The Ride

“I knew I shouldn’t have eaten breakfast this morning,” Samantha mourned as her stomach roiled tensely.

“If you hadn’t eaten any breakfast, you wouldn’t have had enough energy to ride well today,” Aunt June replied practically. She finished netting Samantha’s thick brown hair and tenderly straightened the velvet bow holding the net in place. “There now; stand up and let me get a look at you.”

Samantha’s English riding boots clicked the floor of the trailer dressing room as she stood to face her aunt. From her tan jodphurs to her tailored riding jacket, she was the pristine model of an English equestrian. Her trembling hands grasped the velvet-covered hard hat, and her eyes glowed with an invincible eagerness.

Aunt June’s studious face softened into a smile. “You look beautiful. You’ll do fine today.”



This was the first time Samantha had ridden her new Dutch Warmblood, King, in a jumping competition. It was also the first time that she had competitively jumped fences over 3 feet tall; the highest one today was 3 feet 6 inches.

“Samantha Blewitt to the ring, please; Samantha Blewitt on King’s Ransom,” called the announcer.

Samantha’s gut tightened as she nudged King with her heels. “Good luck!” Aunt June encouraged warmly.

As she rode into the ring, Samantha instinctively touched the cross pin on the lapel of her coat. Her mother had taught her to pray before every ride, whether competing or practicing. “God, be with this ride. Keep King and me safe,” she whispered.

Gathering her reins, Samantha asked King to canter a circle before beginning the course. The first jump was a gate, which King easily cleared. Then an oxer, followed by a water jump. Samantha began to relax as she felt King’s stride beneath her. He soared over the two double jumps and then a stack of golden straw bales. The crowd cheered as horse and rider successfully completed the triple jump, which had been causing a great deal of trouble for other competitors.

Only the brick wall remained.

As it loomed before them, Samantha trembled. It was a massive jump, and she had rarely jumped its height even at home. King, sensing her fear, hesitated and flicked his ears. “God, please, help,” Samantha whispered desperately. God’s words to Joshua drifted into her mind: “Be strong and courageous.”

Samantha lifted her chin, readjusted her reins, and squeezed her legs around King’s barrel. He responded with long, powerful strides, followed by a tremendous leap. As they soared over the wall with inches to spare, the audience cheered ecstatically.

Samantha rubbed King’s glistening neck in praise as they left the ring. Then her eyes lifted to heaven and her hand once more touched the silver cross. Oblivious to the applause and excited shouts of the crowd, she whispered, “Thank You, God.” A warm, contented smile crossed her face.

It had been a wonderful ride.