How to Become a Champion: A True Tale of How Christy Reaches the Top (Second Edition)

By Elizabeth A. Conard

Christy’s quest is to become the best junior rider in America by winning the top annual national equitation championship, the McClay medal. From age three to eighteen, she discovers through trial and error what it takes to become a superb rider. She has to learn to deal with all kinds of horses, training techniques, choices of trainers, troublesome weather, the complexities of competition and horse showing challenges. It takes gumption, grit, patience and unrelenting focus to make it, but she is determined to try. Read about her journey and see if she succeeds as she wishes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669818359

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Copyright © 2022 by Elizabeth A. Conard.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 04/05/2022

Xlibris

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CONTENTS

Chapter One

What’s First?

Chapter Two

The Very First Horse Show

Chapter Three

Rescuing Midnight

Chapter Four

The Switch Off

Chapter Five

Dare to Jump?

Chapter Six

Is He Mine or Not?

Chapter Seven

Don’t Take Him Away

Chapter Eight

Get Set Before You Go

Chapter Nine

Sabotage in the Arena

Chapter Ten

Dealing with Weather and Birds

Chapter Eleven

Help a Competitor?

PART TWO

Chapter Twelve

Pay Back

Chapter Thirteen

Who’s the Boss?

Chapter Fourteen

More Challenges and More Lessons Learned

Chapter Fifteen

Pony Finals: The Good and the Bad

Chapter Sixteen

The Black Stallion

Chapter Seventeen

Get Another Pony?

Chapter Eighteen

Training Works

Chapter Nineteen

Growing Problems

Chapter Twenty

Clean Sweep

Chapter Twenty-One

Clean Sweep does a Clean Sweep

Chapter Twenty-Two

Disaster

Chapter Twenty-Three

An Experiment and the Search Begins

Chapter Twenty-Four

A New Horse and Advice from the Top

Chapter Twenty-Five

Shipping and Running Away

Chapter Twenty-Six

Lake Placid Gold

PART THREE

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Ups and Downs with Gabor

Chapter Twenty-Eight

New Trainer?

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Double Double

Chapter Thirty

Triumph and Tragedy

Chapter Thirty-One

Keep Going

Chapter Thirty-Two

Good-By Gabor

Chapter Thirty-Three

Training and Interviewing

Chapter Thirty-Four

Catch-Rider?

Chapter Thirty-Five

Everything New

Chapter Thirty-Six

The Final Surge

Chapter Thirty-Seven

On a Certain Day

Dedication

For Christy

And to her horses, trainers, family and friends.

Acknowledgements

I am grateful to Christy for bringing so much enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, dedication and joy to all in her life - her beloved horses and everyone she knew. A perfect day to her was being with her four-legged friends, riding, racing, jumping. She filled photo albums with pictures and comments of each step of her journey. Both Christy and I appreciated the advice and encouragement of many who supported her dreams and who truly helped her develop her equitation skills. To them we say thanks.

Most of the friends in Christy’s story are named as they participated and helped in her journey with her beloved horses. A few times, however, if I did not reach some of them to receive permission to include them in her story, I changed their names slightly.

I want, also, to express my appreciation to the writers in my critique group, Gail, June and Joan, who shared their comments and guidance with me in writing this story.

Chapter One

What’s First?

Say whoa. Pull back on the reins! Christy raced down the pasture after her pony. Oh, why did she let Tommy ride him?

Yikes. Horse, stop, Tommy yelled as he bounced on Midnight’s back.

That did no good. Her pony cantered full speed, faster than ever. He was having fun. He flicked his tail and neighed loudly. Then he bucked twice, planted his feet and skidded to a sudden stop. Over his head went Tommy - bam, to the hard ground.

Are you okay? Christy reached Tommy and helped him sit up. I’m sorry. I didn’t know he’d put on his bucking bronco act. Hope you’re not hurt.

Tommy brushed dirt from his face and sputtered. I’m okay, I think. Hey, that guy went a hundred miles an hour.

A few feet away, Midnight neighed, shook himself, and kicked out his back legs.

Christy jumped to her feet. Stay where you are, Tommy. I’ll get that naughty pony.

She walked toward Midnight slowly, talking in a soft voice. Settle down. Quit showing off. Take it easy or you’ll get caught in your reins.

Midnight snorted, but stood still as Christy reached for the bridle. She stroked his neck. Good boy, she crooned.

Good boy? Tommy jumped to his feet. He tried to kill me! I just barely kicked him to go faster and he took off. Tommy rubbed his hip. Ow. He almost bashed me into that tree. How’s he a good boy?

Christy put her hand over her mouth to hide her smile. Well, he didn’t stomp on you, did he? That’s good. Horses try to not step on people when they fall off. See Midnight’s being sweet now. Maybe he got scared – you’re new to him and you did kick him, didn’t you?

Tommy glared at her pony. Yeah. I wanted to ride a bit faster, not crawl like a snail like he was.

Christy grinned even more. Never say giddy-up again until you learn to ride. Okay. He’s calm now. Come here. I’ll give you a boost.

Are you kidding? Tommy choked. He backed up. No way. Look. My legs are shaking. Christy reached down to where his cowboy hat had fallen and handed it to him. Tommy slammed it on his head and stepped even farther away.

Just try again. She cupped her hands together and made a step for Tommy. Hop on. When you fall off a horse, you need to get back on right away.

Can’t. Midnight hates me, Tommy stomped his foot. I’ll have to get my own horse and ride him. He’ll be nicer and better. Suddenly he raised his eyebrows and looked scared. Oh no. Here comes Mom. Don’t tell her a thing.

Christy tightened her grip on Midnight as Tommy’s mother walked up to them and reached out to give the pony a hefty pat. Midnight backed up a couple of steps.

Oh, I love horses, Mrs. Jenkins said excitedly. Tommy. Learn fast. Your dad just called he’s found a super-duper horse for you.

Oh, wow, Tommy cleared his throat. Mom. You need to watch Christy show how she can ride. Go ahead, Christy. Show us what you can do. His eyes were pleading.

Christy nodded, grasped Midnight’s mane and leapt up onto his back. Sure. I’ll show you how we have a good time together. With a whoop, she whirled Midnight around and headed toward the pond at the side of the pasture. Her blond hair and red shirt were a blur as she galloped her pony toward the water.

Wow. Terrific, Tommy shouted, running after her, pulling his mom’s arm.

Christy tore around the far curve of the oval pond, zoomed full speed along the back side and galloped around the other end, then toward them. As she flew past him, she yelled, Tommy, time me from where you are. One, two…

Tommy counted aloud as she circled the pond again. Forty-six, he called.

Again. Christy words floated back to him as she flew along.

This time they took only forty-two counts around and the third time was forty.

You’re definitely speeding up, he told her as she slowed beside him and jumped off. Midnight snorted and panted.

He’s getting a bit faster. That’s good, She was breathing hard, too.

Tommy’s mom put her hand out to pat Midnight again, but didn’t. Oh, dear. He’s hot and sweaty. Christy, are you wanting to be a jockey some day?

I do, Tommy was fired up after watching her. A winning jockey. Trouble is I might get too tall. Can I try riding again now?

Christy chuckled. Midnight needs a drink of water. And besides, Tommy, he’s not used to beginners. Come on. Let’s go to the barn and I’ll show you both how I cool him down.

Mrs. Jenkins sniffed. Oh, not a good idea. Hay and leather both give me allergies. Come home now, Tommy. We’ll talk to your dad about your new stallion and proper lessons.

Tommy wasn’t ready to leave and trailed her. A few more minutes, Mom. Christy, how’d you learn? he asked.

Christy put Midnight into the cross ties near his stall and began to hose down Midnight before she answered. She pointed to the corner of the house nearest the stables. See those windows? That’s my room and every day and night, I can hear Midnight move around his stall. I can talk to him from there if I want. So I grew up with him and one day when I was little, I just got on and rode.

Marvelous. Mrs. Jenkins said. She sniffed again. Tommy. Come now. Christy, dear, keep up your riding and one day, you’ll be very good.

Oh, no, Christy said. Someday I’m going to be the very best. Bye, Tommy and good luck.

Chapter Two

The Very First Horse Show

You’re talking about a horse show? Christy asked her mother who was on the phone. Oh, please, I’d love to go see it. Maybe I can ride in it.

Her mom nodded to her and said into the phone, Christy says okay. She wants to go with Maryann. We’ll get Midnight ready right now. She’ll love it.

Christy cheered. Great. This is so exciting, she jumped up and down and hugged mom. Where’s the show? What should I wear?

It’s on the edge of town, Mother answered. Mr. Jackson said Maryann will help you. She’s thirteen, but she has some boots and things she’ll lend you.

This is so great. Christy called over her shoulder as she took off running to the pasture. I’ll bring Midnight over to the barn and give him a real quick bath.

As she unhooked the gate, Midnight galloped toward her, neighing along the way. Good boy. she said. She patted him and slipped his halter over his head. Today’s going to be the best day of our lives. Midnight snorted and nodded as if he understood.

Mother handed the hose to Christy and she sprayed Midnight. He stood still while she soaped and rinsed his shiny black coat and long mane and tail. She knew he loved to be groomed. He nuzzled the top of her head while she used the hoof pick to clean the bottom of his hooves.

Mom, would you brush him some more while I get my saddle and bridle and helmet? Christy asked. You’re coming, too, aren’t you?

Wouldn’t miss your first show. Dad and I’ll come soon after you. Mom said. Look, here are the Jacksons. You’re ready just in time. Mom waved to the truck pulling a two-horse trailer. I’ll run inside and get some carrots to help you coax Midnight into the trailer.

Yippee. Maryann jumped out and patted her pony. This is fun. Christy, I saw you racing around the other day and you’re getting really good.

Her dad lowered the tail gate of the trailer and Maryann took hold of Midnight’s halter. My horse is Jasper. He’ll like having your pony’s company. Hold the carrots in front of Midnight’s nose and back into the trailer in front of him so he’ll follow you inside.

Come on, greedy one, Christy said, tempting him with the carrots and he climbed in without any trouble.

On the way out to the show, Maryann helped Christy change and told her about what to expect. Christy, you’ll ride in the young kid’s category which is Eleven and Under. I’ll be in the Twelve to Fourteen classes and there’s an adult group, too.

What’s a class?

That’s what they called the different events. You’ll catch on fast, Maryann assured her. You can watch how I do things. Wow, you look like a real cowgirl in my western shirt and your jeans. Look, my boots fit, too. Great.

As they reached the arena, Christy saw two riders trot their horses into the center of a sandy ring which had bleachers on the sides. The girl rider held the Florida flag and the boy rider had the American flag. The audience stood at attention for the national anthem. When it was over, Mr. Jackson drove under some trees near-by where many other horse trailers were parked. Instantly they were surrounded by a bunch of kids.

Hi, great to see you, called Maryann’s friends. They helped unload the horses. Maryann explained who Christy was.

Wow, a first show, said Tim grinning. I remember mine. My pony got so jumpy at the loudspeaker that he reared up and dumped me splat on the ground.

John laughed. You think that’s bad? he asked. My horse raced five times at full gallop around the arena. I could hardly hold on. I was freaked out.

Listen, Kate said. I had to back my horse in the gate. He wouldn’t go in by himself.

Christy wondered if she should be there or not. It was all so new and now it didn’t sound so easy. Luckily, the first event was Maryann’s group. Christy climbed to a seat high in the bleachers to watch. Each kid rode one at a time at full speed around a barrel on one side of the ring, down around another barrel at the end, then to a third one on the other side of the ring before going out. The crowd cheered them on and the fastest riders got ribbons.

You did it right and you were fast, Christy told Maryann, So how come you didn’t get a ribbon?

I missed by a couple seconds, Maryann said. Sometimes I’m better, you’ll see. It’s your turn next, Maryann untied Midnight and helped Christy get on her pony. Here we go.

No. I changed my mind, Christy said as they reached the in-gate. That looks too hard. I’d better practice going around barrels at home first.

The lady at the entrance of the ring smiled. This class is different and you’ll like it, she said. Here’s how you do it. Take off your boots and our helpers take everyone’s boots to the end of the arena and leave them there, all jumbled up. Then you ride with the other kids your age to where the boots are on ground. You get off your pony. Find your boots. Put them on. Then run back leading your pony. All right?

Christy started to turn Midnight around, but he pawed the ground. She could feel him shaking as if he was eager to go. O.K. we’ll be brave and try it, she decided.

Someone pulled off her boots and before she knew it, she was galloping down the middle of the ring with the others. They jumped off their ponies and held on to them as they put their boots back on and then they ran back to the ingate. Christy watched. The crowd called, Little girl, hurry. Get your boots on. Go.

Soon hers were the only ones left. She quickly pulled them on and ran back. Everyone clapped.

Good job, but what took you so long? Maryann asked.

I didn’t know which boots were mine, actually yours, Christy said. I’ll know next time.

Maryann laughed. Okay. But don’t get off yet. You go again in the very next class and I think you’ll be good in it. Maryann led her to a place along the fence where she could watch how the first kids rode in the Flags class.

See how you do it? Maryann asked. Ride along the fence to your right. Grab a white flag that’s sticking up in the bucket halfway down. Go around the end barrel and then canter to the bucket on the other side. Stick your flag in it and ride back to the gate.

Christy evaluated each rider as they watched. That boy’s too fast and reckless. The girl’s way too slow – takes so long to put the flag in the bucket. Wow. That kid can’t balance, She was right and when the third girl leaned over too far as she planted the flag, she lost control of her pony and fell off.

Sorry, honey. Come out of the ring; you’re disqualified, the announced told her.

Christy began to think she could do it much better than anyone so far. I’m ready to try, she said. Maryann boosted her onto her pony and she waited beside five others.

Finally, the announcer called out, Our last to compete is a first timer. Christy Conard to the chute.

Out of the corner of her eye, she glimpsed her parents running up to watch.

Good luck and have fun, Mom called out to her in a shaky voice. Christy grinned and waved. Poor Mom sounded scared, but she wasn’t.

Speed first, then slower. Don’t stop. Obey me, Midnight. Christy murmured. She got the hang of it right away and was tickled at how well it went. She leaned over and patted her pony’s neck on the way out.

Maryanne whooped, The flag didn’t fall. You were fast, thirty-eight seconds. Good job.

People in the bleachers clapped, too. Her mom and dad were beaming. That felt good and she was proud of her ride.

She started trotting back to the horse trailer when suddenly she heard the loudspeaker. Sixth place to Christy Conard, it boomed. She couldn’t believe her ears. A ribbon already!

Midnight, we’re a team! Christy rode back into the ring to get her purple ribbon and patted him ever harder on the way out.

Poles and racing are next for me and adult classes, Maryann said. You can enter them, too, later, if you want try them in your age group.

I’ll see, she said. She helped get Jasper ready. I’ll tie up Midnight and give him hay, then watch you. Good luck.

Maryann heaved the saddle onto her horse and adjusted the reins. Thanks. Get some hot dogs or ice cream. Giddy-up Jasper. She rode off to the ring.

Having snacks appealed to everyone and they ate as they cheered Maryann in the poles class. Her bay wove in and out of the tall bamboo sticks, bending his body expertly and moving fast. One pole teetered as if it might fall, but stayed up. Christy was sure this time Maryann would win a ribbon. She did – a second place flashy red one.

Buck will be best at that class, don’t you think? Dad asked, clapping for Maryann. Next month I’ll come with him when they have this monthly Sherriff ‘s Posse show.

Christy jumped up and hugged him, nearly upsetting his drink. You’re going to ride, here, too? Because for sure, I want to come back again.

If you don’t mind, he said grinning. This is too much fun to miss. In fact, I’ve had my eye on a horse trailer for sale down the street. Then we’ll have our own transportation.

Christy gave him a high-five.

I’m itching to see what Buck can do, he went on. Are you going to try the poles today? Midnight might be good at that.

Christy sat back down. Oh, sure. I’ll try it and see what it’s like. Then we can practice together at home. Okay?

She licked her ice cream down to the top of the cone and stood up. I’ll be right back she said. She had to share with Midnight like she always did and tell him the news. Her pony sniffed and stretched his neck for his bite when she was three feet away.

Oh, yes, smarty pants, she said laughing. You’re sure this treat’s for you, aren’t you? Today it’s your reward for listening to me and cooperating. And soon, we’ll experiment with the poles class. Then we’ll come again and again, right?

Midnight munched the cone and neighed. I take it that’s a happy yes, she said. She knew horse shows were for her.

Chapter Three

Rescuing Midnight

Christy took her ribbon to school the next day to show her friends. Tommy saw her take it out of her backpack and grabbed it.

Did you really win this? he asked. When she nodded, he waved it around and said in a loud voice, Look what Christy won on her pony. Of course, I’ve ridden Midnight, too. Riding horses is easy and Christy is teaching me how.

Christy was almost knocked down when all her classmates gathered around Tommy and her. He told them all about Midnight as if he was the owner, but she didn’t mind. He was a good talker. He told them she was a super rider and how fast she could go.

Mrs. Sneider, their teacher, told her to hold up the ribbon and took a couple of pictures. This is exciting, she said. Christy, start us off today by telling us about winning the ribbon.

Christy nodded, but she suddenly felt shy. She wished Midnight was beside her.

Just as she started, a voice at the door interrupted her. Please, may I get Christy out of school? It was her mother.

Mom. What’s the matter? Christy asked. Mother’s