Marshmallow - In-Hand
Tiny snowflakes were falling from the sky, leaving a light dusting of white on the kids’ heads as Kass assisted her students in preparing for their first class of the Holiday Hunter Show. The old truck pulling their trailer was parked amongst a sea of other vehicles, people and their ponies coming and going in between them like little ants navigating their tunnels.
In typical English fashion, the weather was forecasted to stay rather cold and overcast throughout the day. Though, remembering her attendance at the Summer Celebration Show last August, Kass reckoned that she much preferred to brave the chill. After all, there were only so many layers you could shed when you were too warm - the opposite was much simpler!
Four of her ponies were standing quietly, tied to the side of the young trainer’s trailer. They ate peacefully from hay nets as they awaited to be fully dolled up for the Model class. This being a first experience for most of them, the plan was for her students to each show their ponies in the first two disciplines - In-hand and Hunter Under Saddle. Then the young trainer would take over for most of the Jumping Over Fences.
‘’Kass, can you help me with Marshmallow’s other side, please?’’ came a small voice from behind the redhead as she was trying to balance a santa hat over one of Churros’ button ears.
‘’Of course,’’ she answered, walking up to her calling student - Amy- and grabbing a brush. Indeed, the fleabitten mare had stubborn patches of dirt dotting her light coat. ‘’Why are you such a filthy bug?’’ Kass asked the pony light-heartedly as she started brushing away the dried dust. True to her name, Marshmallow thrived out on camping trips and on the trails. She also was the ranch's most adept roller, thus quite a challenge to keep clean. Destiny must have felt mischievous on the day it decided to make this very light pony such a fiend for mud.
Using a few handfuls of snow and a sponge to wash away particularly stubborn stains, Amy and Kass eventually cleaned the mare enough to be considered presentable. Without much time to spare, as the Model class was set to begin in just a few minutes. After going around each of her students and ponies for final preparations, they were finally ready to make it to the arena.
Garlands, bows and Christmas lights decorated the fences surrounding the outdoors arena. Despite the ring being cleared of snow, the white carpet covering every surface all around it really added to the festive ambiance. Good luck wishes were exchanged before Kass took a seat in the stands, watching her pupils lead their ponies into the arena. Amy appeared particularly nervous, standing rod straight as a judge presented each of the participants, walking alongside the fence. Kass watched Marshmallow reach down and touch her velvet soft muzzle into the crook of her young handler’s neck comfortingly. A smile appeared on the girl’s face and her shoulders relaxed slightly. She stroked the sweet mare’s cheek once, seemingly encouraged.
After they had all walked along the fenceline for a bit, the participants were asked to stop. A judge stepped up to each pair one after the other, asking them to trot their ponies around the arena under their critical gaze. There were only about ten participants in the class, so it was not long before most of her students were done with their trotting evaluation. Only Amy and Marshmallow were left waiting for their turn. The judge made his way to them and signaled to the girl to proceed. She began to jog away, Marshmallow falling into step easily beside her. The grey pony’s trot was airy and correct, with her short little tail bobbing cutely as they went. When they made it back to the end of the file, they stopped again, both of their breaths puffing steam into the cold air. Once the last pair had completed their segment too, the judge asked all of them to walk once more.
After that came the standing judging part. The judge asked the contestants to come to the middle and stand in line. One at a time, each handler came up to the judge and presented their horse, before walking away and trotting back. On her turn, Amy led Marshmallow out of the line and in front of the judge, squaring her up just as they had all practiced at home. The man walked around the fleabitten mare, looking her over thoroughly. He scribbled onto his notepad briefly then stood a little behind the pony’s rear end, signaling at Amy to proceed. She walked out in a straight line, guiding Marshmallow while standing at her shoulder. When they neared the fence, she reversed whilst staying on the outside to avoid blocking the judge’s view of the pony with her body. Then she began to jog back, leading the mare into the trot. Amy saluted the judge before walking back into line with the rest of the contestants. Both she and Marshmallow had done beautifully, their practice back at the ranch obviously having paid off.
Soon after, the placings were announced and ribbons distributed. As she met with her students again, congratulating each of them as they filed out of the arena and back to the trailer, Kass noticed Amy falling behind slightly. The girl was attempting to guide a slowing Marshmallow, who seemed to be eyeing the snow-ladden ground in a very suspicious manner. ‘’Don’t you dare!’’ the trainer called to the pony, whirling around to reach the pair before the inevitable happened. All in vain, for the grey mare’s front legs suddenly buckled underneath her and she plopped down on her side with a huff. Amy and Kass shared a fond yet exasperated look, as Marshmallow rolled onto her back with happy little kicks, snorting joyously.
