Cowgirl Up Read Online Free Page A

him with the
pressure of one boot and rode with the gliding motion that followed.
    The
intricate steps of dressage came almost naturally after seven years of
practice. She’d studied and learned the sport while attending college from one
of the English riding instructors. While no expert and far from top notch, she
found the movements calming for both her and Legacy, efficient in warming his
muscles, and preparing them both for the few seconds of flat out speed. She
signaled him for a trot, changing leads every other step, making a decided
rocking motion in the process, before allowing him into a slow, controlled
canter.
    He
snorted and chewed at the bit, but didn’t protest. In fact, he tossed his head
now and again, nearly brimming with energy.
    “Soon
enough, boy. Soon enough.” She patted his neck, finished a few more circles in
the small corral, and exited the area to head straight for the arena.
    Her
first run of two began tonight, then stretched over the next twenty-four hours.
Long and drawn out. Not as much as other events, but still more than enough in
her opinion. Ideally, she could show up, race, then leave right away. Not an
option in some cases, namely the big name shows which drew in thousands of
fans.
    “Hey,
Trinity. Legacy’s looking full of vim and vinegar tonight.”
    “Yeah.”
She pulled him in beside Candy so she could speak to Lacey. Legacy eagerly
obliged so he could nuzzle the paint mare’s neck. Trinity rolled her eyes.
“He’s infatuated.”
    Lacey
laughed. “That he is.”
    Together
they rode toward the long chute in the back entrance which allowed the girls to
not only get a running start but to charge out of the arena still at full
speed, and finally stop within a one-hundred yard span of barren dirt. The last
thing barrel racers wanted to do was sit on their haunches trying to stop
immediately—hard on both horse and rider. Much like thoroughbred racing, they
slowed first before coming to a halt.
    The
loudspeaker broadcast the barrel racing competition. As this was the first
night the girls had to wait between runs to allow the announcer enough time to
introduce each rider and their horse. Typical, but a bit frustrating since
Trinity would rather just dash in, zip around the barrels, and sprint back out.
    Legacy
busily snuffled Candy, who patiently tolerated the fuss, but basically ignored
the lovesick stallion. Trinity could only shake her head at his antics. Poor
guy. Found a girl he wanted and she pretended he didn’t exist. The story of
many romances, both equine and human.
    They
called Lacey’s name. She lined up the mare, then shot ahead for her turn. In a
few seconds, she zipped past on the exit side.
    “Next
up is Trinity Crocket. Trinity is following in her mother, Lora’s, footsteps.
Some of you might recognize the big gray stallion she’s riding, Victory’s
Legacy. That’s right. A colt by the great thoroughbred stud and Kentucky Derby
winner, Another Victory Gallop, and her mother’s champion barrel racing mare,
Twilight Star.”
    Trinity
drew in a breath but forced herself to nudge Legacy toward the center of the
lane and focus straight ahead on the course.
    She
ignored the cheers, the booming voice, the blinking lights of camera flashes.
Her world narrowed down to three barrels.
    Then
she squeezed her thighs and hung on as Legacy surged ahead. The distance flew
by in a blur as she checked his turn, ensured the barrels stayed up in order to
avoid a time penalty, before turning for home. She called to him, saw the
stands blur by, then found herself outside blinking at the sunset.
    Slowing
him down, she finally took him to a walk, then pivoted around. She needed to
hear her time and stick around in case she claimed first prize as all winners
were expected to take a lap around the arena in celebration. A victory lap,
after each and every round. Something she planned to do often.
     

     
    Cody
watched Trinity streak by and exit the building, a low whistle slipping