't. So he came in and my trainer was like he looks like he is colicing and she gave him some meds and told us to keep him walking. I was walking him and he stoped, and his back end like started swaying, and he was trying to drop down and roll. I was pulling on him soo hard to try and keep him up, I just started to cry...b/c I felt bad for him, and I didn't want him to go down (he was 16.2 and I am 5'0 tall) So we called the vet again and told him we needed him fast...he came out and did an exam on him (both ends..) and couldn't find anything..But Odie had alot of drugs in him, and he was still in alot of pain. So the vet suggested to take him to Morvin Park for colic surgery. So, in the middle of the day, with 2 sets of clients coming to look at 6 different horses, my trainer left me and 3 other girls (all my age) to take care of the clients. And she was gone all day. They ran a bunch of tests on Odie, and they said that it wasn't looking good, but that she could go home, and they'd call her after they'd observed him some more....They called and I don't really know what happened after that except that he had to be put down /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

I am so sad, and in such shock...I know that I wouldn't be able to deal with that if my horse coliced. He was in so much pain /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif


So...I hope everyone had a better day than I did.....

.:*Chelsea & Kudos*:.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=278828&a=2074616

[FatLilPony]

okeys...I will post a chapter per post..I must warn you it will take QUITE a while to read!

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

Chapter Two:

Night Light was injured. Badly. The veterinarian said he may never jump again, but Samantha didn't care.
Three days after the show, Alex walked by Night Light, who had been moved to a more spacious stall. He was wrapped and wearing one of his seven monogrammed Grand Champion award coolers from various shows. Of course, he didn't need to wear it, but Samantha liked it on every minute that he wasn't wearing his custom blanket or fancy plaid sheet. Night Light looked happy to see her. It was obvious that, since he was unrideable, Sam hadn't taken care of him at all. All his medical needs were attended to by one of the stablehands. Alex looked at the newly posted sign that gave specific instructions on Night Light's care. She sighed. What a shame to end Night Light's promising career like this.

It was early in the morning, the dew was still settled on the grass. Alex crunched on her Machicho Pops and sipped her apple juice. The phone rang, and her mother, clad in hair rollers, a pink terry robe, and bunny slippers, answered the phone (which was messy considering she was still wearing her avocado-oatmeal face mask). She held it away from her and yelled "Hello, Meekins Residence". Just then, Alex's dad walked in, and Mrs. Meekins handed over the phone and headed to her bathroom to wash off the mask.
"Dan Meekins here", said her father. Over the phone, he heard a familar voice, although he couldn't quite match it to a face. "Hello, I'm inquiring about your young jumper, Country Dale."
"Yes?", said Mr. Meekins, "well, he's not for sale currently..."
"Would you still say that to $5,000"?, inquired the voice. Mr. Meekins declined. "My final offer is fifteen grand. What do you say to that?" Mr. Meekins stopped to consider. "Well, that's a bit different. To whom am I speaking?"
"Oh, I'm sorry! I am Harriet Isquirdo, you know, your daughter's friend Samantha's mother."
"Oh, yes, yes, and I am sorry to hear about the two tragedies, your poor grandfather and now the injury to your horse. " said Mr. Meekins.
The woman paused, and then replied, "Yes, Samantha is just heartbroken over her loss, and we're desparately in the market for a new horse, however we cannot afford the extravagent perfection of her previous jumper. She will have to settle for less than the best, so that's why we're inquiring about your daughter's little horse."
Mr. Meekins sighed. "Yes, yes, I'm sure you'll get your horse. I will talk to Alex and my wife. Again, I offer my utmost sympathies." He then hung up the phone, waited for a minute, then began to dial a number.
Only a few moments later, the phone rang at the Isquirdo's house. Samantha answered. Mr. Meekins, not knowing Sam's voice, said cheerfully, "Mrs. Isquirdo, I have talked it over with my family, and Country Dale is yours. Just give me the check and I'll fill out the papers". Samantha grinned from ear to ear, then said "Oh, yes, Mr. Meekins. I'll tell Samantha. She'll be thrilled". She hung up the phone and began to hum happily.

Alex was lying face down on her bed, sobbing. She looked up as the doorbell rang and tried to piece herself back together. Slowly she dragged towards the door. Throwing it open, she saw the smirking face of Samantha. "Hello, Alexis", she began. Alex's face was red with tears. She couldn't do this. She couldn't talk to her right now. "Guess what Alexis! You're little horsie got sold. So sad." Alex blinked, uncaring, and slowly gripped the cold metal doorknob and began to push it towards Samantha. As it closed, Alex mumbled slowly, "Bye-bye". The door closed, and Alex stumbled back up the stairs, plopped on her bed face down, and resumed her mournful crying. "I just can't believe they sold my horse! And to Samantha! I can't take it anymore, I just can't", she stuttered.

Meanwhile, Samantha had biked back quickly, her auburn blowing in the wind, on her lavander ten speed to her own house. Bursting through the front door, she hugged her mother happily and said, "Oh, Mummy, thank you so much for my new little horsie!" Mrs. Isquirdo looked down at her daughter inquisitively. "What horse, Samantha?" Samantha said, "Why, the Meekins show jumper, Country Dale, that you agreed to buy for me". Mrs. Isquirdo shook her head vigorously. "Samantha, you know we can't afford another horse right now. I thought we had already talked about that".
"But Mummy, you clearly said to Mr. Meekins that you were willing to buy him". Samantha's mother frowned. "Samatha, don't give me this nonsense. I did no such thing. Now run a brush through your hair. We have a mainicure appointment today." The subject was dropped without further argument.

Alex reluctantly got out of bed. She knew it was Monday. "Muffins dear, time to get"... A loud clatter of pots and pans came from below... "Never mind sweets, rest a while, no muffins this morning" hollered Mrs. Meekins.
"Yeah, yeah mom, we all know there are never any muffins, there is only half cooked batter when you're around!" giggled Alex good naturedly.
She ate her mother's rather burnt eggs and walked out the door.
As she slowly approached the small private school she shared with 64 other girls, she noticed a girl she'd never seen before standing uncertainly in front of the door. Alex
ran into school, dropped her bookbag in her locker, and walked up to the new girl. "Hey", she said perkily. "I'm Alex Meekins, are you new around here? I've never seen you before".
The girl smiled shyly. "Yes, I'm new. My name is Mistie Clark, not to be mistaken with the famous equitation trainer Missy Clark". Alex smiled. "Oh, you ride?" Mistie scuffed one toe against the ground. "Yes, a little." Just then the bell rang. Alex gave Mistie one last wave and turned towards her eighth grade class.
Later that day when she was walking to the barn, she glanced behind her and to her suprise saw Mistie. "Hey, what are you doing here?" she called to her. Mistie sprinted up. "Do you board your horse here?" Mistie asked panting. Alex looked at her, confused. "Um, yeah. You have a horse? I thought you only rode a little bit." Mistie shrugged, and mumbled, "Well, you know, trail riding, that sort of thing I guess you'd say."
As they walked up to the barn, a wild-eyed Samantha ran up to Mistie. "Oh, Melissa", she said. "Your horse must be the most beautiful animal on this earth! I was reading about you in the Chronicle of the Horse today, about how you were champion of the junior jumper division at Devon last year. What an amazing feat, but I'm sure it's no problem with a horse like Ostinato. Alex noticed that Mistie looked uneasy.
"Mistie, you're not just a trail rider, are you?... wait, you're..."

"Melissa Clark. Yes, I'm totally serious! She's at Somewhere Farms, and she brought her jumper Ostinato. They call him Austin. She also brought her hunter Incognito, that is one of the most desired green prospects in the country.. And she goes to our school! Can you imagine?" Alex was squealing excitedly into the phone as Nicki skittered around her house trying to find something to wear over to Alex's. Nicki couln't believe what she was hearing, such a famous rider at her barn, it was almost, no it was, unbelievable!

"So, you actually talked to her... like, in person? You like, you waved to her in school? Oh my gosh, Alex, that is so cool!". Nicki burst through the door to Alex's room and sat down on the bed next to Alex.
"Yeah, and as soon as I brush my hair, we can leave for the barn. You should see her horses, they're so beautiful".
Nicki nodded. "I bet they are".
Alex quickly brushed her hair, then the two girls got their bikes and peddled for the barn. Upon arrival, they noticed that Mistie and Sam had already left, but the aisleway by Austin and Incognito's stalls had been swept clean, and that Mistie's trunks had been set down and put in a choice spot in the eastern tack room that Samantha shared with six other riders.
Nicki looked at Alex. "Oh great, I see that Sam's convinced her to reside in the snob room. We should have been here sooner". Alex smiled, unconcerned. "Oh well, Nick, it doesn't matter. Let's go say hello to her horses".
Alex headed down the aisle, followed by Nicki. They stopped first by Austin's stall. The horse was an impressive seventeen hand bay Dutch Warmblood. He poked his head over the blue stall guard that separated his stall from the center asisle, and Alex gave him a pat, noticing for the first time the perfect white star in the middle of his forehead. Nicki came up behind her, and sighed. "Oh wow, Alex, you weren't kidding when you said he was pretty!" Alex smiled.
"Yeah, and he's got a show record that puts Night Light to shame. Look at this," she said, pointing to an award cooler hanging on his stall. "Champion at Devon. Can you believe this guy?".
Alex then strutted over to Incognito's stall. She looked at a piece of paper hanging by his door. "Nicki, come look at her hunter!". Nicki came over and looked at the paper. "It says here that Incognito's barn name is Ink, that he's a sixteen point two hand Thoroughbred, and that he's got allergies so please don't feed him flaked hay", Alex said.
Ink came over to the door. Ink was just as beautiful as Austin. The gray gelding reached over and nudged Nicki's arm. She laughed. "So, what kind of show record does this one have, Alex?" Alex thought for a minute. "Well, no major shows as of yet since he's still in training, but he's done the pre-greens with a major trainer and he's eventually going to be Mistie's junior hunter, from what I've heard."
"So, is Mistie like, a major snob? Is she all stuck up because of her horses and riding?" asked Nicki.
"No", said Alex, "And that's the funny thing. She seemed almost... I don't know, embarrassed I guess, when Sam asked her about her horses. It's like she doesn't want anyone to know she rides." Nicki raised her eyebrows. "I wonder why that would be, Alex. I'd be letting everyone know!" Alex shrugged. "Who knows. Well, I personally have had enough of guessing games for one day. Let's go ride!"

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

Chapter Three:

Samantha flew down the barn aisle. Even though one of the grooms was tacking up a lesson horse for her, she only had a couple of minutes to change for the smallish show. She looked to her right and saw the beautifully shaped head of Alex's show hunter, Country Aroma. She heard a loud whinny. She looked to her left and read the engraved brass plate on the stall door, "Country Dale, AKA Dale", which was mounted on a wooden plaque. She recognized her victim. She slipped a small amount of grain through the bars on his window, into his feed bucket. No one would ever know that she had sedated Dale before this afternoon's show... would they?

"Number seventy-one!". Alex hesitantly rode into the ring when her number was called. She couldn't figure out what was wrong with Dale... he seemed as if he was about to fall over. She looked at her first jump, and it seemed miles away. She squeezed, but Dale barely took one step. She felt Dale begin to sway underneath her. Then all of a sudden- PLOP! He was on the ground. Alex tumbled over his head and landed in a heap beside him. She didn't know what was wrong with her young jumper... it seemed almost as if her were sedated... but NO! How could that be? The vet rushed in, worried about Dale's health.
"It isn't logical. It seems strange for a horse to just plop down in the middle of the showring", the concerned vet said.
After a round of testing, the vet called to the crowd, "It's all right. The horse will be fine!". Then he turned to Alex and her parents. "This horse was overdosed with a strong sedative. It isn't enough to do much damage... aside from what you've seen... but the overdose, not to mention the drug itself, is illegal here. Although I refuse to jump to conclusions, it appears that he was drugged on purpose. We will need to investigate this further to make a case out of it, of course.
Mrs. Meekins looked at the vet in alarm. "But, doctor, that is not possible! Certainly you are not accusing my daughter!". She put a protective arm around Alex.
"I'm not accusing anyone, Miss, and I don't intend to. It's extremely common at these shows though. I see it often... intentionally sneaking these drugs by means of a paste or mixing it with the food, to make the horse perform badly. This, however, was also apparently an overdose- and if it wasn't your daughter, maybe an enemy of some sort."
Mr. Meekins said, defensively, "Alexis doesn't have any enemies. Certainly this is a mistake, Doctor."
Alex, however, widened her eyes and gasped. She did have an enemy, you might say. There was only one person capable of this. Samantha Isquirdo.

"Oh, Nicki, it was so embarassing! Everyone saw Dale fall, and he practically fell on top of me, and the vet was acting like I sedated him! I'd never do a stupid thing like that!" Alex cried into the phone.
"Of course you wouldn't, Alex, everyone knows that. And Dale turned out all right, didn't he?" Nicki tried to comfort her friend.
Alex smiled a little. "Yeah, he was still sort of sleepy but when we loaded him up he was so dazed he didn't care at all! I just wish I knew for sure who did this to him, but I'm thinking there's only one person who could have done it. A person so set on winning that she'll do whatever it takes to make her competition lose. Any idea who that might be, Nick?" Nicki thought a minute, then shrieked gleefully, "Samantha! Alex, that's who it must have been! If only we could prove it!"
Alex grinned. "But, my friend, we can. Listen to my idea". She began her explanation

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

Chapter Four:

That Saturday the stable was empty except for Kelly, two barn hands and an aging groom. Mistie had tried to get in some schooling before anyone else noticed she was here. She sighed unhappily as she unbridled Austin. Thanks to Samantha's big mouth the whole barn knew about her accomplishments. And that was the least thing she wanted. She tossed her light brown hair over her shoulder and glanced at her watch. It was only six forty five AM. Most of Kelly's working students shouldn't arrive until seven thirty, thought Mistie. At least she'd be out before anyone wanted her to sign an autograph, or tell the thousanth story about her victory at Devon, or ask her to give them tips...
"Mistie, hey! There you are, I've been looking all over for you! I was wondering if you could give me some tips on my riding later, if you don't mind. Seeing that you're the expert and all." Mistie turned towards the voice. Samantha was standing in the aisle already dressed in her breeches.
Mistie made an effort to unclench her teeth. "What are you doing here so early, Samantha?" Samantha smiled, oblivious to Mistie's annoyed tone of voice. "Oh, I just thought I'd come and ride one of Kelly's horses before my trip to the mall, since mine is laid up, and what a pleasant surprise to see my favorite rider here right when I need some professional instruction", she said, her voice unnaturally sweet.
Mistie exhaled, then said, with as much patience as she could muster, "Well, I have to hose Austin's legs and I was planning to give Ink a good grooming, then I need to clean my saddle, and then I was going to go back home..." Samantha raised her eyebrows. "You don't really do all that yourself, do you? We have several competent grooms on hand. Why, I believe old George is here today. He'll hose and groom your horses, and a few of Kelly's students clean my tack for me. I'm sure they'll gladly do that for you, as well!"
Mistie shrugged. "I don't know..." Samantha smiled, then called, "George! Samantha needs Austin's legs to be hosed well, and then Ink must get a full grooming, and please tell someone to clean her tack for her. She's giving me some instruction today."

"I can't find anything in this can. How about you?", called Alex. Nicki shook her head. "Not yet." Alex made a face and opened up another garbage bin. The girls were rummaging around in the barn's collection of garbage for the week, trying to find the empty tranquilizer container that they were sure Samantha had used.
Nicki reached down near the bottom of her bin and her hand brushed a lightweight plastic object. She picked it up and grinned. "Alex, look! Tranquilizer!" Alex looked at the empty container and smiled triumphantly. "Bingo! Now all we have to do is collect the fingerprints near the opening and match them with the fingerprints we got from Sam's saddle."
Nicki took out her fingerprinting kit and collected the prints that Alex requested. She stared at Alex. "Alex... they match!" Alex picked the prints up gently and put them in a file. "This is great. Now what we have to do is take them to the show office and see what happens. Since it wasn't a rated show probably nothing much, unfortunately, but let's just see if they let her in any more shows there for awhile!" Alex and Nicki slapped high fives.

Mistie shifted her weight from side to side, trying to keep her patience. She couldn't believe she'd let Samantha drag her out to the arena. Here she was giving instruction to a girl she barely knew and didn't like, when all she wanted to do was ride and go home. In fact, if it weren't for Sam, she'd still be quiet little Mistie who was nothing but the average rider to the people at Somewhere Farms. She looked up as Samantha cantered by on Kelly's horse, Henry.
"Well, Mistie, what do you think I should improve on?" Samantha's voice was almost carried off by the breeze. Mistie shrugged, trying to come up with a less blunt answer than 'everything'. She bit her lip, then looked up and said with a sigh, "Um... keep your heels down."

Alex was sitting comfortably on Nicki's bed, and Nicki was lying casually on the rug. Both of them were celebrating with glasses of Sprite and chocolate chip cookies. "So, did they really ban her from attending shows there?", asked Nicki. Alex nodded. "For a whole year, and I'll bet Samantha never does that to Dale again!" The girls were celebrating over Samantha's being guilty of tranquilizing Dale, and what a celebration it was!
"So, what do you want to do today, Alex? Go to the barn?" asked Nicki. Alex took a bite of her cookie and chewed thoughtfully. "Yeah. I don't have a lesson today, and I wanted to take Charlie on one of the trails to stretch her legs. I also want to see if Mistie is there today. I hardly ever see her."
"Okay, maybe I could ride Dale then?" asked Nicki. Alex nodded. "Sure", she replied. Nicki didn't have her own horse, and when she wasn't riding Leaf, one of Kelly's older show horses, she liked to ride Dale.
The girls threw away their napkins and ambled out the door. As Alex flipped up the kickstand on her bike, she glanced over at Nicki. Her friend seemed distracted.
"Hey, Nicki! Earth to Nicki!" called Alex. Nicki looked up and smiled. "Sorry, Alex, I was just thinking about how nice it would be if Mistie could come on a trail ride with us and join in our celebration. Do you think she'd like to?"
Alex shrugged. "You never know. If she's out today, we could ask."

Five minutes later, the girls arrived at the barn. They put their bikes in the bike rack and jogged up to the main aisleway. Alex dropped a carrot into Dale and Charlie's feed buckets, and Mistie did the same for Leaf. Then they made their way to the tack room shared by Mistie and all of Samantha's friends. It was empty except for Jess, a working student, who was soaping Samantha's saddle.
"Hey Jess!" said Nicki. "We're looking for Mistie. Have you seen her?" Jess thought for a minute, then replied, "Well, I saw her early yesterday morning with Samantha, but not today."
"Thanks anyway, then", said Nicki. "Come on, Alex, maybe she's here and nobody's seen her yet."
Alex and Nicki checked over by Austin and Ink's stalls. They were wearing their day sheets. Austin was eating a flake of hay, and Ink, who couldn't eat flaked hay, was munching on alfalfa cubes. They barely looked up as the girls passed. Alex shrugged. "Where else could she be?"
"Let's look in Kelly's office", relied Nicki. They walked quickly down the the front of the barn and opened the office door. Kelly was writing something on her schedule but looked up as they entered.
"Hey Alex, Nicki! What do you girls need today?", asked Kelly.
Alex spoke up, "We're looking for Mistie. Is she here?". Kelly smiled. "Yes, I thought I saw her walk into one of the tack rooms- not the one that she uses, but the other one. In fact, she looked a little upset. I don't know why."
"Thanks Kelly, Come on, Nick." They ran out of the office and into their tack room. Alex looked around. It looked empty at first, but when her eyes adjusted to the dimness of the room, she noticed a girl huddled in one corner. Mistie!
"Mistie, what's wrong?", asked Alex. Mistie looked up sharply.
"Why do you want to know? If you want a riding lesson, or if you want tips, or instruction or stories or anything else, the answer is no, okay?"
"Huh?", said Nicki. "What are you talking about?"
"You mean... you really want to know what's wrong?", asked Mistie. Alex and Nicki nodded. "Well then, I guess I can tell you." Mistie stood up and brushed the dust off her jeans.
"Ever since I got here, people have been using me. No one really wants me as a friend, they just want to catch some advice or watch me ride. When I moved out here, I thought I could start over by pretending I wasn't a good rider, at least until I made friends. But then Samantha had to wreck my idea, and now people are always questioning me. It's always, 'Mistie, give me a lesson', or, 'Mistie, how do you do that?'. And I've had enough of it. It wasn't even my idea to be a well known rider. But my mother always wants me to go to the big shows, have the absolute best horses, and the latest style in riding clothes. Not that I'm complaining, but sometimes I wish I could just be normal!"
Alex and Nicki stared at her in shock. "Wow, Mistie, I had no idea. Sometimes I get pressured too, but I've always wanted to be like you. I guess it isn't always fun, though. But we like you, right, Nick?"
Nicki nodded. "Yep, we'd like you even if you couldn't ride at all."
Mistie smiled for a minute, then frowned. "No, Alex can never like me. She couldn't!". Alex was taken aback. "Why not?"
"Bcsmtherptdedbesanthasmandtidbydale", muttered Mistie.
"What?" asked Alex.
"I said, because my mother pretended to be Samantha's mother and tried to buy Dale that time." Alex looked at her, confused. "Why'd she do that?"
"Because she thought since you guys liked Samantha's family so much, you'd sooner sell her Dale. She's so embarassing-" Mistie was interrupted by Alex. "Are you kidding? I hate Samantha! She's my worst enemy! She's mean to her horse! She's always trying to beat me!"
Mistie raised her eyebrows, then laughed, "Oh! Well, you're not mad at me?"
Alex smiled. "Of course not. And the whole reason we wanted to find you was to ask if you wanted to go on a trail ride with us."
"Sure! That sounds great!", replied Mistie. "That sounds great."

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[Steve]

lol flp is gonna start the 100th page

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[FatLilPony]

Chapter Five:

Samantha and her mother looked over an ad in The Weekly Sport Horse. "Winette is a seventeen hand, seven year old gray warmblood mare. Recently imported from Europe. Excellent jumper or equitation mount. Good ground manners, absolutely simple to ride. For more information contact Kevin."
"Gosh, mom, this horse sounds even better than Night Light!" squealed Samantha.
"Well, sweetie, of course she is. This horse is imported." Samantha's mother made 'imported' sound like 'perfect'. "I already contacted Kevin. The farm is only thirty minutes away from here, and it sounds like this horse has what it takes to win every single competition you enter. Since your grandfather's medical situation has cleared up so well, we thought we'd go ahead and get you the nicest horse we could find. It sounds like this is the one."
"Oh, Mummy, how perfect! When can I go try the horse?"
"We'll go tomorrow. If you like her, I'll have her transported as soon as you wish. I'll make arrangements with Kelly to give the horse Night Light's stall. I'll have Daddy's agent find someone to take Night Light away."

The next day, Samantha hopped out of her father's gleaming silver sports car. Since this was such an important ride she was about to take, she's insisted upon a new pair of breeches. After a trip to the prestigious Equestrian's Closet, where she'd found the perfect pair of
dark beige breeches, she, her mother, and her father arrived at Kevin's Twinbrook Farms.
Samantha and her family oohed and ahhed over the farm's tall oak trees, large green pastures, and rambling barns that sat on over 200 acres.
"Well, Sam, this looks like the place", said her father. "And don't worry, darling, if we don't like the horse, we'll find an even better one for you. But from the ad, it sounds like this is quite the horse."
Samantha smiled. "Thanks, Daddy. I believe this may be the dream horse I've always wanted." They strolled up to the main office and rang the bell. A man dressed in jeans and a polo shirt with the farm name embroidered on it appeared.
"Hello", he said. "I am Kevin Wagnall. You must be the Isquirdos. Winette and I have been awaiting your visit. Please, come in."
Samantha and her family stepped into a large, well lit room. Kevin motioned them to sit down on the black leather couch on one side of the room. The Isquirdos sat. Kevin picked up a portfolio and sat down on the plush armchair facing them.
Pulling out several papers, he said, "This is Winette's show record here in America. She was also successful in her native country, but her real career didn't begin until she started training here." Samantha recognized several very important shows on the record, and many of the classes Winette had won.
Then Kevin showed them some professional photographs of Winette doing everything from trotting to jumping to being lunged to being saddled to winning blue ribbons.
The last thing he took out of the portfolio was Winette's pedigree. Her sire, or father, Kevin said, is a top grand prix showjumping horse and is still competing very successfully in Germany. Winette's dam was a wonderful dressage horse until an injury left her unable to perform at the top levels, so rather than take her down a few levels, she was retired as a broodmare.
Kevin put the portfolio away. "Enough of the papers. Winette is in her stall. Come with me."
The Isquirdos were led into one of the large, beautiful barns. They passed by many elegant horses with perfect conformation. Kevin stopped by a stall. "This", he said proudly, "is Winette". Samantha looked over the door. She could do nothing but stare. Here was the horse, she thought, that would make Dale, Charlie, and even Mistie's horses look a bit pathetic. Winette was even more beautiful than she imagined. She looked more than capable of jumping a six foot oxer.
Kevin took a leather halter from a hook on the door and put it over Winette's head. The mare was led out into the aisle and put on crossties. Kevin tacked her up and motioned for the Isquirdos to follow him to the indoor ring.
Kevin easily mounted the tall warmblood. The Isquirdos made their way over to the seating area to watch. After warming up Winette, he did turns on the forehand and haunches, collected and extended her stride, did transitions and tiny circles. Finally he took her over a few jumps- a vertical, an oxer, and a series of small verticals, one after the other. Samantha was impressed.
"Do you want to try her?", asked Kevin. Samantha nodded and made her way over to the tall mare. Kevin gave her a leg up.
Riding Winette took no effort. Each of her gaits was smoother than the last. Her manners were perfect. Her jump was amazing. At last Samantha hopped off and handed Kevin the reins. There would be no doubt about it; this was her new horse!

Alex, Nicki and Mistie strolled down the barn aisle. Ever since the trail ride, Mistie had been a part of the group. They stopped short when they reached Night Light's stall. A large group of people, including Mr. and Mrs. Isquirdo, Samantha, Kelly, and several boarders were crowded around the door. Alex's eyes widened. Was something wrong with Night Light? The girls looked at each other and ran down the aisle.
They squeezed through the group of people and stared inside the stall. What they saw was not Night Light, but a powerful, graceful, elegant animal. The horse was perfectly groomed and wearing an expensive looking dress sheet instead of an award cooler.
"Girls", said Samantha proudly, "Meet my wonderful new horse, Winette. She is an imported German warmblood and she will be my new jumper." She may as well have added 'so there'. She didn't, but that's what it felt like.
Mistie, who knew sport horses, studied the mare critically for a few moments. "Wow, Sam, she's a beautiful horse", she said honestly.
"Isn't she", replied Sam. It was a statement, not a question.
Alex was not so easily convinced. "She just looks like a horse to me", she said, trying to sound bored. Samantha laughed. "No, no, Alexis. Dale is 'just a horse'. In fact, perhaps you might even say that about Charlie. I wouldn't dare to call Winette 'just a horse' when you see her perform. Why, she's won just about every class she's entered, both in America and Germany, and so have her sire and dam. She got her start as a hunter and of course, she always won those classes too, but why waste her talent? She's an extraordinary jumper, a big, beautiful mover, knows second level dressage, and she's a dream to ride. Just a horse, indeed!"
Alex's jaw dropped. She hadn't expected Winette to be that good.
Nicki, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "So, will you be competing against Alex and Mistie?"
Samantha replied smugly, "Yes, and I expect that I will be the next featured article in the Chronicle of the Horse, Mistie. As for Alexis- well, let's just say that Dale could always try the crossrail classes. I expect he'd bring home the occassional sixth place in that division..."
That was too much for Alex. She pushed her way through the crowd and stomped into the tack room.
"Alex? Alex, come back!", called Nicki, running from the crowd. Mistie was right behind her.
"Alex, you weren't offended, were you? You know you can never take her seriously", said Nicki, bursting into the tack room.
Mistie came in and shut the door. "Alex, you know that Dale is a great horse, and you've beat Samantha before. Sure, Winette's beautiful, but you've got two wonderful horses yourself. Why even bother being jealous?"
Alex sat down on her trunk with a sigh. "Why? Because ever since I could remember Samantha and I have been rivals. And the only time I've really beaten Sam is in the hunters with Charlie and the time that Night Light got injured. My mom's always saying I'll have to sell Dale if I don't improve. I don't want to sell him- ever! And now she has her super horse and there's no way I could ever win anything again with Dale and my mother will sell him for sure..." Alex buried her face in her hands.
Mistie sat down next to her and gave her an awkward pat on the head, which made Alex laugh a little.
"Hey", said Mistie, "I know how you feel. I'm always under pressure to win, and if I don't do well, I lose a lot- money, reputation, et cetera. I know how it is to love a horse, too. But how do you know that Dale can't beat Winette? You've hardly seen her."
Alex rolled her eyes. "I know Samantha and I know her family. They may not be filthy rich, but they have contacts and Sam has a good reputation with the local show barns because she's known to pay a lot for instruction and horses. I'd be surprised if this horse wasn't the best of the best."
Nicki frowned. "But wasn't her family having financial problems- something about her grandfather?"
"They were", said Alex, "but it turned out not to be a problem, so they can just continue to pull out their wallet and buy Sam the horse of her dreams."
Mistie shook her head. "Alex, you're just stressing over nothing. Until you can prove that Dale absoulutely has no chance- like you say- then there's no use complaining. Just work harder, okay?"
Alex sighed. "I'll try- but it won't be easy."
"That", said Mistie, "is the point."

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

Chapter Six:

Samantha smiled as Winette soared gracefully over the jumps Kelly had set up. Not only was this possibly the best lesson of her life, but Alex had been out schooling Dale at the same time. What fun it was to see the look on her face as Winette acted like the perfect show star she was, and the best part was that Dale was being naughty- why, he'd refused a jump today and he kept tossing his head. Samantha laughed to herself. Dale beating Winette in a competition was quite impossible. She didn't see why Alex even bothered with him.
"Okay, Sam, now take Winette over this vertical, and make sure she doesn't take off too early, like Dale did-- good, Sam, that was perfect!". Kelly was obviously pleased with her student and the horse. Alex glowered at Kelly angrily. It wasn't her fault that Dale was being spooky today.
Samantha cantered around once more, than slowed to a walk at Kelly's instruction, her face flushed and happy.
"So, Alex, did you see Winette go? Is she not amazing?". Samantha's smug tone told Alex that she was certain the answer would be yes.
During other circumstances, Alex would have snapped back with a sarcastic comment, but the unfortunate thing was that Winette was so absolutely perfect that there was nothing Alex could say except, "yeah, I guess."
"You guess? Oh, Alexis, is that the best you can do?", snapped Samantha. "You know, I bet you're jealous. I bet that's just what you are. And you just can't admit it. Well guess what honey- my new horse can run circles around your little ponies, and you know it. So I guess you can just give up or back down, because you don't have a chance. Okay?"

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[Chicago]

I'm so sorry, Hats Off...Since I work at a barn with 45 head of school horses, it's inevitable that we have to deal with nasty colics and stuff.

This summer we had to put down a beautiful grey Thoroughbred mare who would jump anything and had huge heart. She had terrible feet (the people who donated her lied about the fact that she had foundered really bad). Finally the soles of her feet dropped out, and we had to put her down. It's a horrible thing, and I totally understand what you are feeling.

[FatLilPony]

Chapter Seven:

"So, you know how you were telling me that your mom was going to buy Dale? Well, why was she going to buy him?" said Alex to Mistie one day. Mistie gave Alex a long look. "Alex, he's your horse. You don't know?" asked Mistie. Alex shook her head. "No, tell me!"
"Well, everyone is talking about him. Didn't you get this month's issue of Jumpers Today? He was mentioned as one of the top jumper prospects in our zone! You... didn't know that?"
"Well", said Alex, "I got it, but I've been so caught up with Samantha and her snobby remarks that I haven't read it yet. Did they really say that? But he's not the best...is he?"
Just then, Samantha walked in, waving a page out of the magazine. "Oh, hello girls. Alexis, did you see the latest Top 25 in Jumpers Today? Did you know that Winette is listed there? No surprise, though-"
Alex glowed. For once, something to brag about! "Oh, what a coincedence Sam! So is Dale!" She waited for Samantha's surprised gasp. Instead, Sam calmly replied, "Oh, I'm sorry, I missed it. I just didn't get that far down the list yet."
As Samatha sauntered out, so proud of her perfect new mare, Nicki ran in, gasping for breath, Jumpers Today in her hand. "I found this in your old magazine pile! Did you know-" Alex cut her off, grabbing the magazine. "What page?" Mistie looked over her shoulder. "43, I think." Alex flipped pages and arrived at a page titled, "The Top 25 Jumper Prospects In Zone 4". At the top of the list was a young mare that Mistie had competed with at Devon, and Alex saw at the Winter Equestrian Festival. The list read:
1. Shilena, owned by Mr. Willam Beberch and ridden by Leslie Berk
2. Primitive, owned and ridden by Miss Alyssa Sharp
3. Box Of Rox, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Hugo-Perkins and ridden by Mrs. Elizabeth Hugo-Perkins
4.Roosevelt, owned by Mrs. Nancy Barda and ridden by Ms. Latvia Morgan
5. Truman, owned and ridden by Miss Abbie Little
6. Dot Com, owned by Mr. Donald Trump and ridden by Miss Donalina Trump
7. Country Dale, owned and ridden by Miss Alexis Meekins

She stopped "There he is, there he is!" Alex was aghast. Mistie smiled, then said, "read it again!" Alex did, stopping again at Dale's name. " I didn't hear Winette's name amongst all those fine young horses! That must mean...."
Alex cut off Mistie,"Dale rates higher than Winette!"
"Keep reading from seven Alex!", yelled Nicki.
"8.", began Alex,
"Patent Pending, owned and ridden by Miss Elvira Jane Wilson
9. Working For Peanuts, owned by Mr. Henry Gerden and ridden by Mr. Thomas Stewart.
10. Winette, owned and ridden by Mr. Kevin Wagnall
11. South Pacific, owned by Lillian te Fitch and ridden by Missie Vonten-"
"Alex, you can stop now. Winette was tenth with her old owner. You're ahead of the game, girlfriend!", said Mistie.
Alex set down the magazine and stared at it, like it wasn't real. "I...can't...believe...it... how- I mean- why? Dale is just... Dale. Winette is perfect!"
Mistie hugged her. "Alex, don't you see? Dale is great, too! Dale IS Dale! I told you he was a great horse. I just don't understand why Sam didn't notice dear little Dale was in front of Winette by three." The girls walked out. They could wait to finally laugh in Samantha's face.
They ran to Samantha, who was mounted atop Winette and about to enter the round pen. "Haha", laughed Nicki. "You forgot to mention that Dale was ahead of Winette in the Top 25 by three places! It looks like you can't insult Dale any more, huh? Hahaha! Dale is better than Winette!"
Alex ran up behind them "STOP IT" She yelled."Don't you see, it's right in front of you, yet you're looking right through it. If we stoop to her level by making fun of her with whatever we can get our hands on, we might as well just be her. You don't know how long I've been waiting to scrounge up dirt on Sam, how long I've envied her horses, how long I've wanted to brag and gaunt about how much better my horse is than hers, how long I've waited for that moment, when we would surpass her and go on to be bigger and better than she could ever imagine. But even with everything she's ever done to me, every time she has ever insulted my horse, and every time she hurt everyone around her just to be a bad sport, I still can't stand to be a low coward that dosen't have any self-esteem; so I act like I have all the answers and make everyone around me seem and feel low just to make myself feel good, I just can't do it! I can see right through you Sam, and what I feel for you is not really hate, it's sympathy; because you find joy out of other's sorrow."
Samantha trotted away.
Mistie and Nicki stood there with their jaws dropped. "Golly, Alex, did it feel good to get that out?", asked Mistie, teasingly.
Alex stamped her feet. "Mistie, I'm not kidding, okay! I'm serious here." She began to lecture them again, when Nicki broke in.
"Um, Alex, okay, you're right. We understand. Gosh, you sound like a shrink!"
Alex turned on her toe and ran away. She couldn't believe that even her friends didn't understand.

Alex was having a sleepover that weekend and, without her consent, Mistie had invited Sam. Out of boredom they decided to pick secret santas for the barn Christmas, but after awhile it wasn't a secret anymore, so they decided to simply exchange gifts instead.

It was three days before the Christmas party, but she still hadn't gotten her friends' presents. Luckily, she went to a large tack shop just in time to buy Mistie and Nicki fancy new Hopper helmets- expensive, but worth the unapproved look in an approved helmet. She decided against buying Samantha something, because Sam wasn't a real friend- right?


"Okay, time to exchange gifts!", called Kelly. In a hustle of excitement, the students handed over colorful presents. Alex looked happily at the small gifts in her hand when she felt a tap on her shoulder. It was Samantha.
"Um, hey", she said to Samantha. Samantha grinned.
"I have a present for you, she said, handing her a fancy looking, large box.
"Is, is this for..me?" Alex asked. "
"YES! Now open it dummy!" screeched Sam. Alex began unwrapping the brightly colored box. She stared atit in awe...it aws a VERY expenive Marigold show jacket,. How could Sam afford this, Alex herslf had been saving up for 6 months! Everyone stared at Alex, waiting for her present in return. She looked blankly at Sam. Then, reached behind her into the barn's candy cane stash and took out a large red and white peppermint candy cane.
"Uhhh...This is for you..." she said embarassed. Samanthat said
"Thanks!" it wasn't a yea, right, this is all you're giving me thanks,it was a sincere thanks. And even then, I couldn't believe my ears, never in my 6 years with her had I ever heard her say thanks, maybe a yea right, what'd you really ge me, or a uh...no! but never a 'Thanks'. Candy cane in hand, Sam stepped away to mingle. All of the sudden Candace walked in.
"Candace! What are you doing here? I thought you were gone!" Sam cried out. There was dead scilence.
Candace nodded. "I was at my stepfather's house for awhile", she said, turning up her nose. "It looks like you've fallen apart on me, Sammy! You're actually hanging out with the likes of them- my my my, isn't this funny?"
"Candie, I'm not like that now. I enjoy their company. They're not bad once you get to know them", replied Samantha. Candace just shook her head, laughing. "You're kidding, right?"
Samantha frowned slightly. "Candace, I'm not kidding. I like Alex and Nicki- and have you met my friend Mistie? She's giving me some instruction and she's the best friend anyone could ever ask for!"
Candace dragged her out of the room and hissed, "Samantha, what's gotten into you? I leave you alone for a couple months and look what you've gotten yourself into. It's pathetic and they're pathetic!"
Samantha jerked herself away from Candace's grasp. "Look, Candace, it's all of us or none of us. If you won't take them with me than you're officially my ex-friend. Now excuse me, I want to get back to the party." And with that she flounced off. Candace didn't bother moving. They had been friends for years, ever since she could remember in fact. But Samantha had crossed the line. Candace had left for 3 months, and when she came back, her friend had gone loco on her and wasn't even willing to hang out with her anymore. She had to turn this crazy "new" Samantha around, and since she wouldn't listen to reason, she'd have to force her...

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

Chapter Ten:
Months passed and the seasons changed. Spring came and went, and best of all, school was out. The trip to the west beach the barn had been planning since October of last year was finally here. As special treat, Kelly planned a barn sleepover for her students, most of whom were were going on the beach campout.
"This is beyond exciting, this is absolutely fantastic!" shouted Alex with the intention of the entire barn hearing. It was 4:30 am, dim outside and half the barn was awake. Alex was excited, "It will give Dale and I both a great break from all this show stress we've been having lately."
"You think you're excited! I have my very own horse for the week!" Nicki yelled. It was true- to keep Charlie from feeling neglected, Alex had loaned her to Nicki for the campout.
All eight of Kelly's regular students that were going on the campout weren't required to wake up until five thirty- but Alex and Nicki weren't regular... they were hyper!

They wanted to arrive before noon, and they had a six hour drive ahead of them, they wanted to get out all the energy they could. As they anxiously oiled their saddles and groomed their horses, slowly, and one by one, the rest of the barn came to life. Besides Alex and Nicki, Mistie, Samantha, Candace, and three other students were going. Everyone woke up early except for Candace, who arose grumpily, complaining, "I am not a morning person- especially at the barn."
Kelly dragged Candace out of her sleeping bag, yelling, "Rise and shine honey! It's time to start getting our rears into action! We have trunks to pack, horses to load, and breakfast to cook! This sleepover was fun, but we have a camp-out to attend, remember?"
After hearing Kelly's tone, the Candace got up in a flash. Alex and Nicki started throwing some extra stirrup leathers and bits into a small trunk, Mistie and Sam got the horses their grain and hay, Jamie Quincey and Susan Baroque started to put on head bumpers and wraps, Kelly filled out some last minute paperwork, and Candace moved at a snail's pace towards the barn's small kitchenette with Dominique le Pere to cook the bacon, eggs, and toast that Kelly requested.
Dale, of course, had his usual loading problems, but other than that, the ride was smooth. They stopped hourly to check the horses and get the occassonal bite to eat.
"Never again am I going on a ride this long! What am I saying, never again am I going on a ride with these pathetic, stinky, can't-keep-their-heels-down 'innocent' lesson kids or the pathetic little dorks that hang with Alex and Samantha. Oh, you really don't expect me to sleep with these losers Kelly do you? I'd rather sleep in a manure pile by the horses!" Candace complained as she stared out the window of Kelly's huge truck.
"There you go, you just found the perfect place for you. And that is what you shall have." Kelly rolled her eyes.
"But Kelly!"
"No buts about it, you said it, you got it!" Kelly cut Candace off. "Your horse needs some attention anyway."

They arrived at their campsite and pitched the tents. The beautiful Gulf of Mexico was spread out before them. Alex, Kelly, and Mistie set up the Porta-Paddocks for the horses and set out water buckets and plastic mangers. When all the horses were settled, Alex headed back to the tent she shared with Nicki and unrolled her sleeping bag, set down her suitcase, and plopped down on top of it. Nicki was holding a small, battery-powered fan. She turned it towards Alex as a greeting. Alex leaned towards it eagerly and sighed happily as the gust of cool air blew over her face.
"Hey, Alex, I just wanted to say thanks- a lot- for letting me use Charlie this week. I owe you one, pal." Nicki turned the fan down a notch so Alex could hear her.
"No problem. In fact, consider it a favor to me. I didn't want old Charlie to feel left out!"
Nicki smiled. "Speaking of horses, let's go check on everyone. Dale and Charlie are sharing a pen, right?" Alex nodded. "Good. Oh, and we need to unpack all the tack. I think Kelly is setting up a tent for us to keep the tack and stuff in. Let's see if she needs help."

Later that night, Kelly and her students gathered around the campfire, toasted marshmallows and sang songs they made up about their horses. Alex started. "My horse Dale, well he ain't stale. He's my man and I'm his mam. Yeah we ride all day and all night too, I love Dale and you do too. Yeah!"
Nicki contiued "Well, Charlie ain't mine, but boy is she fine, She's got nice movement and has no room for improvement, she jumps real well, boy is she swell, she's Charlie, yep, that's Charlie!"
Sam picked up, "You haven't seen a jumper yet 'till you've met my mare, Winette! She's going great, she's really strong, with her there is nothing wrong! Go, Winette!"
Then Candace said, " My horse stinks, I'd rather have some minks, she jumps fine, but boy does she whine, she falls jumpin' a booth, with her it's an eye for an eye a tooth for a tooth. Elen, yea yea stinks."
Mistie frowned. "Geez. Well, um, okay, I'll have to just do one song... um, I'll do it for Ink, Austin's name is too long... um... Ink don't stink, his hair ain't pink, he's not a sink, and he can't wink. He's just Ink, Ink, Inkity-Inkity-Ink!"
Kelly stood up, poured water over the fire, and collected the empty bags of marshmallows. "Well, enough songs for the night. Sorry everyone didn't get to perform, but this is not Broadway. We need our sleep. Everyone, check on your horses and be in bed by nine thirty. Rise and shine at five-thirty or you'll have lots of paddocks to muck! Oh, and Candace"- she smiled- "Remember, you have the area by the manure pile, like you requested. Now, if you all do as I ask, just maybe we'll go on a picnic this Friday!" The girls scampered away.

When they arrived the paddocks where the horses were kept, they gave them their dinner rations and hay, then left for the night. It would be a long time before anyone was tired- they were all far too excited!
Alex announced to her friends that she was going to the barn again to check on Dale. "After all", she said, "It was such a long ride down here. That can put so much stress on a horse, you know." A lame excuse to see her horse, but it would do.
She walked the fifteen yards from the tents to the paddocks. There she saw Candace asleep on the hay, rather close to Winette and Elen's paddock. Alex pulled her robe around her and wandered over to Dale. He nickered when he saw her. She pulled a carrot from her pocket and broke it in half, one half for Dale and one half for Charlie. She ran her hands down his legs, checking for any swelling. As she went to throw away the top of her carrot, she saw a tranquilizer tube in the trash can... empty. She gasped, rushed in to where the feed was kept, and replaced Dale and Charlie's feed with new, fresh grain. She couldn't afford another incident like the one with Samantha that time at the small jumper show to happen again. After being perfectly sure of her horse's safety, she drifted back to her tent and fell into a deep sleep.

That morning, the girls woke up at seven o' clock, an hour and a half later than planned. Kelly immedietly announced, "I let you sleep in, so there's twice as much work to be done in half as much time. Let's get cracking!"
She had made her list, and announced it to them. "Alex! Nicki! You have Charlie and Dale. Clean the paddock, dump all the water, feed them, and replace their hay- oh, and be sure to check them for lameness! Now then- Dominique and Jamie, you have Leaf and Baron. Now, you'll also need to sweep the trailer, and organize all of the tack. Susan! I want Henry's paddock to be sparkling- literally. And put some liniment on the poor animal, you know he gets sore. Mistie and Samantha! Muck out the rest of the paddocks, please, and be good girls and clean the extra bits for me! Candace, since you've always been so nice about letting other people do your work for you, you'll be oiling everyone's saddles- yes, even Dominique, Jamie, and Susan's-and please don't refer to them as 'pathetic, stinky, can't keep their heels down 'innocent' little lesson kids'. Oh, and be a lamb, and feed the remaining horses, hose down Leaf, Dot, Henry, and Baron, and please run down to the feed store, it seems we're a bit short. It's about a mile from here, turn left at the bridge and go straight from there. Oh, but it's important that you go on foot. Wouldn't want to wear out your poor horse before we hit the trails today. You can carry the bag of oats and a bale of hay in the blue wheelbarrow over there. Oh, and if there's any time left, there's a small deli next door. Would you mind picking up a nice breakfast for the rest of us? We'll be working very hard today!"

At twelve or so, they were ready to hit the trails- er, beach. They had an exciting day planned. From twelve to four, they'd ride along the beach, picking up souveniers, playing tag, and having an occassional race or two. They were all tacked up and ready to go when they heard a cry from the right paddock. Everyone ran to see what the problem was.
Samantha shrieked, "You guys! Winette's hurt!".
The rest of the gang ran over, expecting Winette's leg to be broken or some other terrible ailment. Instead, they found her looking quite uncomfortable but alive and well, much to the relief of Kelly. She was only lame, but she was obviously very lame, or, as Kelly said- "dead lame." They called the vet, Dr. Vanvokinine, and in no time at all he was there.
He told them that Winette had bowed her tendon. He said, "It is very common here. This deep sand can cause a problem for horses not used to it. Since she's imported from Germany she's just not used to the deep Florida sand. Seeing that you guys have been riding along the beaches, well, if anyone's been riding her hard, say, galloping for an extended period of time, it is most certainly the cause."
"But Doctor, she has been in her paddock the whole time. Today is our first ride! And the sand in her paddock is not deep, just soft. And plus, we tranquilized her before getting off the trailer because she is so spooky around new places, and I simply don't see how she could have injured herself- she was nealy in a coma last night." Kelly was frowning.
"Oh!", exclaimed Alex out of the blue. Kelly gave her a weird look. "What?" Alex blushed. "Um, never mind."
Just then, Candace arrived, wheelbarrow in tow. She looked at the crowed gathered around Winette. "What's wrong?", she asked as she plopped down on the lush green grass. They told her the whole story. Candace shrugged. "Oh. Well, I'm simply pooped. I was up since five thir-". She stopped abruptly, then, after thinking for a moment, continued "-ty. Yesterday morning. And since Kelly had me running all over town I feel like taking a nap for three years. But, how about some lunch? Want some? Sure you do! Let me get you some! I'll be right back!" She ran off in the direction of a local deli.
No one missed her. The vet continued. "Well, if she was kept in her paddock then I don't see how she bowed her tendon this badly. I'm afraid she'll have to be out of work for several months."
Sam began to cry quietly. Mistie put her arm around her. "It's okay, Sam, how about riding Austin? Don't you worry. My old pony Tinkerbell once bowed a tendon. She was back on her feet in no time. It'll be okay."

Everyone was worried. It had been over and hour since Candace had left, and the deli she'd wanted to go to was very close to the campsite. "Where is Candace?", asked Kelly. "We need to get going!" The girls shrugged. "Do we have to take her, Kelly? No one likes her, anyway", complained Alex. Her friends murmered in agreement. Kelly's face looked firm but Alex noticed a smile tugging at the corner's of her lips. "Alex, whether you like Candace or not, she is my responsibility." They waited another five minutes, and, when Candace still failed to show up, Kelly sighed. "Okay, if you girls promise to stick together and come back here before four-thirty, I'll let you go. I'm going to stay back here in case Candace returns."

"Yee-haw! I'm a cowgirl!", yelled Nicki, waving a pretend lasso. They'd finally reached the beach and they had been trotting on the flat, packed sand next to the water. The sun shone on the Gulf and made it look beautiful.
"I'm an Arabian princess, and this is my faithful prince-pony", replied Alex. Mistie dropped her stirrups and leaned back. "This is great. I'm free! No parents, no Candace, no adults in sight. What a week!". Everyone grinned.
They walked in silence for a few minutes, just admiring the beauty around them, when all of a sudden Jamie cried out, "Look, look, what's this?!". Everyone looked in the direction she pointed. Sam dismounted and ran over to the area. "Hey, it's a squirrel- a baby one! It must have fallen out of the tree. Aww, he's so cute! What should we name him?"
Everyone else dismounted and ran up to Sam. "How about Candy? What a cute name!", said Dominique.
"But there's got to be a meaning to his name!", said Samantha.
"There is", said Dominique. "'Candy', after Candace. If she wasn't late then we wouldn't have been here when we were and the squirrel might have died!"
"Oh! Wow, so Candace is actually helping someone and she didn't even know!", replied Samantha.

Everyone trotted back to the camp, eager to show Candy off and tell about their adventure.
Alex was especially awaiting to surprise Candace with a squirrel named in honor of her. When they arrived back at the camp, they found Candace sitting beside Winette's paddock. Everyone was suprised when they found Winette's legs wrapped and an empty bottle of linement lying on the ground. The elegant mare was calmly munching on a flake of hay.
"Hi guys!" she squealed as she ran over to help them with their horses. "How was the ride? Actually, it dosen't matter, as long as you all are back all right. Winette is doing fantastic. Kelly took the trailer to the shop, we blew a tire. I have some food roasting on the fire- the fire! Oh no!" She ran over and took the scorched hot dogs off of the fire. "Anyone hungry?"
"Did Kelly take care of Winette?" questioned Alex.
"Well, after you left, I came back, and since Kelly couldn't accompany me to catch up with you, I couldn't go. Kelly left in such a hurry, she didn't have time. But I ran to the store, picked up some extra linement, and washed her wraps at the londromat."
"Since when did you turn nice?"asked Sam.
"Can I talk to you in private?" half-whispered Candace to Samantha. Everyone quieted and listened. " That means leave please" Sam said quietly. Once the gang had cleared and they were sure that they had no spys looking over their shoulders, Candace began. "I think that I know how Winette bowed her tendon. Remember how Alex mysteriously went to the paddocks in the middle of the night yesterday? She was talking to Dale, and she looked kind of nervous. Then I saw her go into the feed room and switch feed. I saw her do the whole thing. She went over to Winette and Elen's paddock and soaped her saddle there. I went to sleep , but I know she was up to something, at first I didn't suspect a thing, but today when I heard, well it all came together, soaping her saddle right by Winnette, switching feeds, and she was really nervous. She never did really like you anyway."
"Shut up Candace! You are just trying to break up our friendship! Alex would never do a thing like that!" Samantha said this, but in the back of her mind, she knew that all the evidence added up, and as she thought she knew... how could Alex ever like her after all the rotten things she had done to her. It was the perfect motive for revenge. Now how to confront her about it though?

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

okeys...since I'm sure you all can't read TOO fast...I'll post 11 and up later /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[Rockford]

I'm watching that Destiny's Child thing...

Fatlilpony- I have a Roma Gel pad. They work pretty good /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Chicago]

Wow, it really is a Saddle Club book! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[FatLilPony]

yes-but we KNOW what we're talkin agaout hehe /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

Chapter Eleven:

Alex looked towards Winette's paddock. Samantha was giving her a carrot and talking to Mistie. She couldn't hear what they were saying, but she noticed that they kept looking at her and Samantha was frowning. Mistie just looked confused. Alex didn't think much of it, though, since Samantha and Mistie were known for their rather big mouths.
However, if she could have listened into their conversation, she would have been more concerned.
"I just don't understand why Alex would do something so mean, especially after that lecture she gave us", said Mistie.
"Well, you know Candace. Maybe she's lying. She just want to get me to fight with Alex. But what if she's not lying, Mistie? I... just don't believe she do that to me." Samantha paced back and forth across the paddock.
"Let's not jump to conclusions, Sam. I don't think Candace was telling the truth and I know you don't either. Why don't you talk to Alex about it? She'll give you the straight answers- Alex Meekins doesn't beat around the bush."
Samantha winced. "Me... talk to Alex? I know she doesn't really like me right now, and who can blame her? This will just widen the gap between us, you know."
"How about I come with you?"
Sam knew when she was beaten. "O-kay", she said.
Mistie took her hand and they made their way over to Alex, who was standing by her tent. "Um, hi", said Alex. Mistie and Samantha waved. "Alex, I need to talk to you", said Samantha. Mistie pushed Alex toward Sam. Sam began, "Alex, Candace... um... told me, well, you know, about my horse, you know, Winette and her tenderloin- er, tendon problems and, um, something about maybe perhaps that you could have possibly-"
"Samantha, what are you getting at?", Alex said impatiently. Sam sighed. "Look, Alex, Candace told me that you're responsible for Winette's injury. Is this true?"
Alex's eyes widened. For a moment Samantha's face turned blurry. She was so angry she couldn't speak. She clenched her fists against her sides, trying to control herself. Oh, how she'd love to punch Samantha and Candace in the nose! But she couldn't, not now. Alex took a deep breath and said, "Samantha, I would never do that to a horse. I can't believe Candace said that."
"That makes two of us", said Samantha. Mistie bit her lip. "Alex, we're not blaming you. We just need to get our facts straight. You can understand that, can't you?" Alex shrugged, then mumbled, "I guess so." Mistie gave Alex a small, understanding smile, took Sam's hand, and walked off.

Nicki opened the flap opening to the tent she shared with Alex and poked her head out. "Alex, what color shirt- Alex? What's wrong?"
Alex stood frozen in place for a second, then dashed inside the tent as if there was a predator outside, ready to eat her up. Once inside, she wrapped her sleeping bag around her and tried not to scream. She looked up and saw Nicki holding up two tee-shirts, one a sky blue cotton one, and one a purple seersucker. Nicki dropped the shirts and sat down next to her friend. "Alex?"
"Candace told Samantha that I gave Winette her tendon injury."
Nicki looked horrified. "Alex, but you didn't, did you?"
"Of course not!", Alex said indignantly. "Do I look stupid?" Nicki shook her head. "Well, you know Candace. She just can't say nice things about anyone. Don't worry. I'm sure this will all blow over- just be glad that Sam's on your side now."
"I guess."
"Okay, Alex, now. Which shirt should I wear to the picnic tomorrow? The blue or the purple?" Alex looked up. "Huh? Oh, the picnic, right. Um, the, um... well, whatever you think, Nicki!" Alex walked out of the tent. Nicki opened the flap and poked her head out. "That didn't help, Alex!"

"Hey, Candace, look what we found!", called Alex. Candace jumped up from her perch on a fallen log. "Eeek!", she cried. "What is that thing?"
"It's just a little baby squirrel!", Alex replied.
"Yeah, Candace, it won't hurt you", said Mistie. Candace stepped back. "It has whiskers. I don't like things with whiskers."
"Your horse has whiskers", Jamie pointed out.
"No, she doesn't", Candace said haughtily. "I have someone trim them."
Alex rolled her eyes. Obviously Candace wasn't going to be nice anymore. She knew it was too good to be true. "Well you have to like him, Candace. We named him Candy, after you!" Candace looked horrified. "You named a squirrel after me? I hate squirrels! Ew, get it away from me!" She gave the squirrel one last disgusted glance and ran back to the tents.
"I don't get it", said Nicki. Samantha shrugged. "Well, that's Candace, I guess. I'm going to take Ink back to his paddock." Everyone followed her, except Alex. She hung back and fidgeted with Dale's reins. Samantha looked over her shoulder. "Aren't you coming, Alex?"
"Um, no. No, I think I'll just walk Dale around for a little while."
"Oh. Okay, well, see you later then!"
"Yeah, later." Alex watched Samantha and the rest of her friends disappear into the darkness. She couldn't explain why, but she didn't trust Sam yet. She was sure that she was just setting her up, and when she least expected it, she would be mean to her again. No, better not trust her. Nice or not, she was still Samantha.

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

Chapter Eleven:
No one could believe it. It was the last day of camp. At six o' clock the next morning they would be back on the road, heading for home. Candy the squirrel had run away, much to the relief of Candace, and the rest of the planned activities had come and gone. Although Alex had enjoyed camping out, she was happy to be going home. She lay awake in her sleeping bag and looked up at the tent's canvas ceiling. She just couldn't fall asleep. Judging from the lack of snoring, Nicki was probably still awake, too.
"Nicki", whispered Alex, "Hey, Nick, you asleep?"
"No", replied Nicki. "I'm so tired, but I can't go to sleep."
Alex nodded. "Me neither. I start to fall asleep and then I think about the zillions of things we have to do tomorrow." Nicki sighed. "I haven't even thought about that yet. "I'm thinking about how nice it will be to be in my own bed in my own house in my own room and riding Leaf again in a familar barn. And I was thinking about how the horses must be excited to get away from sand and fleas and ocean water and porta-paddocks and how happy they'll be to go back to their familar stalls with bedding that doesn't cause tendon injuries."
Alex frowned. Nicki's words indicated that she was thinking about the same thing Alex was thinking about. Winette's injury.
"Um, Nicki, I've been wanting to ask you about Winette. You... you don't really think I was responsible for her bowed tendon, do you?" Nicki sat up and tucked her hands into the sleeves of her cotton nightshirt.
"No, I don't, and I never really did. I know you and Sam aren't exactly friends, but I couldn't believe that you would hurt her horse."
"Thanks", Alex said. "I'm glad. But I wonder how she really got hurt, then?" But Alex never got a reply. A few second later she heard a snore. Nicki was asleep. Alex sighed and snuggled into her sleeping bag. Her question remained unanswered.

The next morning was full of hustle and bustle as everyone prepared for the trip home. Alex, Nicki and Mistie were disassembling the porta-paddocks and boxing them up, and the rest of the girls were preparing the horses for the trip. Kelly ran around, clipboard in hand, barking orders at her students. "Dominique! Hurry up with those leg wraps! We need to get moving! Samantha! I want you to make sure Winette is not sore! Candace- Candace! What are you doing?! I expect you to help or I'll ground you from your lessons for a week! Get up and get a move on!" Candace was sitting on a portable chair, dressed in a bathing suit top and board shorts, sipping a Wea fruit drink. She crossed her legs and pulled off her sunglasses.
"Kelly, I've been thinking. My father pays you quite a bit of money to take the best care of my horse, and so does Samantha's. So why do you have us scurrying around like field mice and slaving away? I'm sure Daddy wouldn't be pleased if he heard that a good part of my vacation was spent doing physical labor."
"Candace Williams!", yelled Kelly, outraged. "I'm sure your father wouldn't be pleased to hear how you've treated your fellow students so badly, or how you've been stubborn about helping me, or how you've been neglecting your own horse. And what Samantha's father does or does not pay is none of your business. I've warned you and warned you but you've not listened to one word I've said. I'm afraid I'll just have to punish you. As soon as we get back to the barn you will serve as a part-time working student for one week. I'll have you mucking stalls, cleaning tack, and feeding the horses. And if your father wishes you not to do this for me, than I'll have to reconsider letting you board at my stable!" She pulled Candace up, threw her drink away, and pushed her towards the trailer. "Refill the hay nets for me, please", Kelly said calmly. And put on some boots. You know sandals aren't allowed around the horses."
Candace's face had turned red with rage. She narrowed her eyes and stomped off, muttering under her breath.
"Whoa", said Alex, turning to Mistie. "Candace outdid herself today, that's for sure." Mistie shrugged. "Yeah, she's a real brat all right, but I've seen worse."
"Worse? What could be worse than Candace?", asked Alex.
"Hey, I'm a horse show veteran, remember? I've seen more 'princess riders' than I can count on two hands. There's some girls out there that think that money automatically makes them royalty, and they refuse to do anything for their horses. You ask them to fill a water bucket and they faint. You ask them to untack their horse and they cry. They break a nail and they want an ambulance. In a way, Alex, we're lucky that Candace is the worst we have. I mean, I've seen some riders that make her and the former Samantha look like the kindest people in the world." Mistie replied, giving Alex a knowing look. Alex was stunned. She was so used to Mistie that sometimes she forgot how knowledgable she was about showing.
"Eeek! I'm not sure about being 'lucky' to have Candace, but I'll admit she's not that bad!"


Alex stared out the window at the afternoon sky. Only twenty more minutes and they would be home. She started seeing familar landmarks: Reed's Drug Store, the old feed store, the library that her mother sometimes donated books to. Oh! There was Hillcrest Park! And there was Mr. Finney, a friend of her mother's.
"Nicki! Hey Nicki, we're almost home!", said Alex, poking her friend in the arm. Nicki had, apparently, dozed off.
"Mmmmm... that's nice", mumered Nicki without opening her eyes. Alex reached up into the front seat where Mistie was sitting. "Mistie, look! We're nearly there!" Mistie shrugged. "Yeah, Alex, I can see that." Alex reached over Nicki to Samantha. "Hey, Sam, we're..." Her voice trailed off. She didn't like Sam, even if she did give her expensive gifts or try to be friendly. Samantha looked up. "We're almost home, right, Alex? Yeah, I know, isn't it great? I can't wait to unload the horses! I was planning on cleaning some tack once we're there, too." Alex stared at her in disbelief. She was still having a hard time adjusting to the "new" Sam. It was too weird.
"Okay, folks, we're back!", Kelly said in a singsong voice. She pulled up the driveway and parked.
Everyone in the truck tumbled out. "Yahooooooo!", yelled Jamie. "Yehaaaaaaaaw!", said Dominique. "We're home, we're home, we're hoooooooome!", Alex chorused. Kelly smiled at them and opened the back of the trailer.

An hour and a half later, all the horses were unloaded, the trunks were unpacked, the trailer was fairly clean, and everyone was dirty, wrinkled, tired, and very excited to be back. Even Candace was showing a spark of interest. "She probably misses her maids and butlers", Alex whispered to Nicki.
"Alexis Meekins, your ride is here!", called Kelly. "Nicki, your ride is here!" Nicki and Alex gathered up their suitcases and waved goodbye. "Bye, everyone! See you tomorrow!" The girls ran down the driveway to Mrs. Meekins' black convertible.
"Hello, darling! Hi, Nicki!", Mrs. Meekins chirped.
"Hi, Mom! Good to be going home!", said Alex. Her mother handed her a paper bag. "Look inside, dear!" Alex took the bag. "Oh, wow, Mom! Thanks!" Inside was a large box of Belgian chocolates and an extremely soft goat hair horse brush.
"I thought I'd get you and your horse a welcome home present!", her mother said cheerfully. "The brush is the finest avaliable and the chocolates are just dreamy. Why don't you and Nicki try a few?" Alex grinned. It was just like her mother to get her imported chocolates and a fancy brush for her homecoming. Mrs. Meekins was the kind of mother that wore velvet evening gowns, attended PTA meetings and shopped at boutiques.
"Mmmm, these are delicious. The best!", declared Nicki around a mouthful of chocolate hazelnut. Mrs. Meekins smiled at her. "I'm glad you like them, dear." Alex looked out the window and exclaimed, "Oh, we're home!".
"Yes, Alex, we are", said her mother, pulling into the driveway. "Home sweet home!"

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

Chapter Twelve:
Mistie sat down next to Alex, Nicki and Samantha on the floor of Kelly's office. "Do you know why Kelly called us in here?", she inquired. "No clue", replied Alex. Just then, Kelly walked in. Everyone stopped talking.
"I asked you here for a very important reason", began Kelly. "In four months Pine Fields Equestrian Center is having it's annual charity horse show. It will be a large, 'A' rated horse show, and the largest we will have attended this year. The reason I am hoping that some of my students will show there is because the show this year is a larger one than last year- an A-3. Not to mention the fact that it will benefit the Pine Fields Children's Center. It would be an excellent expeirience for my more advanced riders, and, of course, the less expierienced students are welcome to come and watch. I have eight open trailer spaces, so anyone wishing to go may sign up.
Alex looked at Mistie and Nicki excitedly. "Wow! I'd love to go there! It sounds great."
"It is", said Mistie. "I've shown at Pine Fields before and it was really well run. It's a nice show, that's for sure." Samantha grinned. "Winette will be jumping by then. I could show her there, I'm sure."
Alex couldn't help notice that Nicki looked a little bit dejected. She knew it was because she wasn't experienced enough to show there, and Alex felt sorry for her. "Hey Nick", began Alex, "Maybe you'd like to come as my groom. At such a large show I'll need someone to help me out, and you make Dale and Charlie look great when you brush them!"
Nicki smiled. "Sure, Alex, I'd like that."
"Why, Alex, she can't be your groom", cut in Kelly. Alex looked startled. "Why not?", she asked. "Because", replied Kelly, "I expect Nicki will be showing at Pine Fields herself!"
"WHAT?!", cried Nicki and Alex in unison. Kelly smiled. "Nicki has improved a great deal over the last few months, and I was thinking that perhaps she could show Leaf in the Pre-Children's hunters. It would be an excellent expierience for her and Leaf."
Nicki's jaw dropped. "Kelly... I... I... don't know what to say!", she cried. Alex grinned. "All right!", she yelled happily.

The next day, Alex and Nicki took their usual route to the barn and arrived just as Mistie's mother pulled up in her blue Chevy. Neither of the girls had seen Mrs. Clark, except for one brief time, so they were curious as to what she was like. Mrs. Clark stepped out of the truck and smiled at the girls. "Hello, there! I don't believe I've seen you two before."
"Well, I'm Alex, and this is Nicki", said Alex, a little louder than she meant to. Mrs. Clark was a tall woman that looked a lot like her daughter. Her sandy brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and she was wearing just a touch of lip gloss. Her designer jeans, surprisingly, went well with a white polo shirt and a blue sweatshirt that said "Highfield Show Stables- Always The Best!" She was, though Alex, the picture of a horse show mom.
"Nice to meet you Alex, Nicki!", said Mrs. Clark enthusiastically. "I'm Mrs. Clark, Mistie's mother. I've heard a lot about you from Mistie. I was just here to talk to Kelly about the upcoming show. Perhaps you could direct me to her office? I don't remember where it is."
Alex gave Mrs. Clark a welcoming smile. "Sure! Follow me. Come on, Nicki." They walked into the barn and Alex pointed to a door on the left. "That's her office. She should be in there- if she's not, she might be giving a lesson in the indoor are-"
"She'll be in there. She told me herself", Mrs. Clark said, cutting her off. She stepped inside the office and closed the door.
"Whew", said Nicki. "She's very... interesting, Alex." Alex nodded. "Yeah. I wonder why she's so anxious to see Kelly."
"Um, Alex, this is like the biggest show we've ever gone to as a barn. I'm not an expert but I'm guessing that Mrs. Clark wants to make sure that Mistie gets to go." Nicki said, raising her eyebrows at Alex.
"Oh. Yeah, right." Alex muttered.

About five minutes later, Mrs. Clark emerged from the office. "Bye, Kelly", she called over her shoulder. She was holding a sheaf of important-looking papers and flipping through them. Alex waved. "Bye, Mrs. Clark!".
Mrs. Clark turned around. "Bye, Alex! See you soon!" She walked to her truck and hopped inside. Alex and Nicki watched her drive away.
"So, Alex, are we riding today?", inquired Nicki. Alex didn't answer. Nicki tried again. "Alex, are we riding today? Alex... ALEX?"
"Huh- what? Oh, um... Nicki! Do you realize how major this show is? Oh my gosh! I can't take Dale there! Charlie will do okay but Dale?" Alex jolted out of her trance and paced back and forth in front of Nicki.
"Alex- chill!", Nicki said sharply. "Dale will do fine! He was listed in that magazine's Top 25, and he always wins Champion or Reserve-"
Alex wasn't listening. "Nicki, I have to get busy! I need to start schooling! There's no time to lose!" And with that Alex was gone, leaving a stunned Nicki standing by the office door.

Two hours later Nicki took off Leaf's halter and let him into his stall. She'd had a refreshing trail ride with Jamie and had given Leaf a good bath afterwards. She sauntered back to the wash rack, rinsed out her bucket and put her shampoo bottles into it. Whistling, she carried the bucket into the tack room. As she made her way over to her trunk, she caught a glance of Alex through the window. Nicki's eyes widened. Alex was still riding? Nicki dropped the bucket and skidded out the door.
She ran as fast as she could to the outdoor jumping arena. Alex was in there on Dale. The steel gray Hanoverian was obviously tired and hot, and Alex's face was twisted into a frown. Nicki leaned over the wooden fence that separated her from the inside of the ring.
"Alexis Meekins, you've been riding that horse for over two hours!", Nicki yelled. Alex ignored her and trotted Dale in a small circle in the far corner of the arena.
"Alex! Come on, you look fine!". Nicki gave Alex an accussing glare. Alex slowed Dale to a walk and came over to Nicki.
"Look, Nicki, Dale has to look perfect at the show! If I don't train him, he won't look good enough to win! This is my big chance and I'm not going to just sit around and wait for it to pass me by, okay?"
"Alex, you're going to wear Dale to the ground in a week if you keep riding him like that, and you know it", Nicki said quietly. Alex looked uncomfortable. "Yes... but Nicki-"
"No buts, Alex. Now come inside with me, cool Dale off and get something to drink. Okay?", said Nicki, looking firm. Alex nodded and said in a small voice, "Yeah, okay. But I'm still schooling him tomorrow!". Nicki didn't reply but took Dale's reins and led the pair into the barn.
Once inside, Alex untacked Dale, hosed him off with cool water and put him in his stall. Nicki ran over to the boarder's lounge and got Alex a juice from the drink machine. She handed it to Alex and directed her to Kelly's office. "I already talked to Kelly", said Nicki, "and she said to come in and see her."
"Nicki, what did you say?", asked Alex suspiciously.
"Never mind, just go", said Nicki. Alex shrugged, took a sip of her drink and headed towards the office. Pushing open the door, she called out, "Kelly, you wanted me?".
Kelly nodded. "Yes- why don't you and I have a little chat, okay?", she said with a stern face. Alex pulled up a chair and sat down next to Kelly. "Okay", she replied meekly.
"Tell me, Alex, why do you seem so nervous about the show? Nicki says that you're pretty uptight about the whole thing. That's not like you", Kelly said, giving Alex a long look.
Alex looked down at her juice bottle. "No", she said at last.
"Well, you know if you don't tell me when you have a problem that it's not going to get better, right?"
"Yes..." Alex bit her nails. A minute of uncomfortable silence passed before she spoke up, "My mom... well, she's still not too happy with Dale, and this show would be the perfect opportunity to show her how great Dale really is."
Kelly nodded. "Yes, it would be."
"But", Alex continued, "What if we mess up at this huge show? My mom won't be too happy. Maybe I should just take Charlie, or I could just not show-"
Kelly interrupted her. "You most certainly will show, Alex, even if I have to tie you to your horse's back. And I'd like that back to be Dale's." Alex smiled a little. "Well...", she whispered.
"Alex", began Kelly, "Dale is a very nice horse, and he's going to get nicer. You're just wasting his talent if you don't bring him to the bigger shows. I have a feeling he's going to be extremely hard to beat one of these days."
Alex looked up at Kelly. "You really think so?", she asked skeptically. Kelly nodded enthusiastically. "I know so, Alex, and I think you're going to be hard to beat as well. You have two fantastically talented horses and you are a fantastically talented rider that's just begun her career. I have a feeling you'll be following in Mistie's footsteps. However, there is one difference between you and Mistie- one that is holding you back."
"What's that?", asked Alex.
"Mistie", said Kelly, "Is not afraid to try."
Alex blinked. "Okay... I guess... maybe... I could take Dale... and show..."
"Great, Alex! But please try to relax", Kelly said with a smile. Alex nodded. "Okay, Kelly. I'll try."

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

Chapter Thirteen:

Candace sashayed down the runway. She turned and posed for the many cameras shooting pictures of her. Waving to one of her adoring fans, she grabbed a pen and signed her autograph- Candace Destiny Williams- on a sheet of pink paper. She handed the paper to her young fan and turned around and around so that the designer riding jacket she was wearing billowed out in the breeze. She then walked up the red carpet leading to her stretch limo and climbed in the open door. She applied some lipstick while her bodyguards shooed away the people trying to get one last glance of the famous model. She had made equestrian fashions all the rage, and her picture was appearing on the covers of Vogue, replacing the movie stars and models that paled in comparison. Even through the glass windows she could hear people commenting on how graceful and glamorous she was. She smiled a toothpaste-ad smile out the window and she saw several people faint. Tossing back her freshly-styled hair, she gasped as she noticed a miniscule spot on her close-fitting white breeches. She shrieked and her travel butler, Humphrey, turned around in his seat. "What is it, Miss?", he asked. Her reply could not be heard because suddenly, over one hundred people began chanting, "Candace! Candace! Candace!"

"Candace!" Samantha's voice cut through Candace's daydream. Samantha gave her a weird look. "What were you doing, Candace? You kept batting your eyelashes and walking up and down the aisle!"
Candace shrugged. "None of your business. Why, exactly, were you calling me?".
"Well, I was going to ask if you wanted to go to the mall with me", replied Sam. Candace shrieked. "Oh, my gosh, I was just thinking that! Wow, Sammie, we're, like, telepathic or something! We haven't gone to the mall in like ages! But who's going to drive us?".
Samantha grinned. "Mother is. She wanted to get her new evening gown tailored, so she said we could come along. You want to come?", she asked. Candace nodded. "Of course I do! When do we leave?"
Samantha checked her watch. "Just call your mom and change. Mother should be here shortly", she said.

Forty-five minutes later, Samantha and Candace stepped out of the Isquirdo's shiny sports car. They followed Mrs. Isquirdo into the mall's entrance.
"Now, girls", said Mrs. Isquirdo, "I will be in Dress Creations for awhile. I plan to stop at a few other stores, including the jeweler's, and so therefore you have about two hours to shop. I will expect you to meet me back in the dress shop by then. Samantha, here is some money to shop with." She pulled a roll of bills out of her purse and left.
"Well", said Samantha, tucking the money into her pocketbook, "Where should we go first?" Candace replied, "Well, I wanted a new pair of shoes to go with my blue skirt, so I guess Tootsie's. How about you?".
"I'd like to drop by the shoestore too, so I guess that's the first stop", said Samantha happily.

Samantha sighed wearily. Tootsie's was the mall's most popular shoe store, and it was swarming with well dressed people clutching silver and gold Tootsie's bags.
"I just don't think this shade of navy is right", she heard Candace say. Samantha followed the voice and found Candace pestering a frazzled salesman. The man was holding about a dozen boxes of loafers, Mary Janes, sneakers and boots, all of them in some shade of blue. Candace was wearing one sky blue shoe and one royal blue shoe, and in her hand she was holding a navy blue shoe. Samantha dragged her bag, which contained a box of black sandals, over to the fitting area where Candace was seated.
"Candy", she said, "what shade of blue is your skirt, anyway?". Candace looked up and frowned. "I think it was navy... I knew I should have brought that skirt!".
The salesman looked up. "Well, Miss", he began, "There are only so many navy blue shoes in this store. Perhaps you could get a black shoe, or a white shoe, or even a red shoe. They match so nicely with navy-". He was cut off by Candace shrieking, "These shoes! I love them!". Candace had walked over to a rack of platform shoes and was clutching a box. Samantha and the salesman peered in. The shoes were bright pink, with a purple foam daisy attached to each buckle. The salesman raised his eyebrows. "I don't think those shoes will coordinate with the attire you have mentioned, Miss."
"I don't care!", Candace said excitedly. "These are perfect for my new tank top, right, Sammy?" Samantha nodded. "Um, yes... they are! Perfect! Now we'd really better be going." She grabbed Candace's hand and hustled her to the cash register, leaving behind a very relieved salesman.

An hour later, Candace and Samantha made their way to the dress shop, lugging bags full of shoes, jeans, jewelery, perfume and a gilt-framed oil painting of a Thoroughbred racehorse, which Samantha planned to hang in her room.
"Hey, let's stop for a snack!", Candace suggested. Samantha readily agreed, and soon they were sitting down at one of the food court tables with cans of soda and paper plates of vegetarian pizza and all-natural berry sherbert. Samantha took a bite of pizza and chewed thoughtfully. This seemed like a good time to ask Candace something... or was it? Well, she thought grimly, now or never.
"Candace", Samantha began, "Don't be offended, I was just wondering... were you, possibly, the one who was responsible for bowing Winette's tendon during camp-". She didn't have time to finish, because just then Candace picked up her entire cup of sherbert and threw it at Samantha. She missed, and it landed on the floor with a PLOP.
"Samantha!", Candace cried. "How could you!?". She grabbed her bags and ran towards Designer Dresses.

Samantha found Candace sitting on a white leather sofa in the Designer Dresses sitting room. When Samantha walked in she picked up a Modern Bride magazine even though Samantha knew she was not really reading it. Sighing, she walked into the boutique.
Designer Dresses was the mall's fanciest clothing store, and it sold everything from wedding gowns to the super-fancy bathing suits worn by models. The air smelled like perfume and the atmosphere was extremely proper. The only sounds were the quiet conversation of the well dressed salespeople and the rustle of the heavy velvet curtains that marked the entrance to the fitting rooms.
Mrs. Isquirdo was standing by one fitting room and talking to a saleswoman. The saleswoman, whose name was Victoria, was holding a familar-looking black gown on a brass hanger.
"Yes, Mrs. Isquirdo, we can take a few inches off the hemline if you wish. I also think that taking in the waist about half an inch would greatly improve the appearance, since your figure is so delicate..." Victoria droned on and Mrs. Isquirdo nodded, listening intently to every word she said. Samantha walked over to her mother. "Hi, Mom", she said listlessly.
"Oh, hello darling! Victoria and I were just discussing my new gown, but I'll be done in about five minutes. Why don't you wait in the sitting room?", her mother said. Samantha nodded and walked out. Candace didn't even look up as Samantha entered the sitting room. Candace, noticed Samantha, was still flipping through the bridal magazine.
"Hi", Samantha said. Candace turned a page and said nothing. "Look", Samantha continued solemnly, "I was just asking if there was a possibility of... you know. I didn't mean you did." Candace looked up sharply. "Well, you thought wrong", she snapped.
"Huh?"
"I said, you thought wrong, okay? I rode Winette at the beach and she bowed her tendon. Big deal, it's not like it's the end of the world." Candace crossed her arms.
"WHAT?!", screamed Samantha. "You did what?". Candace stood up and replied, "Geez, Samantha, I rode Winette and she just happened to bow her tendon. It could happen to anyone."
"Did I give you permission to ride her? No!", cried Samantha. Before Candace could reply, Mrs. Isquirdo walked out to the sitting room. "Hello, girls", she said. "Victoria is really a charming young lady! I suppose I'll need to come here again next week, Samantha darling, to pick up my dress...". Mrs. Isquirdo noticed the sulky looks on Samantha and Candace's faces. "Why girls, whatever is the matter?", she asked, concerned.
"Nothing, Mother", replied Samantha with a sigh. "Nothing at all."

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

Chapter Fourteen:

"Nicki! Don't let your leg keep slipping like that! Look at how nice and steady Mistie's is. Alex, remember to keep Dale's head bent to the inside around this turn- good! Very nice." Kelly's voice echoed throughout the walls of the indoor arena, where she was giving a group lesson to Mistie, Nicki and Alex.
"Kelly, I can't figure out what's wrong with my position", called Nicki. Kelly motioned her to stop. Nicki asked Leaf to come from a trot to a halt and Kelly walked up to her.
"Your position is improving, but when you sit Leaf's trot your leg bounces all over. And I want those shoulders back", said Kelly. Nicki nodded. "In fact", Kelly said, "Mistie, you have an excellent position. Just do a sitting trot around the ring once to show Nicki what she should look like." Mistie nodded and signaled Austin to trot.
It looks so effortless, thought Nicki. I'll never be that good. Mistie's position was perfect and she sat Austin's bouncy trot like she was sitting on a cloud. When she finished, she pulled up in front of Nicki. As if she read Nicki's mind, Mistie said, "Hey, that's what happens after years of riding. It just gets easier." Nicki nodded and moved Leaf back over to the rail.
Just then, Candace walked in on Elen. The big gray Thoroughbred hunter was wearing a new padded leather bridle and a matching standing martingale. Candace waved to the group. "Hello, everyone! Don't mind me- I'm just breaking in my brand new, top of the line bridle and martingale. Unfortunately, my matching leather girth hasn't arrived yet, but don't worry, it will arrive well before the show."
"Samantha may be nicer, but Candace is still snobby enough for two people", Nicki whispered to Alex, who nodded in agreement. Kelly pretended not to notice Candace and turned to the three girls on the rail.
"Okay, let's practice our two point at the canter! Mistie- you may lead us off", shouted Kelly. Mistie gave Austin the signal to canter, lowered her heels and kept her seat slightly out of and in front of the saddle in a perfect two point position. When Mistie was a safe distance away, Alex did the same on Dale. She kept Dale in a balanced canter. At Kelly's signal, Nicki began. Nicki's position was still a little unbalanced, but she was improving. Kelly gave her the thumbs up sign, and she began to relax. Suddenly, Candace screeched, "Heads up!". Before she knew what was happening Nicki was on the ground in a heap. Leaf was still going around the arena in a long-strided canter- unfortunately, the saddle was empty!
"Nicki! Nicki, are you all right?", asked Kelly. Nicki sat up slowly. "Yeah", she replied. Alex appeared with a sheepish-looking Leaf. "Here's your horse, Nick."
"What happened?", asked Nicki.
"Well", began Alex, "Candace wasn't being careful and she trotted right where you were going, and she ran into Leaf. Leaf jumped out of the way really fast, and you fell off."
"Oh", said Nicki. "Well, where's Candace?". Alex pointed to the far side of the arena. Candace was still trotting around as if nothing had happened!
"Well, Nicki, if you're not injured please get back on and finish your lesson", said Kelly. Nicki did as she was told.
"Okay, now, back to your two-point!", said Kelly.

"Oooh, she makes me so mad", Alex grumbled to Mistie after the lesson. "The nerve of that little creep, making Nicki fall off like that! What a jerk!".
"I assume you're talking about Candace", Mistie said dryly. Alex nodded. "Yes, I most certainly am! I can't believe she was that careless! A few more incidents like that and Nicki might lose her nerve."
"Don't worry", Mistie said, "I don't think Candace will be the cause of any more falls for awhile. I overheard Kelly giving her a good-sized lecture."
"Good. She deserved it." Alex sighed. She picked up her saddle and put it on its stand. As she put away the rest of her tack, she noticed Candace's groom hosing down Elen. This wasn't anything unusual except that Winette wasn't being hosed down at the same time. That's funny, she thought. Sam and Candace usually ride together. As she stood up, she noticed Samantha lead a tacked-up Winette past the wash racks to the outdoor arena. She didn't say a word to Candace or her groom, but instead marched past, giving Candace an icy glare on the way.
"Did you notice that?", asked Alex.
"What?" Mistie looked up.
"Candace and Samantha aren't talking."
Mistie turned towards the door. "Aw, they're always weird like that. Don't worry about it." And with that, she walked out. Alex shrugged and followed Mistie.

"Honestly, Nicki, you should really watch where you're going!". Candace's angry voice filled the aisle. She bent down to pick up the polo wraps she had dropped when Nicki had walked out of Leaf's stall.
"Oh, well, I'll have someone reroll them", Candace murmered. Nicki stood outside the stall door, glaring at Candace.
"Oh, like you can talk, Candace! You nearly scared Leaf out of his skin today when you ran into us", Nicki said angrily. Candace looked up in surprise.
"Why, Nicki", Candace began in a condescending tone, "You know I wouldn't do that on purpose. It is simply a matter of balance. If you were a good rider, which you're not, you would have been able to stay on Leaf! Now don't start blubbering to me about that little fall you had today. Once you learn how to ride properly, we won't have that problem, will we?".
Nicki's eyes filled with tears. "I... I am a good rider!", she stammered. Candace smirked. "Of course you think so, Nicki. Too bad Kelly's had you so completely fooled."
"What do you mean?".
"Well, she's been telling you how much you've been improving, and now she's going on and on about Pine Fields and how well you're going to do and how big it is... goodness, don't tell me you actually believe all that stuff!". Candace rolled her eyes.
"You mean she's lying?", Nicki asked, her eyes widening.
"I wouldn't call it lying, exactly. She just wants you to go so she can get trailering money and have you pay her for braiding and everything. Truth is, Pine Fields isn't half as big as Devon, or any of the shows I take Elen to usually. And I'm sure Mistie must think you're a schooling-show baby, getting so revved up over such an itty-bitty 'A' show. You're not terribly upset, are you?".
Nicki bit her lip. "No... um, thanks for telling me, Candace", she said quietly. With that, she ran in the direction of the lounge, leaving a smirking Candace behind.

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

Chapter Fifteen:
"I'm not going." Nicki's words hung in the air, leaving Alex, Mistie and Samantha stunned.
"WHAT?!", cried Alex. "Nicki, you have to go! Pine Fields is such an awesome oppurtunity! If I'm going, you're going."
"Alex", Nicki said calmly, "You don't seem to understand. I've made up my mind, and I don't want to go."
Mistie shook her head slowly. "Geez", she began, "Pine Fields is the biggest show Kelly's taking the barn to this year, and she's letting you go! I don't get why you would even think of missing it!".
Nicki choked back a sob, unable to speak.
"Oh, Nick", Alex said, suddenly sympathetic. "Is it money problems? Did your mom say it was too much money to enter?". Nicki shook her head. "No, Alex, Mom said I could go... but Candace said... Candace said...". Her voice trailed off and she buried her face in her hands.
"Candace said what?! What did she say?", Samantha asked angrily. Nicki looked up. "She said... oh, why did Kelly think she had to lie to me!?", Nicki cried. At her friends' questioning stares, Nicki repeated her conversation with Candace in the hallway.
"I can't believe she said that to you!", Samantha yelled. "She is the biggest jerk-". Samantha stopped talking and glanced at Alex. It wasn't long ago that she was treating Alex and Nicki in the very same way.
Mistie finished, "She is the biggest jerk at the barn, and she had no right to say that to you." Alex nodded. Her face was flushed red and she clenched her fists at her sides. "Nicki, of course you can't believe Candace! She's just trying to rule out the competition! She just doesn't want to be beaten by you!". Alex's compassion for her friend and anger at Candace got the best of her. Her last sentence was screamed at the top of her lungs.
"Um... Alex?", Mistie piped up.
"What?"
"No matter how great Nicki and Leaf do, she won't be beating Candace, because Candace is doing the junior hunters and Nicki is doing the pre-children's hunters", Mistie said, a smile on her face.
"Oh, yeah. Right", muttered Alex sheepishly. Samantha jammed her hands into the pockets of her designer breeches and stood up.
"Look", she said, "I don't know why Candace made up that story about Kelly, but it's not true. We all know Kelly and she would never, ever lie to you, Nicki. And you're a good rider, no matter what you think. Kelly wouldn't let you show if you weren't."
"But... are you sure Pine Fields isn't just some unheard-of little show that Kelly's glamorizing?", asked Nicki in a small voice.
"No", said Mistie firmly. "No, she isn't glamorizing it at all. Pine Fields is a huge, A3-rated show that all the top riders enter. In case you've forgotten, Nicki, Somewhere Farms is a show barn and when she says this is the biggest we've gone to this year, you bet it's the biggest! I go all the time and my mother doesn't let me go to the little ones anymore."
Nicki sighed. "I... guess maybe you guys are right", she said tentatively.
"Of course we're right!", Alex, Mistie and Samantha chorused. They giggled.
Nicki, remember when I schooled Dale for two hours and was so uptight that you made me talk to Kelly?", inquired Alex.
"Of course", replied Nicki, nodding.
"Well, she gave me a long talk, but what she said mostly was that I was just being silly, and that Dale and I were very talented and that we could go far if I would just try", Alex said.
Nicki smiled. "Of course, Alex! Dale has beautiful conformation and he's got so much scope over fences! And he's so brave at the shows! And you, Alex! Gosh, your equitation has improved so much, and you're so confident over those big fences..." Nicki's voice trailed off.
"Um, Nicki, I think you just lost your own argument", Alex said sensibly. "Leaf happens to have tons more show expierience than Dale, and he's gone to more A3's than I can count on two hands and two feet, plus he's got great conformation and all that stuff, and you're a great rider, too."
Nicki shrugged. "Well, maybe you're right, Alex. I just don't know." Mistie, who had been sitting on a chair facing Nicki and Alex, stood up and joined Samantha at the lounge's small kitchenette. "Well, Nicki, it's your choice, but I think you'll regret not going", she said. Standing on tiptoes, Mistie reached into a cabinet and pulled out four paper plates and four plastic forks. She walked over to the counter and lifted a glass cake saver, which housed a delicious-looking chocolate cake. Mistie cut the cake and set the plates of cake onto the table.
"The woman who owns the pony Suave, Mrs. Atskensi, made two of these cakes for the lounge. She said we could eat them whenever", Mistie explained. "And I always think better when there's chocolate involved. Dig in, everybody!" Nicki grinned. It's great having friends like them, she thought before she picked up a fork and took a bite of cake.

The next day, Alex tacked up Leaf for jumping, including his jumping boots and standing martingale. She finished just as Nicki walked into the barn.
"Hey, Alex, you riding my horse today?", teased Nicki. Alex shook her head. "Nope", she replied. "I'm giving you a jumping lesson."
"Huh?", asked Nicki blankly.
"I'm giving you a lesson in the outdoor arena. I talked it over with Kelly and we agreed that I should give you some extra help since the show's coming up."
"Oh." Nicki raised her eyebrows. "Well, that's nice of you. Let me just... get changed." She darted into the lounge and reappeared a few minutes later in beige breeches, a Somewhere Farms white polo and field boots. She carried her helmet in her hand. Alex was nowhere to be seen. Nicki found her already in the arena, carrying a lunge line and whip in one hand, a paperback called 101 Lungeing Excercises in the other hand, and at her feet was a jug of water, a leather strap, two pieces of hay twine and a plastic baton. Alex grinned.
"Alexis Meekins, what is all this stuff? And what does it have to do with jumping?", asked Nicki, a confused expression on her face.
"Plenty", replied Alex. "Listen to this." She opened her book. Turning to a page, she cleared her throat and read, "Until the horse and rider are completely at one and in balance at all gaits, it is imposible to be confident when jumping. The best way to develop this balance is without reins and/or stirrups, on a lunge line at the walk, trot, and canter, and over poles." Alex closed the book and flashed Nicki a triumphant smile.
Nicki looked uncertain. "What's all this for?", she inquired, gesturing at the water, hay twine, strap and baton.
Alex replied, "The strap is to hold onto, in case you lose your balance. The hay twine is going to fasten to your stirrups- you'll see. You're going to use the baton in an excercise, and drink the water. Now get on while I fasten this lunge line." Nicki mounted Leaf, and Alex clipped the long cotton line to Leaf's bit. Nicki started to pick up her reins, but Alex stopped her.
"Hold it", she ordered. Alex unbuckled Nicki's reins and dropped them on the ground, then fastened the leather straps to the dee rings at the saddle's pommel. Then she took Nicki's feet out of the stirrups, and looped the hay twine through each stirrup and around the girth. When Nicki put her feet in the stirrups, she complained, "Hey- I can't move my feet!"
"Exactly. Now your leg position will improve", replied Alex. She backed away until she held only the end of the lunge line, and pointed the whip at Leaf. "Ask him to walk", Alex told Nicki. Nicki clucked to Leaf, and he responded with an easy, forward walk.
"Good", murmered Alex.
After a few minutes of walking, Alex asked Nicki to trot.
"Where do I put my hands- I don't have any reins!", Nicki said. Alex replied, "Put them on your hips." Nicki shrugged and did as she was told. She laughed as she trotted with her hands on her hips, her head, held out to the sides, flapping like a bird, and straight up in the air. Then she cantered doing the same. Alex was pleased.
"Great, Nick!", Alex said. "Now we can try some jumping without the lunge line." She unfastened the lunge line and reattached the reins, but left the twine on the stirrups. Then she handed Nicki the baton.
"What do I do with this?", asked Nicki, holding the baton between her thumb and forefinger.
"Hold it like a tightrope walker would, with both hands. I'm going to lead Leaf by his reins over poles and crossrails while you hold that baton for balance."
"Um... that's weird, but okay", replied Nicki. "But what about this hay twine on my stirrups? Do I leave it on while I'm jumping?"
"Sure", replied Alex. "You have a problem with your leg swinging way to far back over fences. Now you can get a feel of doing it the right way."
"Okay."
Alex picked up Leaf's reins and trotted him over six poles on the ground and a mini-course of four small schooling jumps. Nicki struggled a bit with her balance, but she concentrated hard.
"Great job!", praised Alex. "Now, if you're ready, I can take you over a few bigger jumps." She motioned towards two 2' verticals.
"Well, I guess so. Can I drop the baton now?"
"No."

Half an hour later, Nicki was walking Leaf in slow circles around the arena to cool him off and taking sips of water out of the bottle Alex provided. Nicki smiled to herself as she went over the lesson in her head. After Alex lead her over the schooling jumps while Nicki held the baton, Nicki was allowed to canter through a course without stirrups. It had been challenging and even painful, but certainly fun. Come to think of it, anything that involved Alex was usually fun.
"Nicki, hey, there you are! How was your lesson with Alex?" Nicki turned towards the voice and saw Kelly leaning on the arena railing, dressed in her always-professional riding clothes, her hair neatly contained under her hunt cap. Standing behind her was a chestnut mare that Nicki recognized as Valentine, a horse Kelly had taken in to train.
"The lesson was great. Alex is a good teacher", Nicki replied. "Are you going to ride Valentine?" As soon as she said it, Nicki mentally slapped herself. What a stupid question- why else would Kelly be dressed in breeches and leading a fully tacked up horse into the arena? Kelly didn't seem to mind, though.
"Yes", she said with a smile, "Vallie is in training. I'm going work with her for a few months until her owners, the Afghansins, come to pick her up. She's an equitation horse."
"Oh... Kelly?"
"Yes, Nicki?"
"Um..." Nicki cleared her throat. "What do you think of Leaf... and my riding? Have we improved at all? Will we do okay at the show? Will we be laughed at? Will we-"
"Nicki, Nicki, slow down!", laughed Kelly. "I think your equitation has improved a great deal, and I'm sure Leaf appreciates that. Leaf, as you know, was actually my horse for awhile when I was younger- I did the junior hunters with him." Kelly's voice trailed off as she remembered days filled with blue ribbons and championship trophies.
"Yeah, go on."
"But then Leaf was replaced for awhile when I got Alachua." Kelly looked at Nicki who was staring at her curiously.
"Alachua was a Canadian-bred Thoroughbred gelding who needed training. Between him and all the sale horses I rode, I barely had time to show Leafy here, and surely not at the huge shows I used to take him too."
"So what did you do?" Nicki had stopped Leaf and her eyes were as wide as saucers as Kelly remembered this unmentioned piece of Leaf's history.
"Oh, I started leasing him to a girl near my barn in West Virginia, like I lease him to you now. The girl was a fabulous rider, and she really hit it off with Leaf. Her name was Fay something, don't remember the last name. But anyway, that's not important. Fay rode Leaf in the junior hunters, and did a lot of big shows with him. In fact, they qualified for a couple of season finals."
"I bet you were proud", Nicki piped up.
"Oh, I was. I went to most of their shows to watch Leaf and Fay. Quite a pair. But then, something tragic happened. Fay was in a bike accident. She did permanant damage to something, don't remember what, but it was serious."
Nicki almost laughed at that; Kelly could be so forgetful! She didn't, however, when she thought of poor Fay.
"Anyway, Fay insisted on riding again. Everyone was concerned that she wouldn't make it, but she knew that Leaf was such an easy horse that she'd do fine. And she did! Why, she qualified for another season final that same year and showed Leaf for two more years, until she turned eighteen and got a horse to do the Amateur-Owner hunters on."
"Wow. I never knew that!" Nicki was stunned. She knew Kelly used to ride him, but...
"Yep. So then I took Leaf with me when I started working for Somewere Farms five years ago. He was my best lesson horse. When I became the head trainer and manager, Leaf was still my pal. I hope you have as much fun with him as everyone in the past, because you remind me a lot of Fay", Kelly finished quietly. Nicki was pondering this when Kelly cut in, "Well, if I want Vallie to get any schooling I'd better get going. And I think Leaf here is more than ready to get back to the barn!"
"Yeah, okay. See you, Kelly!" Nicki waved, dismounted and walked towards the series of outdoor washracks that were often used on warm, sunny days. Turning back, she saw Kelly give Vallie a pat and mount crisply. Grinning to herself, Nicki patted Leaf as well, then picked up his halter and began unbridling him.

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[Chicago]

You know what the hardest thing in the world to do is?

How do you tell a little camper (or a Junior who spent years working with a horse) that their horse has been put down? Little kids just can't understand.

I dunno, it's just something I've been through too many times.

[FatLilPony]

Chapter Sixteen:

With the date of the show drawing nearer every day, Alex knew she had a lot to do. She, Nicki, Mistie, Samantha, Candace and an adult rider named Allison Ferridan were showing, but it was undoubtedly true that Alex was among the most nervous. However, the main reason for her nervousness was her mother.
On Thursday morning, Alex's horse shaped alarm clock began making its signature whinny, signaling Alex to get up. Slapping the horse in the general vicinity of the off button silenced the noise, and Alex rose sleepily out of bed. She pushed her feet into her plaid slippers and shuffled to her closet to pick out some clothes. Unlike H. Parker Academy, the "school of snobs" that Samantha and Candace attended, Hemmingway Hall didn't require uniforms, for which Alex was grateful. She chose a light purple cotton shirt, denim overalls and a pair of platform sneakers. She pulled her hair up with a purple velvet scrunchie and headed to the kitchen for breakfast.
Alex found her mother putting frozen waffles in the toaster, dishing up bowls of fresh berries and pouring glasses of orange juice and mugs of coffee. Alex was confused; her mother didn't usually make such a fuss over school-day breakfast. Shrugging, she sat down at the table in the breakfast nook.
"Good morning, dear!", Mrs. Meekins sang cheerfully. "There's syrup in the white cup and whipped cream, if you want any."
"Okay. Boy, this looks great!", Alex replied enthusiastically.
"Yes, well, I had a phone call today and-" Mrs. Meekins was interrupted by Alex's eight-year-old sister, Ashley.
"Hi mommy. Hi Alex. I smell waffles, where are they? You remembered I like berries and whipped cream on my waffles, right, mommy? And I get lots and lots because I'm the littlest, right?"
"Of course, muffin! Lots and lots of berries and waffles", Mrs. Meekins cooed.
Oh, geez, thought Alex. Ashley was, to put it nicely, very spoiled. Alex hated that fact, but made no comment today because she wondered why, exactly, the waffles and berries were there in the first place!
"Anyway, Alex, the phone call was from-"
"MOMMY! I want my waffles!" Ashley whined.
"Well, angel, let me get them for you. One minute, Alex." Mrs. Meekins walked over to the toaster, pulled out four frozen waffles, put two on each plate, spooned berries next to them and picked up two glasses of orange juice. She set the plates and glasses down next to her daughters. Alex poured syrup on her waffles, added a dollop of whipped cream, and was about to take the first bite when...
"Mama... I... I... don't think I can cut this all by myself", Ashley said in a wavery voice. She was holding her knife like a shovel and trying to dig into her waffle with it. Whipped cream flew everywhere, and two blueberries landed in Alex's orange juice glass.
"Poor muffin, mama's sorry. Here, let me help you." As Mrs. Meekins leaned over and began cutting Ashley's mutilated waffle into manageable pieces, Alex picked the blueberries our of her glass and waited for her mother to finish her sentence.
"You were saying, Mom?"
"Oh... oh, yes. I recieved a phone call from-"
"Good morning! Ah, what a lovely breakfast. I'll have some of that coffee, and are there any berries left?" Mr. Meekins came in straightening his blue tie.
"Yes, dear, I'll have your coffee and berries ready in one moment." Mrs. Meekins fixed the requested breakfast and set it in front of her husband, then picked up her own coffee cup. When everyone had been eating silently for a moment, Alex burst out, "Mom! Who called?"
"Oh, sorry honey. Kelly called and mentioned that you were entering a large horse show in the near future. She said we'll need to fill out the entry form."
Alex blushed. She'd forgotten to tell her mother about Pine Fields! Quickly, she explained about the show and who was going, leaving out the part about bringing Dale.
"Well darling! How wonderful! I'm sure you and Charlie will do splendidly. We must get you a new jacket to wear before then, though, your best one is a bit small. You want navy? Or how about a newer color?"
Alex bit her lip. "Um, I'd love a new jacket, but... Mom, I want to take Dale, too."
The kitchen was silent. Mrs. Meekins looked as if something was terribly wrong with her daughter. Mr. Meekins looked pained, because he was pretty sure he knew what was coming. Alex stared out the window, waiting for her mother's response. Ashley kept eating as if nothing had happened.
Mrs. Meekins seemed to come out of her trance. "Finish your breakfast, Alexis. We'll talk more after school."
"But what about the barn?"
"No barn today." Her tight lipped frown signalled she meant business. Alex pushed her plate away. She said a brief goodbye to her parents and Ashley, brushed her teeth quickly, grabbed her bookbag and ran to the bus stop.

Alex spent the school day worrying. At noon rest (her school's name for lunch break) she remembered she hadn't brought lunch money. Luckily, Mistie and her other friend Jeanette shared their lunches with her (Nicki went to public school). Sitting at one of the long folding tables covered with paper cloths, Alex explained to Mistie to events of that morning.
"Gosh, Alex. I hope your mother lets you take Dale", Mistie commented after Alex finished.
"Yeah..."
"Who's Dale?", asked Jeanette.
"Oh, Dale's my horse", replied Alex. Just then the bell rang. Jeanette waved goodbye, gathered up her books and left. Alex and Mistie did the same, and then trooped off to their literature class.

"Oh, I'm so nervous", Alex wailed. Unfortunately, there was no one around to hear her. The bus had just dropped Alex off at her bus stop, leaving her to brood about her mother. Sighing, she slung her bookbag over her shoulder and jogged the rest of the way home.

Alex pushed open the door to her house. Her sister, who went to the same school as Alex, went to art class on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school, and her father was still at work, so it was just Alex and her mother. As soon as she set her bookbag down the Meekins' border collie, Mountie, appeared out of nowhere and began barking and wagging his tail furiously. Alex patted him halfheartedly, then walked over to her mother's bedroom and knocked on the door. Knock knock knock.
"Alex, is that you?", Mrs. Meekins asked.
"Yes"
"Oh. Well, come in."
Alex pushed open the door. Mr. and Mrs. Meekins bedroom was like something Martha Stewart and a French decorator might have gotten together and planned. The black wrought iron bed was surrounded by a canopy of white netting, which could be drawn back to reveal a black lace bedspread over white satin sheets, with crushed velvet accent pillows in black and white piled high at the headboard. The top of the canopy was covered in black silk roses and black lace bows. The fluffy white carpeting was accented in certain places with small black Parisian throw rugs. Two wrought iron bedstands sat at each side of the bed. On each stand there was a black wrought iron bedside lamp with a white velvet-covered shade, and on Mrs. Meekins' side there was also a priceless antique clock surrounded by sapphire, emerald and mother-of-pearl stones. The black wooden dresser was covered with a white lace table runner, a wedding present from Mrs. Meekins' friend. Sitting on the table runner was an antique cherry jewlery box full of precious jewelry (it had a lock), a beautiful music box that played a waltzy, classical piece when it was wound up, a collection of crystal elephants that Mrs. Meekins had been collecting since she was seventeen years old, Mr. Meekins cigar box, a white hand sculpture that held a real pearl necklace, bottles of cologne and perfume, and an antique blue porcelian hand mirror with pale pink sculpted roses that had chipped off in places. The room opened up into a cozy sitting room with a brick fireplace, a white leather couch accented with black velvet pillows, a large desk with a computer, a small TV, a radio, and a custom-made black wooden bed about the right size for a large doll- or, in this case, a cat. Fluffy, Mrs. Meekins' purebred white Persian, lay curled up on a white velvet cushion inside the bed. A double-sized bathroom was separated from the room with a black velvet curtain, and a pair of French doors led to a patio, with a fountain, a Japanese-style fish pond, and an orange tree.
"Come into the sitting room, please", Mrs. Meekins said briskly. Alex noticed that her mother was wearing her satin lounge robe and French terry slippers, and her hair was up in a "doodle-oo", her mother's name for a twisted bun.
Alex sat down next to her mother on the couch. She looked into the long-dry ashes of the fireplace and sighed.
"First of all", began her mother, "You know- you know- how I feel about that horse. I've watched Charlie and I've watched Dale. Charlie is such a lovely horse, a beautiful specimen. She moves wonderfully, she jumps perfectly, she models-"
"That", cut in Alex, "Is because Charlie is a hunter-"
"Never mind that. Dale, on the other hand, stumbles on course, misses lead changes... and he's so gangly."
Alex rolled her eyes. "Mother, he's still young. He'll get better!"
"Well, the point is, Pine Fields is coming up NOW and unless Dale gets a lot nicer very fast, you're going to embarass me with him. I do wish you'd just focus your energy on riding Charlie well. I can't believe you talked me into getting... him."
Alex frowned. Dale's dam was Country Western, who was related to Charlie. His sire was a Grand Prix showjumper and his bloodlines were all quality. She couldn't see her mother's point. "I don't see your point."
"My point is this- I do not want you to take Dale to the show." Mrs. Meekins looked frusterated.
"Mom, please!" Alex was near tears. This was so much like the converation she'd had with her mother ages ago, where she'd lost her temper, and gotten punished. But her mother was so difficult!
"Alexis, don't make this harder than it already is", warned Mrs. Meekins.
"Mom, what if I make you a deal. If you let me go to the show, and I get less than a fifth in my classes, I'll-" Alex bit her lip, and said the next words quietly. "I'll never show Dale again."
Her mother looked shocked. "Alex?"
"Wait, I'm not finished. "But if I get a fifth or better, you don't pester me about Dale again."
Mrs. Meekins considered this. "Well, Alexis, I suppose this will be okay. But if you get a sixth or below, I want you to hold onto your end of the bargain." Alex nodded. "I will." Just then the sound of Ashley coming home made Mrs. Meekins fly out of her chair. The conversation was over.

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[JumpTheMoon]

OMG LOL I can't read all that! Thats more than i've read since .... well since we started this thread LOL!

[FatLilPony]

Chapter Seventeen:

"You said what?", shrieked Nicki. "You told her you'd never show Dale again? Boy, Alex, I hope you do well at this show!" It was Saturday, two days after the argument with her mother, and Alex had blurted out the whole story to Nicki as they stood by the ring, watching Mistie take a lesson on Austin.
"I know, I know. But what else could I do?", moaned Alex. Just then, Kelly flashed them a look signaling them to be quiet. Mistie careened by on Austin as fast as the wind. She practically flew to the first, second and third schooling jumps, which were almost four feet tall and wide. She had to make a tight, difficult turn to the fourth, but she did it easily and went on to the fifth. Doing a crisp flying lead change, she turned in the other direction and finished her course. The big bay Dutch Warmblood moved in huge, ground-covering strides across the jumping arena. As she landed after the last jump, Mistie grinned and patted Austin. Kelly looked at her stopwatch and said, "Great! A new record. You'll do very well in the show if you ride like that."
After Mistie had cooled Austin down and exited the arena with Kelly, Alex turned to Nicki. "I'm sooo stupid, Nicki. I forgot that I'll be competing against Mistie and Sam! They've got winning horses, and I have... Dale."

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[JumpTheMoon]

LOL we're gonna make it to page 100 with your novel FLP!!!

[FatLilPony]

Chapter Nineteen:

"Dan, don't forget to bandage him." yelled Candace.
" You shouldn't be so mean to the lesson kids, they're being nice enough to be your grooms for the day, show some appreciation!" screamed Alex at Candace. Alex had the 'pre-show jitters' she was not the happiest camper.
Yes, the day had arrived. Pine Fields was up in minus five hours, seventeen minutes and three seconds, according to Kelly's watch, and the barn was in an uproar.
"Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh", muttered Nicki to herself. That's all she had said for two hours straight and it looked like that wouldn't change for awhile. Sam busied herself in Winette's stall meticulously working away at the mare's braids. Nicki was pacing the barn 'supposedly' looking for Alex's braiding kit, but she was in such a state of shock, that she must have walked by it 40 times. Candace was sitting, doing nothing, as the 'grooms' (lesson kids) quickly and carefully worked Elen into a state of perfect beauty. Kelly was sitting in the office getting the paperwork done, eating a bran muffin. She clutched her coffee cup and stared into it, getting the glazed-eye look that she often wore when it was five-thirty AM and she'd gotten two hours of sleep. Candy, the squirrel they had previously saved had come back from running away...or something like that. Candy sat, eating a nut on Candace's newly cleaned saddle, scratching the leather with her toenails as she struggled to get a better grip on the nut. Candy (or as Alex said) would be the jack russel terrier for the day. Mistie was the 'cool cat' she had done this, I'm sure, many times before. She stood in Ink's stall gently running a brush over his face saying, "Don't be nervous bud, you are going to do great. We'll get you all groomed and wrapped, and we are gonna have some fun going into th trailer. Then, you can have some hot bran mash, ok?" She finished up grooming him and wrapping, and headed off to Austin, the Veteran in the bunch.
"Kelly", Alex said, running into Kelly's office.
"Mffphk", replied Kelly in a dazed voice. She held her crumbling muffin to her lips and licked it halfheartedly.
"Um, maybe this isn't the best time to ask, but have you seen my braiding kit?"
"Wha? Huh? Oh, er..." Kelly dropped the rest of her bran muffin on her desk and plopped her head down on it like it was a pillow. She began to snore.
"Man, she must've been tired", muttered Alex. Just as Alex started to walk out the door, she spotted Nicki pacing up and down the aisle, braiding kit in hand.
"Nicki", inquired Alex, "What are you doing with my braiding kit?"
"What braiding kit? You mean the one I'm looking for?", replied Nicki in a dazed voice.
"Nick, I mean the one you're holding", replied Alex, pointing at Nicki's hand. Nicki looked down.
"Oh. Right. Here", she said, handing it to Alex. As she trudged down the aisle, Alex heard faint mublings of, "Oh my gosh" coming from her friend. Alex shrugged and headed to Charlie's stall to begin braiding.


There was a slight racket followed by a crash coming from the back of the trailer. In a few moments a frazzled Kelly came back in view. She hopped in the cab of the truck, stuck the keys in the ignition and blew her bangs off her forehead.
"What's wrong?", inquired Samantha.
"Oh, nothing, except that Candy absolutely insisted on riding all the way there perched on Winette's back. Winette on the other hand didn't like her sitting on her back but I finally got them in."
Suddenly another loud bang came from the back of the trailer. kelly and Samantha exchanged a glance. "Hope you don't mind about that", said Kelly.
"Uh, no. No, please tell Candy to make my horse hers for the extent of the trip", Samantha said, stifling a smile.
"I'll do that." Kelly backed the truck down the drive. They were on the road!


When the arrived at Pine Fields, the first thing out of Nicki's mouth was, "Ohmygoshohmygosh!!! Oh MY GOSH!"
Alex was amused but, she had to admit, Pine Fields was impressive and intimidating. The hunter green and white striped tents covered every inch of the grounds that weren't taken up by arenas. They were surprised when they saw ground-up rubber tires covering the arenas. Kelly said they would provide better traction.
"OH MY GOSH! Alex, LOOK!", cried- who else?- Nicki. Alex looked. A section of the grounds was taken up by various mobile tack shops. Alex recognized a few of her favorites.
"Hey, cool, there's where I got my chaps", called Mistie, pointing to one store.
"Okay, people, let's get a move on. We have a half-row of stalls in tent"- Kelly checked a piece of paper- "eleven. Let's go. Dan and Andrew, please wheel over the trunks soon, okay?"

The first class of the day for Candace, who was planning on doing a mini-medal division, started in half-an-hour. Dan tacked up Elen while Candace struggled to put on her show clothes.
"Dan! Get over here! I need some help with my boots!"
Dan, getting upset by now with Candace bossing him around replied smugly " So, now I have to dress you too! Can't you do anything yourself you poor poor soul?"
"Oh, stop with your pathetic poetry and stop trying to flatter me, get over here and put my boots on, NOW!"
"Coming dear.." he smiled as he walked over.

"And now on course in the Mini-Medal division is Candace Williams on Read Ahead training with Kelly Solter of Somewhere Farms. This is the first trip for Candace Williams", droned a bored-sounding announcer. Kelly, Mistie and Samantha stood by the rail. Candace did a large circle and signaled the mare to canter. The course, which was tougher than the average hunter course but not as demanding as a jumper course, was easy enough for Candace. She had a flawless trip setting her ahead.
"Whoo-HOO!" yelled Kelly as Candace came out. Candace gave a small bland smile, as she said, "I had a nice trip, but do you have any idea what on earth happened to my saddle?"

"Oh gosh. Oh Alex, I can't do this! I'm not good enough, oh my GOSH!" Nicki cried. She stood trembling, holding Leaf by his reins as Alex tried vainly to put a final coat of polish on his hooves. The mini-medal division was over, and time had passed so quickly that Nicki hardly realized that it was almost time for her class(if she had she would have said 'oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh...etc.) She hopped on in time for her flat. She began walking into the ring when Kelly came breathing heavily.
" WAIT! I signed you up for EQ instead of the pre-childrens, you will be competing in the Jr. EQ division over 3'6."
"Uhh...ok. Why didn't you tell me that in the first place?" Nicki replied seeming totally relaxed. I suppose she was dazed out, in the excitment of it all, she had forgotten to be nervous.
"Um, great. Sorry, short notice. But I think you'll be fine."


"I'm sorry you have to scratch the class, Mistie. If I'd had known..." Kelly sighed. Austin had injured his leg slightly when Winette, in her squirrel-ridden frenzy, had kicked out during the trailer ride.
"That's okay. I can still ride Ink", replied Mistie calmly. "Now I guess I better start lungeing Ink to get him ready for the hunters."

"Number seven-twenty-three, Alexis Meekins riding Country Aroma is now on course. This is the first trip for seven-twenty-three." The bored announcer had been replaced with a spunky young female that practically shouted through the speakers.
Mrs. Meekins, in a pink silk suit, clutched the rail.
"Kelly! So nice to see you! I don't suppose Alex has told you about... our little agreement", she said darkly. Kelly shook her head distractedly.
"Well, this morning we agreed that a bad course would sell Dale and get her a REAL horse. I know she's heartbroken but I, for one, am looking forward to selling him..."
Samantha stood, half-eavesdropping as Mrs. Meekins babbled on. She thought to herself, 'I can't let her lose Dale- but what can I do?'. Alex guided Charlie over the first jump, a rustic-looking wishing-well. Perfect! The mare's knees snapped up and she threw herself over with gusto. She smiled softly and continued. Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Last fence... the people at the rail held their breath as the mare approached the last fence. Then, she... chipped! The crowd groaned in unison.
"Hey- that was a chocolate CHIP!" yelled a bystander, adding to Alex's shame. Kelly shooker her head and patted her student on the back.
"Cheer up, kid. You still have a few more chances to try for ribbons. You did well."

And this is Alexis Meekins on Country Aroma in her second trip", chirped the perky announcer. Her accent made it sound like, 'And theese is A-leexi-s Meeeee-kins on Country A-roma een her seecond treep!" The same crowd watched anxiously as Alex and Charlie cleared seven perfect fences and rode forward to a six-stride line. Would she chip again? Six, five, four, three, two, ONE! Charlie took off and landed perfectly. Alex grinned as she did her courtesy circle, walked out of the ring, head held high to the applause of the crowd.

And this is Alexis Meekins on Country Aroma in her third trip!", chirped the perky/spunky announcer. The same crowd watched anxiously as Alex and Charlie cleared her first 3 jumps, perfectly. she headed for her 4th a wishing well. She struggled a little with her striding, which caused Charlie to get a bit off balance. Six, five, four, three, two, ONE! Charlie took off and landed, she didn't snap her knees up quite so much, but she made it over. They completed the rest of the round as the crowd watched in total awe. Alex grinned as she did her courtesy circle, walked out of the ring.
" I think I did pretty darn good", she said as she smiled in Kelly's direction.

"And this is Alexis Meekins on Country Aroma in her fourth and final trip", Said the announcer, who was I guess getting drained of her 'perkiness' and droned on as another bright and colorful speaking one took her place. The same crowd again watched anxiously waiting to be inpressed as Alex and Charlie cleared seven perfect fences and rode forward to the 8th. Five, four, three, two, one!
It was a perfect course, but with no time to spare, she quickly did a courtesy circle and hopped off of Charlie and onto Dale, It was almost time. It was almost the time which would forever decide the fate of her best friend. It was almost time to take that one great leap of faith. It was almost time...it was almost time, to lose Dale.

"Good luck, you two", smiled Mistie as Alex and Samantha readied themselves for their jumper courses.
"Sorry you couldn't compete-" Samantha's apology was lost when the announcer said, "Now on course in the junior jumpers is Samantha Isquirdo riding Winette's Winter Frolic.
Samantha redied herself for the jumps ahead, they were anywhere from 3'6 to 4'3. There were tight turns, hard striding, not to mention the kind of time she'd probably have to beat. She started in, her black gloves over her hands, clenching the reigns like they were two ropes pulling her out of deadly quicksand. Winette must have felt she was tence, because she moved stifly, like her legs ached of arthritis. Sam knew in order to have a good round, she would have to loosen up. As the time began, she whizzed past the crowd, heading to her first jump, a 3'6 triple bar. She got her striding and did a quick turn to the left, jumping on an angle what seemed to be a 5' oxer, but in reality was only 4'. She squeezed Winette on, preparing her for the jump ahead. 5,4,3,2,1...and 1/2...oh well, she chipped it, but it didn't matter, they cleared it and headed for the next. The third jump was a large coop. She got tensed up again, looking at the 4'3 spooky jump. But then she recalled her petunia petal inncident, she began to laugh, she laughed so hard her voice echoed throgh the indoor arena, not to mention that she wet her pants. For the rest of the course she was laughing, and Winette, she did beautifly, a clear round all the way.

Alex nodded at Sam as she entered the arena. Sam was red in the face and cracking up, but that didn't phase Alex. This was It. The moment of Truth. Here goes nothing, she thought.
She rode well to the triple bar and mimicked Samantha's left turn, making hers a little tighter and a little better to keep her young gelding in balance. The 4' oxer came up a little to quickly, but Dale jumped it well. The fence that Sam had chipped-into was ridden well, and she finished the rest of the course without any effort. Yes- she had made it into the jump-off! Maybe there was hope for Dale after all.

The Jump-off. The one thing that would set her heart break apart from exiliration.
The jump off consisted of 5 jumps, all in a perfect VERY HARD course. Samantha, Alex, and another woman named Joney were the only ones-out of 24- that had made it into the jump-off. Unfortunately for Joney, fortunately for Sam and Alex, Joney was forced to scratch because of a hurt leg-her horse bowed his susspensery-.
Samantha was in first. The time started, as she struggled to remember her course. ' red white and blue to the triple bar, to the oxer, to the fish jump, to the liver pool, and lastly to a 4'3 high, and 4' wide swedish oxer. The most challenging of all the jumps. She headed off to the first, trying to keep speed, red white blue, red white blue, one two three, one two three...she chanted. Up and over she went It was perfect. Next, was to the triple bar. An easy jump, 3'6 at the most. Winette whizzed over it. and then a tight turn to the right, to the fish jump. 5,4,3,2,1...land..1,2,3...up and over the liver pool. There was no way Alex would beat this! She made her way across the arena to her 5th and final jump, as she hand-galloped, time seemed to slow, she thought about it, of course! Alex would never beat this time... She made her way to the sweedish oxer, slowing Winette, still, slower and slower, they cantered 'hunter style' to the 4'3 Swedish oxer. Wintette, in turn, knew there was no way she could make it over-she refused. Sam let out a sigh of relief, turning to the crowd she shrugged and acted sad. When they asked her what in the heck she was thinking, she grinned and replied "I wasn't".
" Number 554, Alex Meekins riding Country Dale".
Alex let out her breath. With Sam out of contention, unless she made a significant mistake she'd probably win. She clucked to Dale and he responded with a fast, rocking hand-gallop. She held him tightly to the first jump, as he sometimes got fast and knocked over the first jump. He cleared it and Alex smiled. She did a fast, quick lead change and practically flew to the second jump. Dale hesitated a little and Alex saw what he was about to shy at: a shadow cast over the base of the next jump. She rubbed her hand against his neck and pressed him forward. Dale sped up and jumped easily. The crowd cheered. Alex barely heard them because next was the water jump. Dale was not the best water jumper, but she knew she could do it. She squeezed him with each stride, clucked to him and grabbed a fingerful of mane with one hand while giving him the tiniest rub with her bat on his shoulder. Dale didn't even flick an ear at the jump- he just sailed over it and in two seconds Alex found herself at her second-to-last jump- easy! Whee! she thought as Dale was airborn. The last jump came up fast and Alex could almost taste the tension in the air. Dale's normally white neck had turned dark, soaked with sweat as he put all of his concentration into the difficult, if short, course. The last jump came up, was over and gone in a second, and Alex was cantering a calming circle to the outrageous cheers of her friends. What a relief! She couldn't believe that she had won.
She later went up to Sam and asked why she did it. Apparently she was the only one who had noticed that Sam made Winette purposly refuse. "No reason, running out of space for blues on my wall, that's all." She then pulled out a candy cane from her pocket and placed it in Alex's hand, rolled her fingers over it, and said
"thanks"
With that she swung her arm over Alex as they walked to the trailer to load up.
That day, she didn't only win a blue ribbon, but she won a friend, a friend that she knew, would always, always be there.

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

well there yopu have it! the entire story! hehe

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

UGH! I'm SO upset! we didn't even make it to page 99 with my LOVERLY novel! wait-can I get in trouble for it? no right? so easy-pweese don't delete me PWEESE!

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

AUGH!!! I started page 99!!!!

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[Chicago]

Wow, now my posts are really far behind what I was talking about...Oh well.

Hey, FLP, I dunno about the whole "tying stirrups to the girth" thing...sounds a bit hazardous...

But I've never tried it, so I don't know...

[FatLilPony]

yo hoo! anyone home??

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[JumpTheMoon]

YAY YOU STARTED PAGE 99!!!!!!!!!!!! GO FLP!!!!!!!!! Ok guys 1 more page to go....16 posts!! WE CAN DO IT!!!!!!

[FatLilPony]

didja guys like the story-tho I DOUBT you've read it all yet /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif hehe now, don't cheat and just skip to the end.

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[Chicago]

I'm here! And I hope we're still trying to make 100 tonight; that's why I'm still hanging around here. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[FatLilPony]

huh? where tying to girth-did I say that?....

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[Steve]

lol, i have read 2 chapters flp, it is good!

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[FatLilPony]

we will HAVE to make 2100 tonight.,..after all, we're on 99! hehe

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[Chicago]

In the part where Alex is helping that other chic lunge before the show...

[FatLilPony]

an WHO started page 99!? WHO WHO WHO!???

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[Steve]

When ErinB get's back she has to remake her message board! Cus we getting 100 tonight

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[FatLilPony]

my trainer and my trainer's trainer, and my trainer's trainer's trainer do it /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gifIt all works out well

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[FatLilPony]

just don't tie your FOOT to the girth...ohhn BADDD visions! hehe

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[Steve]

I love saddle tight! alot better then girth tieing

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[spaz]

I got to like chapter 5 but then realized I was going to miss the 100th page! So when we get to page 101 I will read the whole thing /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[FatLilPony]

steve-erin B has a message board?

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[Steve]

lol me too spaz

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[Chicago]

Hmm, I think it's about time for me to go eat some strawberries. Oh, and here's another picture of Deacon, but it has weird glowing eyes.

[FatLilPony]

guys...100? possibly yes, I think not-so

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[spaz]

Steve, you use Saddle Tight? Does it work???

[JumpTheMoon]

DAMN YOU FLP I WANTED TO DO 100!!!!! HEHEHE

[FatLilPony]

OMG! OMG OMG!!!!! WHO STARTED 100!!!!! OMG-ME ME ME! YIPPIDEE!

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[spaz]

I'll have to get my little short story on here...I only do SHORT stories though, otherwise I loose interest /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif (I'm so not a long-term gal!)

[Steve]

Go FATLILPONY

ErinB from Florida never ever give cpr to a lizard

[spaz]

WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!

Ok everyone, all together now... "We are the champions..."

[Louise]

Congratulations! You made 100!

[FatLilPony]

yes! GO GO GO pat lil pony! hehe...wow...champion...$50, and page 100 today, I'm on a freakin ROLL!

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[spaz]

Oh, I guess I'm going to go read your book FLP!

[Chicago]

Okay, I got the "next to 100th post" /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

FLP, now you should change your name to PhatLilPony!

[FatLilPony]

hahah-good idea-post ur story 1st so I can read tho /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Dad can I PWEESE have me $50....

[JumpTheMoon]

*STARTS CRYING LIKE MAD* I AM SO PROUD OF YOU ALL!!!! WE ARE SO SPECIAL!!!! BEATING THE RECORD. WHO WOULDA THUNK US KIDLETS COULD DO IT. IN THEIR ANTIQUE CLIQUE FACE!!!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Chicago]

Next question is, who's going to get the 2,000th post on this thread? When I looked just now it said there were 1,992. Yet another milestone!

[JumpTheMoon]

Haha yeah me me me!

[Chicago]

Bye everyone...got to go do the EVIL homework...I'm writing a paper about how the death penalty for juvenile offenders is unconstitutional. Should be fun!

[Dolce Vita]

Go us!!! I think we need a party to celebrate! /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

.:*Chelsea & Kudos*:.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=278828&a=2074616

[FatLilPony]

one of ya'll can have it...unless luck just HAPPENS to fall into my talented lap yet again...

Nah Nee Nah Nee Boo Boo, I'm better than poo poo! I think....

[JumpTheMoon]

It porbably will

[JumpTheMoon]

Louise did we beat the record?