The Horse Show

Tensions are high as we arrive... will Ayla get the Gold Medal she seeks, or once again, after her two week career in horsemanship, will Winston, her mount, fail her? Questions swirl through the gazebo as we wait for the riders to begin their paces. As the riders take their places next to their mounts, making final checks of bridle, saddle and stirrup, a hush falls over the crowd. The moment of truth has arrived. The girls mount, the crowd falls silent and the horses and riders parade in front of the gazebo, showing off their capability of making a horse walk and staying on it while it is doing so. Winston seems in high spirits, walking high and proud. The tension mounts, you can almost see it in the air. As Ayla brings Winston around the pylon and approaches the bar, the audience holds their breath. Will he stumble? Will she do her 2 point correctly or will the judges have to deduct points? Will he walk the straight line after making the "jump" over the bar or will he meander over to the water bucket? Yes! Yes! The crown jumps to their feet. Applause roars down as Ayla leads Winston to success. Her Aunt and Uncle, here all the way from downtown Toronto nearly faint with joy! Hurray!