The Pony Games

"I just know that you are going to have a super, exciting summer.” said Cindy."

"An awesome one," said Kiana smiling. “Robyn said, that the games will be hosted at the Lake Willis Equestrian Center up in the mountains, as part of the Festival of Horses Celebration. Mindy says it’s so beautiful, she has ridden in the hunter shows up there and Paula has too. They told us, that there is the most beautiful indoor ring that you ever did see. It has many flags hanging from the roof and the side of the walls.” Kiana closed her eyes and sighed. “They said that when you win your class, you get to go in to the ring and they dim the lights; then you get to canter around with your ribbons and sashes, on your victory lap with the spotlight shining on you. Ooohhh! Just imagine Bracken all cleaned up and braided. Oh, I just can't wait Mom, it's something every rider dreams of, I am so excited!” exclaimed Kiana.

The next day, Ava announced that they were going to ride on the beach. They loaded the horses and drove two hours to a quiet beach where people launched boats for fishing, but not to swim. James assisted Wendy to tack up and mount. Ava tacked up Bennett for Evalo and then she made sure that everyone’s girth was secure and tack correctly fitted. Finally with helmets on and chin straps fastened the team started down to the beach to enjoy the waves.

To Kiana's surprise Bracken took the sea in his stride and behaved like an absolute gentleman. They started out at a walk to get the ponies accustomed to the waves and the water washing on to the shore. They rode for about two miles and then started to trot on the wet sand and eventually progressed to a canter. The ponies were already so accustomed to being within passing distance of one another, that it did not bother them to have a fellow pony right in front or behind them cantering alongside.

“This is the BEST,” said Wendy, “I have never had the freedom of cantering along the beach, isn’t it wonderful, it’s almost like flying.” she said.

“Let’s do some races,” said Kiana, “who wants to race me?” asked Kiana looking around at the team.

“ME,” said James, “do I need to give you bit of a go ahead of me start?” he asked with a smart grin on his face.

“What makes you think that I can’t beat you and your 14.3 hand pony on my little zippy 13.2 hand pony?” asked Kiana, “lucky for you the sand is wet you won’t be running in my dust.” she laughed.

“Well then, line up and I will show you how to gallop in my tracks.” laughed James, “let’s make the finish line the rocks on the corner, it's about a half mile away that should do it. First one past the big rock or is that too far for you and little Bracken?” asked James with a smirk on his face.

“Super, no not too far in fact I may have to wait for you at the finish line,” she joked.” could someone be the starter please.” asked Kiana

“Under starter’s orders,” said Ava “just don’t go too fast please, Take your marks, ready, GO.” she said as she dropped her hand.

They took off with the whole team yelling encouragement to Kiana to beat James who had the lead already. Surprisingly, Bracken took the challenge seriously and was not far behind Redwing as they approached the rock, Kiana pushed him to close the distance and he needed no more than that, they passed James and Redwing at a flat gallop his little hooves were flying and his ears were flat against his head, he meant to win the race and he did by an easy body length. They pulled up slowly and came back down to a walk.

“How about we all race together.” said Evalo with anticipation.

“We can canter together as a group but no flat galloping.” said Ava.

The team cantered along the shore line splashing through the waves as they rolled onto the beach. Each rider took a turn at being the leader for a while and then dropped back for someone else to take the lead. The ponies loved the open stretch, relaxed and enjoying the freedom of the beach and the lovely sea breeze. The sun was warm and the beautiful view of the ocean, with sea spray off the waves washing up alongside them. Ponies and riders all soaked up the sun and a much appreciated change of venue, with the freedom of being able to go on for miles without a care in the world. Eventually they pulled up and turned around to walk back to the trailer for lunch.