Bareback(19)

    They worked on the dressage patterns for well over an hour before Skyler waved her in. “Let’s give him a rest, then try him over the jumps in the outdoor ring after lunch. Not a bad workout,” she allowed.

    “Well, he’s too tight in that end turn and tensing during the crossover.”

    “Stop right there,” Skyler said sternly. “At the end of each session, I want him to pick up nothing but positive feelings from you. This horse wants to please you. He doesn’t need to work hard for an hour, and be left with the feeling he just didn’t measure up.”

    Jessica’s knee had been screaming with pain for the last half hour of the session and the abrupt lecture grated on her raw nerves. “Are we talking about the horse or your ego?”

    Skyler ignored the question. “At the beginning of each session, we’ll talk about the things that need improving and immediately work on them. We’ll saddle back up at one. I’ve got a horse to ride myself right now.” Skyler started to leave, but looked back at Jessica. This power struggle between them wasn’t going to work. “If you don’t want my advice, then I can’t be your trainer. I promised Kate I’d do this, so you’ll have to be the one to ask for someone else. You know…a trainer who lets you tell them how to do their job.”

    Jessica stared at the retreating back. Of all the egotistical, infuriating women. Right when she’d started thinking Skyler might just be okay. You’re not getting rid of me that easy. I’ll show you, you arrogant horse’s butt. No, horse’s butt was too good for her… Pig butt. Yes, that was it. She was a pig’s butt.

    Rampage tossed his head as he sensed her irritation.

    “Whoa, boy. That’s not directed at you. Okay, Ms. Reese, we’re only thinking positive thoughts. Happy thoughts, Rampage. Good boy.”

    She stroked the strong neck and turned the steed toward the barn for a good rubdown. The afternoon would be their real test. She needed to ice her knee and grab a pain pill before tackling those jumps. Maybe that would take the edge off her anger.



    Jessica hummed softly to herself as she entered the barn. What she saw made her stop dead. Skyler already had cross-tied Rampage in the aisle and was nearly finished saddling him. She checked her watch to see if she was late. No, ten minutes early.

    “You didn’t have to saddle him for me.” She prepared herself for another lecture.

    Instead, Skyler offered a tentative smile as she pulled the irons down the stirrup leathers. “Consider it a peace offering.”

    Jessica couldn’t hide her surprise. “Does this mean you’ve changed your mind about trying to get rid of me?”

    “Maybe we need to quit reacting to each other based on some preconceived ideas. I was wrong about Rampage. He’s very impressive. And…you’re an exceptional rider.” Skyler paused. “But you have a tough road ahead.”

    Jessica chewed her lip, waiting for the whiplash again. But she was wrong this time, too. Skyler’s tone was matter-of-fact.

    “I could tell your leg was hurting you this morning, but you never complained or let up. You don’t need to fight me and the pain at the same time.”

    Jessica sighed. She knew she needed Skyler if she was going to make this bid for the Olympic team her best effort. She also knew she could prove to Skyler that she had what it takes to be a winner. “You’re right. And it was good advice…this morning. I guess I get grumpy when the pain gets too bad. But Rampage shouldn’t suffer because of it. I know I snapped at you, but I do want you to call me on my mood again if you see it affecting our workout.” She extended her hand. “Let’s start over. Hi, I’m Jessica Black.”

    Skyler grinned broadly and returned a firm handshake. Rampage nodded his head and pawed at the dirt as if to punctuate the truce. Laughing, Jessica waited as Skyler unclipped the crossties, then followed her and the stallion toward the jumping ring.

    If she had any worries about jumping Rampage, they quickly vanished. He approached the course with eager confidence and “jumped big,” clearing the obstacles with inches to spare.

    “He’s impressive, all right,” Skyler said as Jessica reined the prancing steed in and walked him over. “I find it hard to believe that he’s only been training as a dressage competitor. He’s got the power and timing of an exceptional jumper.”