Gray Eagle's Triumphant
Day
The show day dawned bright and clear.
The crowd arriving from far and near.
The command "Riders Up" rang from the mike.
My heart beat faster at the foreboding sight.
The attendants were putting the fences in place.
Against the clock we must swiftly race.
"Jumpers to the gate" the announcer sang out!
I found it harder to control my doubts.
A classic case of nerves shook me to the soul.
Eagle was experienced, but this was my first show!
Eagle sensed my turmoil and became edgy too.
Then Ben said "Ride for that blue!"
"I will" said I, a little calmer inside.
Eagle danced in place ready for the ride.
"Steady" said I, then I gathered the reins.
Eagle obeyed and to the first fence we came.
I felt his lithe muscles coiled tight as a spring.
He bounded skyward as if he had wings.
"Good boy!" I cried as we galloped the course.
My nerves were forgotten upon this gallant big horse.
We jumped each fence with ample room to spare.
The fences loomed larger, Eagle took more care.
He slipped at the ninth, a big post and rail,
Yet managed to clear it, as the eagle sails.
The last fence was a six foot stone wall.
The nemeses which caused refusals and falls.
I felt Eagle gather speed and let the reins loose.
"Good boy!" I cried, as onward he flew.
We came to the mighty one at last.
I grasped his mane as he sailed up, over, and past.
The others took their turns but none could surpass,
my iron gray Eagle, alone in his class.
All scored a fault, some even took a fall.
The scores went up, we had beaten them all!
This is our tale of the Great Stone Wall.
The one which faulted or stopped them all.
Linda Hodges-Rodriguez
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