Bonus Prompt 3 - Superstar

The morning of the Ridgeway Valley Horse Show dawns bright and clear. Theresa Sutton is at the barn as the sun begins to stretch its tendrils across the valley. 

“Hey Magpie. You ready for your first big show?” Theresa asks, opening the door to her Loshenka mare’s stall. The mare tosses her head at being rudely awakened from her beauty sleep. Theresa laughs and begins to take off the mare’s slinky, which protects her from dirtying herself overnight. The hot pink zebra print made her look ridiculous, and Theresa was glad to have it off of her. Now she looked like a respectable show horse. Despite her being completely clean, Theresa begins her grooming routine; a comforting process that calms both their nerves. Before she knows it, the loudspeakers announce the sign in station is open, and for everyone to go get their numbers. The next few hours are a whirlwind, and her and Magpie are walking into the arena, the loudspeaker booming their names.

Their round is over in an instant, and all that's left is to impatiently wait for the results. Theresa felt that she and Magpie did splendidly, but there are many other talented pairs in the arena today. The last rider finishes, and everyone is called into the arena for the handing out of ribbons. There were 14 total competitors; a small turnout for such a popular show. The horses line up, and placements begin to be called, starting at fifth place and going up. Theresa knows not to get her hopes up too high, but holds her breath as fifth and fourth place are called. Does Theresa dare to hope for third? Or even second? Magpie feeds off of her nervous energy, and shifts her weight restlessly. 

“Third place goes to Lousia Clover on Spartacus.” Theresa bites her lip. Did her and Magpie not even place?

“Second place goes to Chloe Baxter on Shenandoah.” Theresa lets out the breath she was holding. She knew well enough to not expect first place for the mare’s first show.

“And finally… First place goes to Theresa Sutton on Magpie!” Theresa and Magpie’s heads shoot up upon hearing their names.

“Holy shit girl. We did it!”