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Teachers and pupils whirling around us in a clockwise. The teachers called out to students to keep heels down or to find the horses' rhythms. As the groomer adjusted my stirrups, Kayren gave a little kick and joined the swirl around me. Her freedom was contagious. I was enthralled by her apparent skill as she trotted around the arena.
When my stirrups were properly adjusted, I too gave a little spur and joined the equestrian parade. I was free. I was riding. I was on this great daring animal, transported to the joys of rural living.
"Are you supposed to be in the arena?" someone yelled.
I wasn't sure if I was supposed to be or not. I had the immediate feeling I was not. I looked around. A gnome-like blonde woman looked directly at me. "Are you supposed to be in the arena?" she barked again. "No," I answered, deflated and nervous at the confrontation. "Well then get out."
I interrupted Bella mid gait and tried to swerve her out the stable door. She didn't want to go. "What are you doing?" I cringed at the now familiar bellow. "Why are you holding the reins so tightly?" I shot her a look. I hated her. I looked down at my hands and realized that I had tensed and the reins were indeed tight. Kayren trotted by, giving me a look I last saw on the faces of my grade school pals just after I was told to go to the principal's office.
I pulled off the circle and made it back to the middle. The little gnome seemed to move on with her student. Now I was flustered. I was frazzled. I took a moment to relax. I managed to unclench my fists. I saw Kayren continuing along uninterrupted.
I prodded Bella with my heels and eventually made it towards the exit. She kept stalling. I don't blame her. I was stirred up and was probably doing the same to her. I just wanted to get out of there. Luckily, the groom who had helped me mount up came over and took the horse by the reins, leading me out of the stables. She assured me that once we got outside Bella would know what to do. So I was sitting on Bella on West 89th Street waiting for Kayren, but she wasn't coming out.
