Page 10 of The Cowboy's Promise

“Nope. No excuses,” he declared, unexpectedly swatting her.

“Hey, what was that?”

“That was encouragement. You’re goin’ into that show ring and you’ll do great. I’ll write up the bill of sale while you make out the check then I’ll take them back to Courtney.”

“You sure can be bossy sometimes.”

“Yep, but you already know that. I’ll meet you at the show ring. And Heather, don’t worry about gettin’ a ribbon. Just enjoy the experience and be proud of your horse. He’s special, and that’s because of you.”

* * *

Though Heather had been nervous when she began grooming Apollo, the more she thought about Blake’s advice the more she realized he was right. By the time she was leading Apollo to the arena she was feeling much better. She wasn’t there to impress anyone. She was there to enjoy a unique time with her wonderful horse.

“Hey, how are you feelin’?”

Turning around she saw Blake jogging towards her.

“Great, really great. Any news?”

“Yep. Courtney’s on her way to the Sheriff’s station, and Henry now belongs to you. I have your Bill of Sale.”

“Oh, my gosh. I can’t believe it. He’s so beautiful, but not as beautiful as you, Apollo,” she added, quickly hugging him. “I just hope he won’t be too much for me.”

“I doubt it, and I’ll be there to help. Now you need to get to that ring.”

“Any last minute advice?”

“Breathe…and enjoy your horse.”

A few minutes later the class was under way, and she was in the saddle walking around the large ring with many other riders. When the judge ordered them to break into the trot, she barely squeezed her legs on Apollo’s sides and he made the smooth transition. She was tempted to look at the other competitors, but told herself they didn’t matter and kept her attention on what she was doing. She’d taught Apollo subtle signals, and as they proceeded through gait after gait, he moved through each of them flawlessly. When the class came to an end she was so proud of him she was almost in tears. Lining up with the others, she was optimistic about her chances of a ribbon, but she didn’t care as much as she thought she would. She was just thrilled at how well Apollo had performed.

Starting with the sixth place, the riders and horses were called out one by one. When the judge had called out the name of the rider and horse coming in third, Heather figured that was it. Though she was disappointed, she still thought Apollo had been amazing.

“Second place to Chief, ridden by Lindsay Montgomery.”

The pretty paint was beside her, and his rider moved him forward, she glanced back at Heather.

“Congratulations,” she said with a smile. “You two were amazing. You deserve it.”

Confused, Heather assumed she was talking to someone else, but quickly she realized there was no-one next to her.

“First place goes to Apollo, ridden by Heather Hunt.”

Completely shocked, she wondered if she’d imagined what she’d heard, but seeing a young girl carrying the trophy and ribbon and walking towards her. she realized it was real.

They’d won the class!

As the crowd applauded she had to fight back the happy tears and swallow the lump in her throat.

“Exceptional,” the judge said, smiling as she approached. “You’re a gifted rider and your horse is a dream. I don’t know where you’ve been hiding, but I hope we’ll see you back in the show ring again soon.”

“Thank you,” Heather managed, barely getting the words out as a photographer appeared and began taking photographs. “It’s all Apollo. He’s just so smart and so good.”

“He may have a lovely temperament, but he performed the way he did because of you.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

Blake had been watching from the exit gate, and when Heather was awarded first place he’d pumped his fist in the air. As she exited and handed him the trophy, he wanted to pull her from the saddle, kiss her passionately, hug her tightly and never let her go.

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