Rules for a Perfect Life by Niamh Greene

Author:Niamh Greene [Niamh Greene]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Penguin Adult
Published: 2009-08-05T16:00:00+00:00

A few hours later, I’m leaning against a fence, watching a chestnut horse trot slowly around the arena, its rider sitting stiffly immobile on its back. Dressage is so incredibly boring. So far, all the competitors have done more or less the same thing – which has amounted to little more than walking slowly round the ring looking deadly serious, as far as I can see.

‘Is this it?’ I say to Edward, trying to stifle another yawn. He has a look of intense concentration on his face – he’s fascinated by this stuff.

‘This guy’s a champion,’ he whispers back. ‘The command he has of his mount is outstanding.’

I strain to see what he’s talking about. Am I missing something? No, the chestnut is still trotting round the arena, just like before. Boooring. ‘Don’t they do a few tricks?’ I whisper. I know that talking in a normal voice is a no-no – I’ve already been shushed twice by people further down.

‘Tricks?’ Edward shakes his head, his eyes never moving from the chestnut mare. ‘No, it’s all about control. Control and mutual respect.’

‘I could do that, for goodness’ sake.’ I sigh as the horse starts to zigzag slowly across the arena, taking small precise steps. Wouldn’t it be more exciting if they livened things up a bit? Maybe did a few circus moves? If someone balanced on the horse’s back and juggled plates I might sit up and take notice – otherwise I’m struggling to stay awake.

‘No offence, Maggie, but it takes years of training to achieve that flawless gait. He’s been riding since he was Polly’s age. Probably training every single day of his life.’ Edward smiles. ‘Dressage is a very complicated event. The skill is in making it look easy.’

‘Well, it’s a complete waste of time,’ I mutter. ‘Why on earth would anyone want to do that?’ Who would want to waste half their life training for a sport that could send spectators to sleep? It’s ridiculous. I know I sound incredibly grumpy, but I just can’t help it. I have a shocking hangover. I spent the entire journey to the showground trying to hold it together – but it wasn’t easy, especially because a very highly strung Polly chattered endlessly during the trip. She could give anyone a headache at the best of times. Matilda, on the other hand, barely uttered a word and hared away the second Edward eased the Land Rover and horsebox into a parking space. We haven’t seen her since and I get the impression that Edward is worried sick about her and what she might be getting up to.

‘It’s my turn soon!’ Polly bounces about, her plaits flying. Today is Polly’s first proper event and she’s beyond excited: she can’t wait to show the judges what she and Saffy can do.

‘Ssh … you’ve got to be a little quieter, Polly.’ Edward tousles her hair. ‘We can’t distract the rider.’

‘Do you think I’ll win, Maggie?’ Polly tries hard to whisper. She isn’t very good at it – she seems to think that shouting is much more fun.

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