Blue Ribbon Trail Ride (8 page)

The next morning, after completing chores at the barn, Kate stepped onto the mounting block next to Capri and grinned across her back at Tori, who stood beside Starlight. “It's so great to be riding again instead of only working on the scavenger hunt.” She put her foot in the stirrup, then swung her leg over the saddle. “I'm so excited we get to take a jumping lesson at last.”

Tori settled into her saddle and gathered her reins. “No jumping for me. I'm going to work on my posting and getting the correct lead on a canter. I'll stay on the outside of the ring while Mrs. Jamison takes you through your paces on the inside of the arena.” She smiled at Melissa, who was sitting patiently on Mocha, then waved at Colt, who leaned against the rail on the outside of the arena. “Hey, Melissa. Isn't this going to be boring for you?”

Melissa shook her head. “It never hurts a horse to go back to the beginning and have a refresher. Besides, I can't turn down a free lesson, can I? It was sure nice of Mrs. Jamison to include me today.” She stroked Mocha's neck. “Colt's the one who's going to get bored. Why aren't you riding?”

He grinned. “Lazy, I guess. I've been riding a lot lately, and I'm tired of arena work. When you finish here, we should head out on the trail we're going to use for the scavenger hunt and scope out some places to hide items.”

Kate groaned. “Now you've made me want to go do that instead of taking a lesson.” She slapped her hand over her mouth, then removed it quickly. “Nope. I never said that. I've been waiting too long to do more than trot over cavaletti poles and twelve-inch jumps. But I
am
looking forward to checking out the course we'll take for the trail ride. Great idea, Colt.”

He arched a brow. “Told you boys are smart.”

She rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”

Mrs. Jamison entered the far end of the arena and glanced at the girls. “Ready to go? Tori, you're staying on the outside of the ring and working on basic skills, right?”

“Yes, ma'am. Sure am. Kate and Melissa can have the jumping all to themselves.”

“All right. Let's warm up your horses, then. Go around the outer edge of the arena at a walk, then two more times at a trot. Think about your posture, your hands, and your leg position, and post at the trot. Now begin.”

For the next few minutes, Kate and her friends concentrated on warming up their horses while working on their equitation. It was so fun to be taking a lesson with Tori and Melissa! Kate no longer felt envy when she watched Melissa ride as she had at first. Now she was simply content that Mocha was well and Melissa was their friend and able to ride her own horse once again.

“Tori, I want you to keep posting and keep constant contact with Starlight's mouth. Every two circles, reverse direction so you can post on the other diagonal.”

Tori nodded and reversed direction. “Could you remind me what that means? It's been a while since I heard it explained.”

Mrs. Jamison tapped her crop against her breeches. “Certainly. Keep your reins just tight enough so you can feel the movement of your horse's head through the reins. If it's too tight, your horse will toss his head. If it's too loose and you can't feel any contact, then Starlight might decide to do whatever he wants to and ignore your instructions. Does that make sense?”

“Yes, thanks.” Tori reversed direction again.

“Kate and Melissa, come to the center.” Both girls moved toward their instructor. “I've got the jumps set at only eighteen inches to start. Then we'll go to twenty-four. I know that's not much for Mocha or Capri, but I want to work on form today rather than height. We want to be sure you girls understand the correct pacing between the jumps at a trot and a canter, while remembering your position in the saddle and keeping contact with your horse's mouth. Melissa, will you begin? Take the poles at a walk first, then circle around and take them at a trot, then a canter.”

Kate let her breath out in a soft whoosh, thankful Mrs. Jamison hadn't asked her to go first. She'd done a lot of walk, trot, and canter exercises over rails a foot off the ground, but she'd never cantered over jumps or gone higher than twelve inches. This was going to be fun—but she hoped she didn't mess up. Capri knew what she was doing, and the last thing Kate wanted was to undo any of her training by doing something stupid.

Mocha trotted with a smooth, fluid stride, acting as though the low jumps didn't even exist. Melissa leaned forward slightly in her saddle, each hand holding a rein, and the heels of her hands placed a few inches ahead of Mocha's withers but not planted so firmly her arms stayed rigid. Kate needed to remember that—not to grip the reins so tightly that she'd jar Capri's mouth when her mare stretched a little to go over a jump. She had to flow with her horse and allow her arms to extend and her hands to soften when Capri needed a bit more rein. There was so much to think about all at once.

Melissa and Mocha took the final jump at a canter, making it look as though they were one unit rather than a girl perched on a horse.

Mrs. Jamison smiled. “Nicely done, Melissa. Kate, I want you to take Capri through at a trot first. Then we'll see if you feel comfortable cantering. You've done well at cavalettis and twelve-inch jumps, so you shouldn't have trouble with this. Go when you're ready.”

Kate gathered her reins and barely squeezed with her calves. Capri responded immediately, as if she was anxious for her turn. Kate was grateful Mrs. Jamison was starting them out low and slow. Kate took the first pass at a walk with no problem, and it helped her relax. She concentrated on not having a death grip on the reins and on keeping her heels down and her focus forward as she'd been taught.

“Good job. Now let's go through again at a trot—twice. That will allow you to think about posting and the pacing between the jumps. No rushing. Keep your horse's stride even. Good. That's right.”

Mrs. Jamison's voice followed Kate over each bar, helping her focus on what she was doing instead of thinking about her nerves. She could do this! Sure, there was a lot to think about at once, but the more she did it, the more natural it felt.

Mrs. Jamison held up her hand. “Once more. Think about your hand position this time. You're bumping Capri's mouth every time she goes over the bar.”

Kate loosened her tight grip on the reins but still kept a firm hold on the leather. She pulled to a stop after clearing the last bar. “That felt better. Was it okay?”

“Yes. Much better that time. How do you feel about trying the bars at a canter?”

“I'm nervous, but I want to do it.”

“Great.” She swung around. “Tori, go ahead and walk Starlight for the next three or four rounds. He's been trotting for quite a while now, so let's give him a rest. I want you to think about keeping your heels down, your spine straight, your chin up, and your hands steady as you walk.”

Tori nodded and pulled Starlight into a walk.

“All right now, Kate. Do a circle around the arena at a canter, staying inside of Tori's track, and when you're ready, head down the center and put Capri over the rails. You'll want a little more contact with your reins but still keep your arms and hands fluid. And don't forget to lean forward the slightest bit before she takes the jump. Got that?”

Kate's mind whirled. “I think so. How about keeping her on the correct lead around the arena? Does that matter for now?”

“Yes, it always matters. When you straighten her and point her toward the rails, start thinking about the other things I told you. Go when you're ready.”

Melissa gave her an encouraging smile. “You can do it, Kate. Relax and have fun.”

Kate exhaled. That was exactly what she needed to hear. “Thanks, Melissa.” She tipped Capri's head slightly to the outside of the circle and bumped her with her inside heel, asking for a canter. Her mare instantly moved forward on the correct lead, her outside leg extending farther than the inside, while staying in a short, collected, but smooth canter.

“Good job on that lead!” Mrs. Jamison's voice carried across the arena. “Whenever you're ready, come to the center and take the first rail.”

Kate's heart pounded almost in time with Capri's hoofbeats as they neared the first rail. She remembered too late to slow Capri, and her mare's front hooves scraped the pole. Kate reined Capri in to keep her from rushing, and they popped over the second rail without any trouble. By the third and fourth, Kate was beginning to feel as though she had the pacing down a little better, but she had no clue if she'd leaned forward when she was supposed to or kept her hands and arms fluid enough. It all happened so quickly, and her entire focus had been on not knocking down one of the low rails. She pulled to a stop several yards from Mrs. Jamison.

Her instructor smiled. “How do you think you did?”

Kate detailed what she'd been thinking and ended with, “There's a lot to remember in a short amount of time. All I could think about was getting the pacing right and keeping Capri from rushing. I think she was excited to be jumping again.”

Mrs. Jamison nodded. “Exactly. But as soon as you asked her to slow and reminded her to put her mind on her job, she did. There
is
a lot to remember, which is why jumping is a discipline and requires hours of practice. Don't worry. It will come in time, and we'll work on the things you're struggling with. But you did well for your first time. I'm going to have you go through your paces again, taking two more rounds; then we'll raise the bar to two and a half feet for Melissa. I'd like you to stay at this level for this lesson, Kate, and we'll consider raising the bar for your next lesson, if you practice between now and next week.”

“Okay.” Kate wasn't sure how she felt. Disappointed … relieved … a bit embarrassed in front of Melissa, who got to move on. But she knew that was silly. Melissa had been jumping for years, and Kate had barely started. She sat up straighter in her saddle. “I'll try to think about as much as I can this time through, and I'll watch Melissa. She's good, and I know I can learn from what she does.”

She turned to Melissa in time to see a pinched expression fade and a smile take its place.

Mrs. Jamison waved toward Melissa. “Go ahead and trot your horse ahead of Tori as Kate takes her next round. Keep Mocha warmed up.”

Kate took her final turn, then joined Tori and Melissa at trotting around the arena while Mrs. Jamison raised the level of the rails.

Melissa pulled alongside her. “Nice job on that last round. Your pacing was excellent, and your posture was great.”

Joy blossomed in Kate's heart. She kept Capri to the inside of Mocha and at the same pace. “Seriously? Cool! It's all so new and confusing.”

“You're a natural. If you keep practicing, it won't be long until you're clearing the three-foot rails and higher.”

Kate smiled, trying to remember why she'd ever disliked this girl. “Thanks. You're coming with us on the trail ride to check out places to hide the clues after we're done, right?”

Melissa brightened. “Sure! Can't wait to get outside and onto a trail with friends. Looks like Mrs. Jamison is ready.” She lifted a hand. “Wish me luck.”

Kate's smile widened to a grin. “You don't need it. You're a pro.”

Colt was saddled and waiting outside when the girls finished their lesson. Kate stroked Capri's neck as she rode her mare out the large double doors at the end of the arena. Tori followed on Starlight, with Melissa right behind. Kate turned in her saddle as soon as they reached Colt. “Did you see how great Melissa did on that last round of jumps?”

He swung up onto Romeo's back. “Nope. I was busy getting ready to go.”

Melissa waved a hand. “It's Mocha that did great. I just sat there.”

Kate's braid swished against her neck. “No way can you get away with saying that now. It's way harder than it looks.”

Tori giggled. “I could have told you that a long time ago. I've always thought it looked hard. I'm very happy riding English pleasure and equitation—that's enough for me. But you're right, Kate. Melissa did great, and so did you.”

Colt bumped his horse with his heel. “Now that we've got that settled, let's hit the trail. I'm about jumped out. Give me wide open spaces or woods any day.”

Kate urged Capri forward to catch him. “I've only ridden this trail once with Mom. Are you familiar with it?”

“Yep. It's nice that you can go up the road for only a quarter of a mile before you hit state land. One of the neighbors gave permission to ride through their open fields as part of the hunt. It will make it more interesting that way, and we can make a giant circle and end up back where we started.”

“Right.” Kate looked over her shoulder at Tori and Melissa talking and smiling. It didn't give her the pang of jealousy it once had, and she was glad. She'd learned that jealousy and envy were ugly emotions and did nothing to make her a better person. Besides, Melissa had turned out to be much nicer than they'd ever dreamed, and she was actually fun to have around. “Hey, you guys! We need to go single file for the next few hundred yards. Then we'll hit a trail. Colt's going to lead the way. Keep your eyes open for good hiding spots for the clues.”

Melissa raised her voice. “Speaking of clues, we need to talk about what we're going to do next to find that missing box. We can't let that go and lose all the money we raised.”

“I agree.” Kate slowed Capri and fell in behind Colt, just ahead of Melissa. “Have you and Tori come up with any ideas?”

“We might have.” Melissa waited until a car passed before she continued. “Sure glad most people around here know to slow down for horses on the road. Not all horses are as calm as ours about traffic.”

“No kidding,” Tori said. “I'd never even try this if I wasn't riding Starlight. He's the best.”

Kate could hear the pride in her friend's voice, and joy filled her heart. How cool that Tori finally had her own horse, and the four of them could go riding together! “So what did you guys come up with, Tori?”

“Melissa can tell you. Colt won't be able to hear if I try. I don't talk loud enough.”

Colt turned onto the trail, sparsely populated with tall firs that dotted a meadow. “There's a good trail through most of this. I heard that other people use it for horseback riding and bicycles. There's no motorized traffic allowed on it. We might meet someone riding a bike or jogging, so keep a firm hold on your reins in case your horse spooks.” He glanced back. “Everybody good?”

“Yep,” a chorus of voices answered.

Melissa picked up where Tori left off. “We should go to the store Mr. Creighton owns and chat. We can snoop around a little. If he took the box, it might be in his office.”

Kate reined Capri around a stump on the edge of the trail. “Hey, Colt. There's a hollow spot under the roots of this stump. We could hide something there, right?”

He pulled to a stop. “Sure. Does it look deep enough to put small objects in?”

She peered down. “I think so. It's pretty dark in there. And we could write a clue about an ancient giant with hollow toes.”

Melissa laughed as she stopped Mocha beside Capri. “I love that! It will make the scavenger hunters think and keep their eyes open. But you know, we'll need to send people different routes so they aren't riding on top of each other. And at least a couple of the items will need to be hidden in or around the barn, and some will be on your property as well. Otherwise, we'll have everyone following everyone else on the trail and seeing who finds what. That won't be fun at all.”

Kate considered the idea. “That makes sense. I think we're going to need to put a little more thought into how we do this, but I like your suggestion. This is all new to me. Colt, what do you think about going to Mr. Creighton's business?”

“There's no way he'd leave that box out where anyone can see it. I think his office makes more sense than keeping it at his house. His wife or daughter could stumble across it there. It's more apt to stay hidden in his office. Not sure how we'd get in, though, without him accusing us of trying to rob him or something. We'll need to give it more thought.”

“Maybe we could sneak in there at night with flashlights,” Melissa suggested.

Kate shook her head. “Someone would see us and call the police. Besides, that's breaking and entering, and our parents would notice if we were gone at night.”

“My mom wouldn't,” Melissa whispered.

Silence fell over them as they took in her words.

A minute later, Colt cleared his throat. “I had another idea too. But not about Mr. Creighton.”

All three girls pinned their attention on Colt. “Remember I told you I know Jerry's younger brother, Jake? Jerry Meyers is the college kid we were wondering about. I don't think he'd know an antique from a piece of junk, but if he knew the cash was stored in it … well, it's possible he took it.”

Capri danced a couple of steps as if anxious to get moving, and Kate stroked her neck. “Easy, girl. We'll go soon. I'd think you'd be tired after jumping.” She looked up. “So how does knowing Jake help us?”

“I'm not sure. Maybe we could go visit him sometime—or have him over to the barn. You know, see if his brother has brought anything new home lately. Jake isn't a big fan of Jerry's, and Jerry has teased Jake and been mean to him most of his life. I'm guessing Jake would be happy to help us if he knew.”

“Cool.” Kate looked at the rest of them. “What do you think?”

Melissa narrowed her eyes. “I'm not sure. I know what it's like to have someone hang out with you because they want something from you. I'm not sure it's right to do that to Jake. I mean, he's not one of your regular friends is he, Colt?”

“Naw. He's a little younger than me, and his mom homeschools him, so I see him at homeschool functions, but we've never been close. But he's a good kid—not
too
annoying. He's not into horses, but he's crazy about movies and dogs. He's trying to train an older puppy they got. Melissa, you and Kate both have dogs—maybe we could offer to give him some pointers. It's not like we have to invite him over, then send him home as soon as we find out what he knows. We can hang out with him for a while and help with his dog if you want. What do you think, Melissa? Sound okay to you?”

“Yeah, I guess. I just don't want him to feel used like I have in the past.” She held up her hand. “Not by you guys; I don't mean that. And we'd better finish this ride. Mocha is getting edgy from standing so long.”

They headed down the trail, agreeing to keep their eyes open for more good spots to hide clues, as well as thinking about ways to find the stolen box. But Kate couldn't think about anything but Melissa's expression when she talked about her friends using her to get what they wanted. Kate almost shuddered at the memory of how she and her friends treated Melissa when they first met. To be fair, Melissa had had a chip on her shoulder and wasn't a nice person to be around, but that didn't excuse Kate for her actions or attitude.

One thing she'd keep in mind from now on when she met someone new: You couldn't possibly know what made a person act the way she did if you didn't know anything about her past or what her life was like at home. Melissa's dad had left them almost broke, sending her mom into a spiral of drinking and sleeping to hide from the pain. From the way Melissa talked sometimes, she practically didn't have parents.

What was this Jake like, whose brother had been mean to him all his life? Would he be a beaten-down person who was always negative and not fun to be around? Did that even matter? She couldn't shake what Melissa had said. There was no way they wanted to make Jake feel used—to get information from him and then dump him. But they had to find that stolen box, and Jake might hold the key to doing so if his older brother Jerry had it. She wasn't crazy about adding anyone else to their circle of friends—it was so comfortable now that Melissa finally fit in. But it didn't mean the kid would want to stick around either. Why did something new always have to come up to change things?