For Sale or Swap - Alyssa Brugman [22]
Shelby nodded. 'Yes, I promise.'
Mrs Hockings sniffed and folded her arms. 'I'll let it go this time, but that's it. This isn't a charity, you know.'
'Of course, Mrs Hockings, I understand.'
Shelby joined the others in the ring. She could hardly keep from grinning. It was so good to finally be where she belonged. She looked over at the edge of the arena where the parents were lined up. Erin's mum gave her the thumbs-up sign and Shelby responded with a little wave.
Calvin Protheroe had them all walk around in a circle, and then move into a trot. He made a few comments here and there about the placement of people's hands and heels, but he didn't single Shelby out. She thought that must mean she was riding well.
Once all the horses were warmed up Mr Protheroe divided them into two groups. She waited at the side with Erin while the first group had their lesson. He was quite severe on Hayley, telling her that she had stiff arms and shoulders, and that this was restricting the movement of the horse. He called one of the other girls into the centre of the ring and took her stirrups away, crossing them over onto the horse's shoulders the way Miss Anita had when she rode Brat.
Erin whispered that he was being mean, but Shelby thought it was good. He only had an hour to make an impression on their lives. Shelby preferred him to be honest with them, even if it was hard to hear. She was listening carefully. In the background she could hear Mrs Hockings's high, strident voice. That sound used to go through Shelby's head like an icepick. She indulged in another smile.
A little while later it was the second group's turn. Erin and Shelby climbed on their ponies and joined the others around Mr Protheroe. Shelby had barely completed half a circle when the instructor called her into the ring. She felt the blood drain from her face. It was happening exactly as she'd imagined.
'Hop down,' he said, holding one of Brat's reins.
Shelby dismounted. She looked around at the other riders and smiled, trying to keep the smugness out of her eyes.
'Your horse is lame,' Mr Protheroe said, pointing. 'She's got a bit of swelling in the near fore.'
'She'll be OK when she warms up,' Shelby said.
Calvin Protheroe stared at her.
'I've really been looking forward to your lesson,' Shelby said. 'I think I can learn from you.'
'The first thing you can learn is that when I say your horse is lame, it's lame. It needs rest. I suggest you put her on your float and take her home.'
Shelby didn't want to tell him that she didn't have a float.
'Can I put her in a yard and watch the rest of the lesson?'
He shrugged. 'Suit yourself, but I think it's irresponsible.'
Shelby was ashamed. She wanted to explain that she was a responsible owner – if it had been Blue she wouldn't have brought him at all. But Mr Protheroe had already turned his attention to the other riders. She led Brat, now limping noticeably, out of the arena and towards the yards.
Erin's mother fell into step with her. 'What's happened?'
'Brat's got a sore leg,' Shelby said.
'That's a pity,' she said. Then she walked back to the other parents to report. Shelby could feel their eyes on her back. She wondered if they were saying that she was irresponsible too. She wished she hadn't come. Shelby led Brat past the yards and down the road. She didn't turn back.
Once they were out of the Pony Club grounds Brat's limping seemed to lessen. They came to an intersection on the dirt road. Shelby headed left, taking the shorter route that led to the trail home. Looking right, she could see the traffic rushing along Gully Way.
Shelby had thought that this day would make everything better – that she would be the star and that the committee would see what a good rider she really was. She had imagined that the other girls would accept her as an equal – even admire her. Now their opinion of her was worse than ever.
'Stupid horse,' she said, tugging