Polo Cowboy by G. Neri

Author:G. Neri [Neri, G.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781536222395
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Published: 2021-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Coach waves us over, and Ruthie and me head into the center of the arena, along with about fifteen other people in horse wear. Some have polo outfits. Others, like me, is dressed in jeans and Ts. Some are college age, some look like parents, and there’s a couple old heads. All are white.

I see the Generals spread out in different parts of the arena, prepping their stations. Maverick is putting a saddle on a wood horse. Bandit is laying down a few chalk lines leading to the goal. Brick is talking to the gray-haired couple and looking like he wishes he was somewhere else.

“So, what are you gonna teach us?” I ask Ruthie.

“I’m gonna school you, is what. You’ll see. Maybe Boo’ll want to stay at the end of the day.”

“Doubt it. He has too much self-respect.”

Coach blows her whistle as she rides into the center of the ring. “Gather ’round, everybody!”

We all wander over around Coach. I bring Boo along.

“Welcome to our twelfth annual Community Polo Clinic, where we get to give something back to our friends and followers who have supported our program these past many years,” says Coach. “Some of you have been playing polo for a while, and some of you are beginners, but I know all of you love the sport, and we wouldn’t have these great ponies here without your support, so thank you!”

Everyone claps, all smiles. Then—

“Hey!” someone shouts from outside. Everyone turns toward the barn door, and next thing I know, Smush rushes in, followed by one of the junior cadet guards, who’s yelling, “Hey, stop!”

“Relax, man, I was invited.” Smush sees us all looking his way. He grins. “’Sup, cuz! Ruthie. Sorry I’m late!”

Coach looks at me and Ruthie, who shrugs. “I did invite him. He’s one of my . . . trainees?”

Smush goes right up and shakes Coach’s hand. “Cool. Name’s Smush. Big fan of polo. Got all the shirts.” He’s actually wearing a brand-new Ralph Lauren polo shirt and jeans.

Brick rolls his eyes and whispers some comment to the others, who laugh.

“Welcome, Smoosh,” says Coach. “We just got started.”

He comes and stands next to me and daps as he says “’Sup, cuz.” He looks over at Brick’s red hair. “Whoa, wassup, Ron Weasley? You got big!” Bandit laughs, but Brick stares him down.

“Really?” I say to Smush.

He grins. “Hey, man, if you gonna do somethin’, go all in.”

Coach introduces Maverick and the team, who are gonna act like teachers today so they can pass on all they’ve learned. “Here at the Academy, we use polo to improve riding skills and teach leadership, teamwork, and strategy. So the team will be leading the different stations today, with a little assistance from me and a few professionals from the Polo Club.”

Coach divides everyone into three groups. I have Smush in mine, along with the older couple, Tim and Regan, who live in the Heights. When they mention they’re neighbors of Ruthie’s, I look over at her mom, who, I realize, is dressed like money.

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