Chapter 1 #2
Tonight’s prizes go to the top three, so I walk Ranger over to the event’s sponsor committee for an oversized check for two thousand dollars and a champion belt buckle with the event’s name, year, and logo.
The one I’m wearing tonight is from the last rodeo I won.
After each new one, I wear it to the next. It’s been my good luck charm.
The high after winning a race sets in and after I congratulate Marcia and Easton on placing, take photos, and speak with one of the local newspaper journalists, I walk Ranger back to my trailer where my parents and Noah are waiting for me.
“You did amazing!” She beams. Her long blond hair in a high ponytail bounces with each step she takes toward me.
With my arms still full, I give my check and buckle over to my mom, then Dad grabs Ranger’s reins so I can free my hands.
“Thank you! I’m so glad you could come.” I lean forward and give her a side hug.
We’ve talked on the phone previously, and considering we’re from the same small town, I’ve known her name ever since I started riding horses, so it feels like we’re already close friends.
“Are you kiddin’? I was more than excited to see you in action. You didn’t disappoint.”
Getting her approval fills me with pride, but I know there must be things she saw I could work on.
“So what’d you think?” I ask eagerly.
“I think you and Ranger make a solid team. There’s always room for improvement, though. We can work on tightening your frame so your stirrup doesn’t go rogue.” She winks.
“Yeah, that was unexpected,” I admit.
She shrugs casually. “It happens. You handled it well, though. You kept him tight in the pocket, but there’s always a chance you might not be so quick to bump the barrel back into place. That’s something we can work on so y’all don’t risk that going forward.”
I nod. “Did you notice anything else?”
“Mostly minor things that can easily be worked on and fixed. I think your reins are too long and you’d do better with shorter ones.
Practice ridin’ more straight and square so your body stays in an upright position.
Although Ranger seems to have good muscle memory, he also follows your lead and it could result in knocking down a barrel if you lean too far.
You don’t wanna risk that five-second penalty.
Common for almost every rider is forgetting to breathe properly while you’re runnin’ the barrels. We can do some exercises for that.”
“You sound like you know what you’re doin’.” Mom smiles, shifting her eyes to me in excitement. She supports my desire to train harder.
“Do you race?” Dad asks Noah.
“No, but I’ve been a professional trainer for many years. I got certified when I was eighteen, but growing up on a ranch meant I was surrounded by horses since before I could walk. I’ve spent several years hyperfocusing on horses and pretty much every equine sport.”
“Noah has a keen eye on fixin’ issues and knows how to help me evolve my skills,” I explain to my parents.
I’m not a beginner racer by any means, but I need someone like her to help push me so I’m ready to compete at those higher-level competitions.
“I have two other pro clients and they’re on their way to qualify for finals this year,” Noah adds.
“Wow, that’s incredible!” Mom wraps her arm around my shoulders and squeezes me into her side.
She’s almost more excited than I am.
“I’d work on your athleticism, too. You must be in shape just as much as Ranger, so I’d put together a workout schedule for you as well.”
“Oh…great.”
Noah smirks. “Nothin’ you can’t handle, I promise.”
“How often would you train?” Dad asks.
“That’s completely up to y’all. If you wanna board Ranger, daily exercise is included for the horses and then you can add on additional trainin’ in our facility. The two girls who are on tour right now board their horses when they’re not travelin’ and then we work together when they’re here.”
“I’d love that,” I say.
“And you’ll get to utilize our vet and farrier services, so you won’t have to worry about keepin’ up with that on top of everything.”
“Sounds perfect. Almost too good to be true,” Mom states.
“My family and I love horses and want to make it as easy as possible to care for ’em. I’m somewhat of a workaholic, so I never get tired of it.”
“When do you have time for a social life?” Mom quips.
“Well…” Noah chuckles. “I’ve been single for a year and my best friend, Magnolia, comes and hangs out with me a lot. But besides that, I see my family every day and we have a special supper every Sunday.”
Everyone local and even outside of the area knows the Hollises. They’re well-known for owning the Sugarland Creek Ranch and Equine Retreat. There are five siblings in total and they each do various jobs on the ranch. Noah’s the youngest, but I’d argue the most talented and hardest working.
“Sounds like me. I talk to a few girls from my 4-H Club, but otherwise, I’ve been super focused on racin’,” I say.
“When can Ellie start?” Mom asks.
“A week too soon?” Noah smirks. “I have a boarder leavin’ in six days and then we’ll get it ready for Ranger.”
My face splits into the widest grin I’ve ever had. “That’d be perfect.”