Marshmallow - Hunter Over Fences

A heavy layer of clouds darkened the sky, obscuring whatever weak sunlight attempted to peak through. Snow had stopped falling about an hour ago, but a chilly breeze still stirred the garlands hanging from the arena’s fencing, sending a shiver down Kass’ spine. But if the seemingly dreary weather dampened anyone’s spirit, it went unnoticed among the cheerful brouhaha.

The Holiday Hunter Show had kept the most exciting part for last. The In-Hand model class and the Hunter Under Saddle class were complete - the only remaining one left being Hunter Over Fences. Unlike show jumping, show hunter competitions were not judged on the team’s speed of completing the course. Rather, it was appraised on the horse’s readiness, soundness and form. The rider’s equitation was also scrutinized. Show hunter obstacles were usually not as high, and the patterns not as intricate as those seen in show jumpers either. 

Since the young students from Kass’ riding program that were accompanying her to the show were only just starting to dabble in jumping - if at all - she would be the one to ride her ponies for this last class. Still, the redhead brought them along with her as she walked the course on foot to memorise the pattern, prior to the event’s start. Even though they would not be jumping themselves, it was a good practice to get more familiar with the process for future events! There were only 8 fences, with the pattern as a whole having a total of 10 jumps to clear. Since the show leaned more toward the casual side and children would also be participating on smaller ponies, the jumps were not set very high. The course consisted only of cross-poles and low upright fences aimed at an advanced beginner skill-level. With Kass’ teddies being on the bigger side, she reckoned that the tallest obstacles would only reach around between her ponies’ knees and chest.

Once they were done with walking the pattern, they made their way back to their trailer where the horses were waiting. Kass gave her student the mission of tidying up 3 of her ponies, while she turned all of her attention to Marshmallow. Thankfully the mischievous mare had not made further attempts at rolling on the way back from her Hunter Under Saddle class with Amy, so she still looked presentable. Kass grabbed a comb and began working on detangling the pony’s long white mane. Though she had left the ranch with a pristine updo, Marshmallow’s previous antics had messed up quite a few braids. So they ended up simply letting her locks flow freely, not having enough time to clean her up and fix her braids before their next class. Kass was glad that braids were not a strict requirement, as they were in many more advanced shows.

Once the grey pony was all dolled up, the young trainer saddled her up. Then she checked in with her students, making sure the other horses would also be ready to go the moment she would come back to swap them out between runs

With everything and everyone seemingly ready, Kass fixed her helmet before climbing up on Marshmallow. The little grey mare snorted, hitting the frozen ground with her hoof once. She seemed to be excited to ride with her owner! Kass guided her mount at the walk back towards the arena, her students following along on foot. The latter parted with Kass after exchanging many good luck wishes, leaving to sit in the stands with other spectators.

As they awaited their turn, the redhead and her mount moved to a warm-up area not far from the ring that had been cleared of snow around a couple of fences set. A few other contestants were there already, riding their ponies in preparation of the class. The duo walked, then trotted around for a few minutes, eventually jumping over the obstacles a couple of times. After about ten minutes, an official called their number.

‘’Number 11, you’re next to go. Please get ready near the gate,’’ the older woman said, gesturing towards the entry of the arena. 

Kass patted her mare’s neck as they walked up to the indicated spot. Kass watched the little boy who was finishing his round jump over the last cross-pole on his fuzzy pinto teddy, before trotting out and past them under the small crowd’s applause. 

‘’Now entering the ring is Kassandra Peregrine on Merry Campfire Songs,’’ the announcer said, in an invitation for them to begin.

‘’We got this, girl.’’ the young trainer whispered to her pony with a light squeeze of her calves, entering the ring. Marshmallow fell into a trot as they circled around the arena under the couple of judges’ critical gaze. As they neared the start of the course, Kass asked the grey mare for the canter. The latter accelerated readily, on the right lead. After a few strides, the tall pony soared over the little obstacle, her rider rolling forward in the saddle. Counting strides between jumps, Kass tried her best to keep Marshmallow at an even pace. They made their way over two cross-poles set closer together before turning around with a smooth lead change towards an upright fence, which they crossed easily. Despite being more of a trail and cross-country pony, Marshmallow was not doing half bad for one of her few experiences in the jumping show ring! 

The duo went on, jumping over the six remaining obstacles in order and without issue. With every leap, the pony’s mane flowed and draped over her rider’s hands and arms, even tickling her nose a couple of times. As Kass had anticipated, the height of the jumps did not cause the tall mare any trouble. And despite being used to slightly bigger, more natural obstacles, it still felt as if Marshmallow was giving it her all rather than laze over the course.

The crowd applauded as they landed on the soil after the final cross-pole - her students’ cheer the loudest. Kass patted her mount on the neck affectionately as they exited the arena, a fond smile stretched her lips.