Peter was by this time a beautiful gleaming pony, with good manners (most of the time) and good, smart paces. Many miles were covered on the roads as well as in the paddocks, and Beth had also been given her first saddle, which was a good indication that Dad considered that they were now a safer pair. Accidents would still happen, but they were something that you always had to be prepared for.
The Show season was fast approaching and Beth asked her Dad if she and Peter could compete in some of the events. Dad said that he couldn’t see why they shouldn’t try, but she wasn’t to be too disappointed if she didn’t get any ribbons, as Peter was still learning, and would be very nervous with all the other horses and the crowd of people. Beth and Peter practiced hard and finally the morning of the first Show arrived.
Beth left early to ride to the show ground, giving herself plenty of time to clean Peter up and let him rest before the events began. She felt a little nervous herself as she saw the crowds of people arriving, but behaved as quietly as possible so as not to disturb Peter, who was already a bit restless. They went for short rides among the other ponies and for several walks in the ring to get Peter used to all the strange sights.
When their events were called, with words of advice and encouragement from Dad ringing in her ears, Beth rode proudly into the ring. Peter behaved beautifully and the Judge complimented Beth on how very well-mannered he was and how beautifully groomed he was.
To Beth’s delight they were awarded two ribbons, which she felt was a wonderful start. Dad asked a friend if he would let Beth ride his lovely horse in the Girl Rider under 12 years of age event, and Beth won her first red ribbon. It was a very tired but happy little girl who rode back home that evening. Peter got an extra pat and cuddle after his brush down, before Beth went in for her tea and then off to bed.
Many were the shows that the two of them competed in, in the years ahead, but none compared with the triumph of that first one, when a wild little pony and a small eleven-year-old girl achieved so much.
