Crumble - English Pleasure

Kass had led Biscotti back to the stable, where the mare was unhooked from their attributed buggy. The young trainer had left her helper William in charge of brushing the roan pony thoroughly - her legs and belly were a bit of a mess after running around in water and dust during the driving marathon. In the meantime, Kass had to prepare for her next class - another English pleasure one. However, this time she would be participating in the young horses event with an acquaintance's pony rather than her own.

Rachel lived on her little ranch, not too far South from the Canadian border in Montana. The two women had met before - in fact Rachel had been Daïquiri’s previous owner. Kass had visited her ranch twice in the previous years, and the two had remained friendly and exchanged news every once in a while. The red-head knew that the horses Rachel had brought for the Show were stabled a few rows of stalls over, so she made her way there after texting her friend that she was on her way.

The other woman greeted her with a warm smile and hug.

‘’Thank you so much for showing this guy for me!’’ she exclaimed, as she led Kass to her pony’s stall. When her partner had needed to stay behind at their stable for a last minute emergency, Rachel had contacted her friend for help, knowing she was also going to the Summer Show.

‘’Thank you for taking him! I would have shown him myself, if my trail class wasn’t at the same time!’’ Rachel explained to her again.

‘’I know, it’s fine! It’ll give my ponies a little break anyway,’’ Kass reassured her with a wave of her hand.

They stopped in front of a stall where a tall, handsome smoky cream pony was pulling at his hay net. He turned his head towards them, blinking kind blue eyes as he munched happily.

‘’He’s so pretty!’’ Kass exclaimed.

‘’I think you’ll quite like him. In fact, he’s Daïquiri’s son! His name is Crumble.’’

*

The two women prepared and tacked up their horses side by side, talking amicably together as they worked. Fortunately, the stallion’s mane had already been neatly plaited prior to Kass' arrival so all she had left to do was give him a good brush down before saddling him up. His feather had been clipped as well, so tidying him did not turn out to be too laborious. Once they were all dressed too, the ladies exchanged their good luck wishes as they left the stables before heading to their respective classes.

Kass led her mount towards the arena, where several pairs of pristine horses and riders were already waiting. The previous class was over already, the officials were finishing their work of evening out the footing before letting the contestants in. As the trio of judges took their place at the center and began introducing the entering participants, Kass climbed up on her pony.

Just as tall as his mom, she noted with a point of humour.

They waited patiently for their turn, then stepped in the ring in tandem with the announcer’s comment.

‘’Now entering the arena is Kassandra Peregrine, riding How The Cookie Crumbles. Hopefully that name’s not a bad omen!’’

Crumble’s rider lips cracked into a humorous smile. She had not known the stallion’s full show name and wondered whether there was a story behind it. She would have to remember to ask Rachel after the class.

Kass guided the large pony up to the fenceline as they waited for the class to get started. The young stallion walked energetically, a spring in his steps and his ears pricked as he looked around. Although not his first class of the day, Rachel had told her that this was Crumble’s first show as a participant. Rather than aim for ribbons, all she wanted for him today was positive exposure and experience. So the red-head let him indulge in his curiosity, sometimes making sure the pony was still aware of her with small cues.

Soon enough, the gate was closed and the announcer asked everyone for the trot. Given the stallion’s level of energy, Kass knew to ask him to go faster with the lightest pressure of her leg and stood ready to slow him down a bit with the reins. As she anticipated, Crumble attempted to shoot forward at a fast paced trot, although she did manage to moderate his speed some. After about half a circuit around the arena, Kass' steadiness and clear signals seemed to help the young horse settle a little and his gait evened. 

Unlike Jazz who was more experienced and had become laser focused on her cues once the class had begun, one of Crumble’s ears continued to swivel occasionally as they went. 

After they had jogged around the arena twice under the studying eyes of the judges, the announcer asked everyone for the walk. Crumble executed the command perfectly, apparently easier to manage in downward transitions. Then they were asked to reverse, followed by a demand to trot soon after. This second time went smoother, although still not quite as perfect as the pleasure classes aimed for.

‘’Canter please, all canter’’ instructed a judge on the speaker.

Once more, the pinto pony wanted to speed a bit too much but Kass was ready to slow him down to a nice canter. This boy definitely was more go than woah! Although she personally preferred that, he would still need some more training before he was ready for the big leagues’ show ring. 

Finally the announcer called for a transition down to the trot, then to walk and line up in the center of the ring. Kass patted her mount on the neck as they stopped, not dissatisfied with how he had done. Not only was this his first show, but they were also new to each other. Despite his need for speed, the smoky cream pony seemed very responsive and eager to please, so she was certain that he would get there in time. His smooth gaits were a joy to ride even now, however! The young stallion was full of potential - she was convinced that with more experience and polishing, he would bloom into a magnificent show horse.