PONIES AND HORSES

With every heartbeat, Cellie could feel the intense pressure of the opposing team gaining ground. Gripping the pole with newfound determination, she veered to the edge of control, her mount thundering ahead, oblivious to the fast-approaching barrier. The last box was just a stone's throw away, half-concealed by sand knocked over in the commotion by her teammates. Fortuitously, it was positioned perfectly for her to grab without any tricky maneuvers.

Her movements were fluid and almost instinctive as she used her stirrup-clad left foot to leverage herself against the saddle's edge. Dropping low, she clung with precision to the side of the spirited chestnut mare, who galloped with unwavering focus.

Gritting her teeth and fixing her gaze, Cellie's hand guided the pole horizontally above the ground, fingers dangerously close to grazing the sandy terrain. With a quick jab and an artist's finesse, she speared through the carton's opening and snapped her arm skyward—capturing it in an effortless display of skill. Securing her prize atop the pole, she swung lithely back into her seat.

Parallel to her was Amanda, mirroring Cellie's actions in a parallel display—both acutely aware that this was no mere game, but an outright duel of speed and agility.

Cellie pulled back with force and spun around with such a swift motion that Chariot, her intelligent mare, twirled adeptly on hind legs in a 180 pirouette.

"Charge on, Chariot!" Cellie spurred on with a mixture of command and encouragement as she drove her hand forward like a conductor leading an orchestra. Her mare responded promptly to Cellie's rhythmic cues. They surged forward as Amanda and Star pressed close behind them. Despite Star's swift nature, Chariot's agile prowess had granted them just enough lead—and with that slender margin—they careened past the finish line first by mere inches.

Charlotte's exhilaration filled the air as she cheered from atop her palomino's back; her jubilation was infectious. Beneath Charlotte's feet, the palomino responded with a dismissive snort to his rider's excitement while nonchalantly disregarding their chestnut rivals nearby.

Susie watched on from her capricious roan gelding, controlling him effortlessly within a tight circle and giving an approving if understated nod. "Impressive," she commented dryly while stifling a casual yawn.

Radiant with victory, Cellie beamed like the sun itself. She relinquished hold of her equipment carelessly onto the dirt and wrapped Chariot in a grateful embrace as loose reins dangled forgotten.

"Brilliant work, Chariot!" she praised warmly while affectionately scratching at the mare's neck—a victory not just for herself but for the bond between rider and horse.

"A mere step away from victory," Amanda boasted with a teasing smirk, fighting to control the exuberant Star beneath her. She gasped for breath, the exertion evident. "We would've clinched it if only Missy hadn't fumbled the baton exchange..." Her words hung in the air as she shot a pointed look at their teammate. Star, lively as ever, bucked playfully, eager to dart off despite Amanda's calm demeanor.

Missy, perched atop her speckled gray steed, offered a nonchalant shrug in response. Jasmine, her cheeks puffed as she chewed gum, simply flashed an agreeable smile from atop her stout paint horse, echoing the team anchor's sentiments.

"Well done, ladies," praised Miss Nelson affectionately. She turned towards Jasmine. "I'm expecting to witness your vaulting sometime soon—you're spending way too much time searching for that stirrup." She advised Jasmine to pair up with Amanda—their ace vaulter—with pride written all over Amanda's face. "Or even with Cellie," Miss Nelson continued, which caused Amanda's cocky smile to waver slightly. "And Susie? A dash of urgency on your part wouldn't hurt. Also," she directed her next words sternly at Amanda, "would you mind cutting back on the energy you're feeding that pony!"

Amanda responded to Nelson with nothing more than an airy dismissal, leaning back relaxedly as Star performed a spirited half-pirouette. "He's simply enthusiastic about his duties," she defended.

"If he's too wired to concentrate, he won't be able to perform those duties," Nelson retorted sharply, eyeing the feisty bay horse challenging Amanda's authority. Addressing Miss Garcia with a gentle pat on Chariot's neck she instructed, "Ensure everyone goes through their cooldown routines. And remember girls—tomorrow we're taking it easy with hacking out. I prefer not to have any overstimulated ponies," Nelson warned with a pointed stare at the restless Star.

Cellie acknowledged with a nod; despite being the Captain of Stargate Equestrian Mounted Games' fledgling team—with minimal tasks apart from managing team order and attendance—Nelson often looked to her for guidance.

Once Nelson departed to tidy away equipment arrayed about them, Cellie faced her teammates with an enthusiastic grin. "How about unwinding along the lane today?" She treasured that center cobblestone path meandering through the grandeur of the estate surrounding their university—an enchanting promenade bordered by trees, diverse sporting arenas, brick abodes that hosted their lectures, and pastures hosting horses—a vista truly breathtaking.

Opposing this idea was an ensemble of groans from every girl barring Charlotte.

"We'd have to endure those arrogant hunters," Amanda grumbled visibly irritated. "I can barely tolerate them."

Cellie furrowed her brows in confusion observing her teammates' adverse reactions. "Surely they can't be all that terrible?"

"You're still new here; give it time and you'll endure their insufferableness as well," Amanda replied tersely while wiping sweat from her brow—an act made comical by strands of unruly scarlet hair escaping her helmet in all directions. "Soon enough you'll experience their dismal attitude for yourself."