Yeehaw, ein Cowgirl!

Claire went with Rowan and Jamie to a Western riding event at Marley’s Farm.

Claire: “Look at that! It’s so cool. I’d love to do this. Too bad I don’t have a horse for it. Hyacinth and King would probably break their legs.”

Rowan: “Why not take one of the Meadowland horses? Josh trained them well as working horses. I’m sure Gillian has something suitable — Domino’s probably too old for this by now.”

After the event, they stayed for the horse auction.

Auctioneer: “Next up, lot number 9 — Ace of Spades, a six-year-old Paint Horse gelding, bred by Harry Spiles. We’ll start the bidding at 800 SC.”

The bids went up quickly. Suddenly, Claire raised her arm.

In her hand: bidder number 17.

Jamie: “Claire — what are you doing?”

Rowan: “She’s buying a Paint Horse, Jamie.”

Auctioneer: “Sold to bidder number 17 for 990 SC!”

Claire — the golden girl of show jumping — had just bought a Western horse.

Claire: “Alright, Archer. Let’s take you home.”

Rowan (thinking): Claire… such an amazing woman. I admire her courage and spontaneity — but sometimes that’s exactly what scares me. I had often noticed how fascinated Claire was whenever Western riders trained in the arena. I knew she’d be just as talented in Western riding as she was in jumping. She had ambition — and when Claire wanted something, she achieved it. That was one of many reasons I was grateful to have her at Meadowland. That evening at Meadowland—

Claire: “I’m so excited. This is going to be a completely new way of riding for me.”

Rowan: “I’ve known you for years, Claire, and you still surprise me. Since you’ve been here, you’ve changed. You’re freer. Happier. You shine even brighter than before. It’s contagious. I love doing things with you.”

The very next day, Claire began working with Archer. She sent him forward in the round pen while Rowan and Josh watched.

Rowan: “I have no idea what she’s doing, but it looks wild.”

Josh: “That’s a join-up. It’s about building trust. First she drives him forward with the rope, then she stops and turns her back. If the horse trusts her, he’ll come to her.”

Over the next few days, Claire deepened Archer’s trust. Then she began practicing barrels in the arena. Josh supported her.

Josh: “That’s already looking really good, Claire. The turn is tight enough — now you need to work on speed.”

Claire: “It always looks easy, but it’s not. In show jumping you aim for the optimal line too — but you’re never this close to the obstacle.”

Claire trained with Archer every day, working hard not only on him but on herself. Slowly, they grew into a strong team. One afternoon she wanted to show the boys what Archer could do.

Claire: “Guys, watch this! Out of the way! This is a reining spin — it only works when horse and rider move in perfect harmony.”

Rowan: “Seems like you two have that harmony down already.”

Jamie: “Looks like someone’s heading toward reining competitions.”

Claire: “And look how well the sliding stop works already!”

Without warning, she asked Archer for a stop straight out of a gallop. A massive cloud of dust shot up — too fast for the boys to escape.

Rowan: “Watch out, Jamie! Claire, that looked incredibly professional… cough, cough!”

Jamie: “Very impressive, Claire. Next time, warn me — so I can close my mouth in time.”

That evening, Claire and Rowan went for a trail ride.

Rowan: “Do you think Archer can survive a trail ride without sliding or spinning?”

Claire: “Ha! Very original — just because you learned two new Western words. Better watch that your Hanoverian bronco doesn’t run off with you.”