The Saddle Creek Series 5-Book Bundle. Shelley Peterson

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      16

      MOUSIE RIDES AGAIN

      PETE PIERSON WENT STRAIGHT to the judges’ booth. It was crammed with irate people. Two women and a man, all in their fifties, sat behind a table. Laid out in front of them was Dancer’s application form. Behind them stood a smiling Samuel Owens, leaning on his cane. The judges were trying unsuccessfully to stem the flood of complaints about Abby’s elimination.

      Pete elbowed to the head of the line and stood tall. He had a dignified air under normal circumstances, but now he appeared imposing. He had their attention.

      “You accepted her application,” he projected over the din, pointing at the form. “Her age was honestly acknowledged. It’s right there in front of you. If you were going to disqualify her, you should have done so before.”

      The judges knew he had a point. They looked at each other. After a moment, one of the women spoke. “Of course you’re right. It was an oversight.”

      Owens quickly spoke up.“Everyone knows the rules, Pierson. A person under eighteen years of age can’t ride a stallion on any showgrounds in Canada. It was Abby Malone’s responsibility in this case to adhere to the rules. She disregarded them at her peril.” His grin had an ominous look to it.

      “This exhibition has its own set of rules,”said Pete.“And you all know it. Horses are invited at your whim, and many regulations are waived. Plus, there was no rule book sent out.” Pete glared directly at Owens as he spoke. The noisy people in the booth went silent. He shifted his glare to the judges and continued. “You invited Dancer, you accepted him with Abby as the designated rider, and she won fair and square. End of story.” Applause and murmurs of assent filled the tiny room.

      The judges huddled.

      The male judge rose to his feet. “The judges need to confer. We will announce our decision within the hour. Would everyone please leave the booth. Our decision will be final.”

      Pete nodded. “I’ve said my piece. I trust you were listening.” The tall old man with ramrod posture turned to leave the booth. “I’ll await your decision outside.” Once out of the booth, Pete stood within sight of the judges right outside the door. He wasn’t moving.

      People quietly left the booth, unsure of the outcome. Until now, Pete had been too intent on getting his point across to notice who the people were. They were the other riders, here to support the girl who they knew had won.

      Pete nodded his approval. “You’re good competitors, all of you,” he said so all could hear. “And good sports. Thank you.”

      Ian Millar spoke. “Abby Malone won the class. You’re right about the rules. We all know that.”

      Kim Kirton nodded in agreement. “That’s why I’m here. Sandstorm hasn’t competed in four years, and he was invited. He wouldn’t qualify for an A-circuit show right now.”

      Their conversation was interrupted by yelling in the booth.

      “I’m bloody well not leaving this room until I’m sure that Dancer is disqualified!” Samuel Owens barked.

      “Sir,” said the man. “Everyone must leave the booth!”

      “I am the past president of the Canadian Equestrian Federation. You can’t make me leave. And I contribute tens of thousands of dollars yearly to the Olympic Equestrian team.”

      Pete walked in. “Samuel Owens, smarten up or they’ll call security.”

      The judges whispered to each other.

      “Excuse us,” said one woman. “Of course you can stay, Mr. Owens.” She looked at Pete. “Now, if you’ll kindly let us make our decision?”

      One half hour later, the announcement was made over the loud speakers. A woman’s voice was heard throughout the park.

      “After extensive review of the situation, the judges have decided to proceed with the jump-off. Dancer and Abby Malone have been eliminated.”

      There was a great disturbance in the crowd, and much discussion. No one seemed happy with this result.

      Pete, who hadn’t left his post outside the booth, walked in. The judges cringed.

      Owens beamed. “The decision is final, Pierson, you know that. Go away or they’ll call security.”

      “I have one question,” said Pete calmly. “May I?”

      The man said, “If it’s a quick one. We must get going or we’ll lose the crowd.”

      “Don’t worry about that, you’ve already lost them,” said Pete with a glance at Owens.“This is my question. Who’s disqualified, Dancer or Abby Malone?”

      “Actually, that’s a valid question,” said one of the women.

      The other woman spoke. “Abby Malone is disqualified because she’s underage to ride a stallion. Dancer was invited to compete and has broken no rules.” She looked at her fellow judges for approval. They both nodded.

      “Then Dancer can compete in the jump-off?”

      “Ridiculous!” sputtered Owens. “I never heard such nonsense!”

      The judges, weary of the whole situation, looked at each other in dismay. “Is there a rider?” asked a woman judge. “Of proper age?”

      “Yes.” Pete was going out on a limb.

      “Name and age?”

      “Hilary James, age twenty-two.”

      Samuel Owens turned purple. Veins throbbed at his temples and he gasped for air as the judges whispered among themselves.

      “Dancer can compete in the jump-off with a rider over the age of eighteen,” the man said as he sank down in his chair.“Now, everybody out. I’ve got a terrible headache. I hope everyone is happy.”

      “I’m not happy! And I’m not leaving!” yelled Owens in a croaking voice. “This whole thing is preposterous!”

      “Call security,” said the male judge.

      The jumps were set up. The course designer chose four of the most confusing and challenging of his creations and placed them where the skill of the horse and rider would be tested to the maximum. He introduced two surprises as well. These were permanent fixtures in the paddock, but not generally used for jumpers. The horse with the fewest faults and the fastest time would be the winner.

      Four competitors walked the course. They’d drawn their places. Mario Deslaurier was going first, Kim Kirton was second, Hilary James was third, and Beth Underhill would be showing last.

      While Hilary was in the ring planning strategy, Abby held Dancer’s reins in the warm-up area. An hour and a half had passed since his trip СКАЧАТЬ