Die Expertise

Rowan approached Claire with a request.

Rowan: “Hi Claire, one of my sponsors wants to buy a new mare for the squad. He insists on an evaluation from you. Would you do it with me?”

Claire: “Of course. Like old times. You said the mare is at Bob’s Paddock Island? I’m free this afternoon — we can meet there.”

They met at the stable on Paddock Island.

Rowan: “This is Blaze. She’s seven years old, competes up to medium level, and has already had success at several shows. The sponsor wants to bring her up to advanced level. What do you think?”

Claire: “She has strong fetlocks and enough size for it. She’ll need more muscle for advanced jumping, though. Get her ready and bring her to the arena.”

On the jumping field, Rowan presented Blaze. He started with lower fences.

Claire: “Very good, Rowan! She practically flies over the jumps. Let’s raise them a little.”

Even the medium-level fences were no problem for Blaze.

Claire: “There’s still a lot of potential in her. With focused training, she can definitely reach advanced level. Are you supposed to train her? How urgent is it for your sponsor?”

Rowan: “I’ll have to clarify that. Would you have time to support me with the training?”

The sponsor insisted on joint training sessions. Claire’s method focused mainly on willingness — something rarely prioritized in professional sport, where time equals money. But Blaze was a true jumper. She clearly loved it. After every session, Rowan let her run freely in the arena. Today, Blaze even started free-jumping on her own. She was ready.

Claire: “See? It works without pressure, without forcing poles or chasing forward. The horse has to want it.”

Rowan: “You’re right. Blaze definitely wants it. She’s eager for the jumps. You can feel how committed she is. Claire, look! Hey Blaze — training’s over for today!”

The day of Blaze’s first advanced-level class had arrived. Claire gave Rowan a few final tips.

Claire: “You’ve got this, Rowan. Just don’t shorten the reins too much before the jump. Is your sponsor here today?”

Rowan: “I think he’s sitting in the back row. We’ll talk to him later. Wish me luck, Gold Girl.”

Rowan started last. His round was flawless.

Moderator: “What a winning ride! Rowan Clearwater on Blaze wins the G.E.D. Grand Prix with zero faults and a time of 2 minutes 17 seconds!”

Rowan: “YES! Good girl!”

After the award ceremony, Claire and Rowan went to the stands to meet the sponsor. When they reached him, Claire froze.

Claire: “Dad?! What are you doing here?”

Mr. Riverton: “Well, you see… I have a horse competing here. And it won. It was trained by a young trainer using very new methods. I’m impressed by what she achieved with Blaze in such a short time.”

Rowan knew how much Claire had suffered from the conflict with her father. And Mr. Riverton had been just as heartbroken. His only child. When Mr. Riverton bought Blaze, Rowan had suggested Claire as the trainer. Her father had thought about it himself — but feared rejection. So Rowan took the initiative. That evening, Rowan drove Claire home.

Rowan: “Are you mad at me, Claire? I just wanted to help you both. I saw how much the fight hurt you. And your father too. He kept asking about you. He was worried.”

Claire: “How could I be mad at you? You’re my best friend. You understand me and you’re always there for me. What you did today makes me happy. You know my father and I are both incredibly stubborn. Thank you, Rowan. You mean a lot to me.”