Ann Cofield - Follow the Ribbons, Missy

Charleston, SC
www.PalmettoPublishing.com

Follow the Ribbons, Missy

Copyright 2021 by Ann Cofield

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Paperback ISBN: 978-1-63837-471-8

T o Jill Faulkner, who gave me a leg up on her horse and said, Pick up the reins. This is how you learn to ride.

I was a horse-crazy nine year old youngster living in Oxford, Mississippi down the road from Rowan Oak, William Faulkner's home. Jill's cousin, Vicki, who knew my passion, said, I know where there are horses.

Jill, my only regret is not thanking you for this life-changing moment. Little did I know, when I looked between your horse's ears, what my destiny would be! The good you do, lives after you is truly spoken.

My friends, pick up the reins and ride through life, always remembering to thank those who gave you a leg up!

Blue Ridge Mountains, last Friday in June 1990's

T remors of fear chased up Moria's spine. Maybe Ill just ride to finish. Why should I race? She took no notice of the sheltering pines and hardwoods on the roadside or the last rays of the sun lighting the way to their next endurance ride as the horse trailer travelled down a steep, dusty road to camp.

Hey, this is new. Jackson pointed to strips of orange flagging tied to a tree. Theyve moved the finish line a good distance before the turn into camp.

Guess they remembered last year when Rainbow swerved into the driveway and I fell. Thisll be safer for everybody.

You can do this, he encouraged, and turned the truck into the organized chaos of the ride.

Moria pointed toward the tree line. I see Maxine's saving us a place, unfastening her seat belt and reaching for her boots. Looks like Jeremy already has their camp set up, noticing their four-horse living quarters trailer. The bay, Catch On Fire, and the gray, Arctic Cat, whinnied to welcome the new arrivals.

The roadway stretched along the river, bordered by a freshly mowed meadow. Higher up, the Blue Ridge Mountains stood watchful over the acres of trailers spread out across the field.

Jackson drove through a moving mosaic of blended colors. Riders led their horsesa flashing array of bays, chestnuts, grays, and moredown the lane to the vet check. People trudged along dressed in rugged attire, a testament to a hard day's work. Most riders and crews wore dirty jeans or overalls, smeared with grime, spots, and streaks. Many wore bright tee shirts earned at the rides theyd attended. In wearing these shirts, they were reminded of the past, the thrill of success, the agony of defeat.

Maxine removed the empty water buckets that held the parking space and called, All clear.

Jackson backed the Peace in the Valley trailer in, saying, Did anyone try to steal our spot? Need I ask?

Maxine shook her dark curly hair. Are you kidding? They know me, and most of them know the Cherry Valley Riders are a team. Come on, we need to get to the vet check.

Moria jumped out of the truck and headed to the back of the trailer. Maxine, if yall are settled, would you help me get the horses out? The two geldings peered sideways for a glimpse of freedom from the rough ride.

Rainbow Chaser stepped carefully to the ground and whinnied for Silver Dollar to follow him. Moria handed his lead rope to Maxine and returned through the empty stall, untied the grey and backed him out. Silver gave a shrill whinny and shook himself. Im here. Let the games begin.

The two women walked the horses away to let them graze and renew their gut sounds. Maxine pressed her ear to Silver's side and listened. Sounds good, she said with relief, upon hearing the familiar gurgling.

Moria nodded and bent over to feel Rainbow's legs, checking for swelling from the trip. Maxine ran her hands down Silver's legs and gave him a back scratch. These dudes are going to be fine tomorrow. Theyre sound and well-conditioned, for sure.

Moria frowned. Thanks, but in my opinion, every ride's a crap shoot.

Maxine turned toward the corrals to see Jackson and Jeremy heading to the vet check with Catch On Fire and Arctic Cat. Well, let's look at the bright side. At least we have hookups. Guess that's one reason people like this ride. Plus, we have your girl Sarah and her friend Will to crew for us. Too bad they have to go back to college this summer. With those words, they joined Jackson and Jeremy.

As the Cherry Valley riders stood in the vet line with their horses, conversations swirled around them.

I heard they changed the trail.

I think my horse's shoe is loose.

I saw the Peace in the Valley trailer here.

It's going to be hot and humid tomorrow.

Moria listened to the conversations as she watched Catch On Fire trot out, with Maxine running beside her.

That lady with the chestnut gelding won the Championship ride last year.

Yeah, but I heard she's afraid to race. She only did it to sponsor the little girl.

Moria bit her lip, remembering her fear.

Silver and Arctic Cat cleared the check and the volunteer motioned for Rainbow and Moria to move forward for the exam. She handed her card to the scribe and stepped to Rainbow's head. The vet checked the horse's pulse, hydration, possible girth rubs, or other injuries, felt the legs for heat, checked the back for soreness, then motioned for the trot out.

Good to go, the vet called to the scribe as Rainbow finished his trot with a long, sure stride.

Moria smiled and rubbed the horse's neck as she and her friends left the vet area. Good job, buddy. The sun will rise, and we will go. We gotta road trip coming on.

Maxine said, The chips are down, Missy. Moria frowned in response. They returned the horses to the corrals, checked the hay and water, then the four friends hurried across the field toward the meeting site.

Twilight settled over the endurance camp as other riders and crews left their trailers, heading to the pavilion for dinner and the ride meeting. The Cherry Valley riders walked in silence, perhaps gathering their wits to focus on the coming day.

Moria kicked a dirt clod. Ill be glad when the ride's over.

Maxine looked closely at Moria's face. Hey, what's got you all sideways? If youre not up to being a front runner, dont do it. You could ride middle of the pack with Jeremy and me.

Im not backing out. Not since I won last year.

A small voice whispered to Moria, and why did you win? Moria clinched her fists and buried her gaze in the grass, remembering Jessie needed a sponsor for the Junior Division Championship. Trainer Doris Weaver was a hard case, and her broken leg changed my life.

A light breeze blew through the camp. Moria shivered and looked up at the mountains sheltering the valley. Music from the pavilion played one of the endurance riders favorite songs, The Gambler.