Issue 10.2 Spring 2015

10.2 cover image

 

Artist Statement

For my pieces Meeting Michael Kelket and The Jumper Classic I wanted the reader to feel all of the emotions I felt while I experienced these moments and the emotions I still feel today.

The Jumper Classic was both a huge letdown to me and also a traumatic experience, as I was unable to compete in a competition that meant the world to me and a fellow competitor lost her teammate, friend, and companion. I wanted to convey the heat of the moment, and a clear scene that the reader could follow even if they did not understand the sport and its terms.

Meeting Michael Kelket was a different experience altogether, but one I will never forget. I had the chance to achieve all my hopes and dreams, but the cost was too much. I had to choose between my dreams and my values, and I wanted to portray how I was treated like a piece of meat while being compared to the girl that my favorite Olympian was when she was my age.

 

The Jumper Classic

 

Katie Morris

 

 

I clutched Roxy’s bridle between my gloves as I waited for my mount. With my trainer Melissa I went over the course and the jump off course just in case I would have to ride against anyone. It was a difficult course, but the prize money seemed almost in reach. No mistakes and I’d be taking home my show fees and more.

 

“Katie, remember on jump 8A to quietly lean a little to get Roxy to bend towards B.” Melissa stated.
I nodded at her and looked at who I was riding against. A couple names stood out but my jaw dropped when I saw Rachael Grant on the list. She must’ve skipped the two horse shows in Florida to come to Kentucky. I frequently rode against her in the hunters, but she was riding her own horse Ace against me in the jumpers. Many of the differences between Champion and Reserve Champion at shows were because of each other.

 

 “Lucy Hart on course with Diamond Promise, Rachael Grant on deck.” The announcer blared.
Stupid Lucy Hart. Lucy was the girl who took my spot on University of Kentucky’s Equestrian Team. I watched her closely and my frown quickly grew into a wicked grin with every mistake she made. Five faults, I could definitely do better.

 

Tito who was our groom clapped me on the back and gave me Roxy, a horse I was interested in buying from Melissa.

 

“Buena suerte.” He said to me as he checked us over. I did need a bit of luck.

 

“Rachael Grant on course with Ace in the Hole, Katie Vanderbilt on deck.” The announcer practically shouted.

 

Fuck. Rachael Grant. I knew she and Ace would not make sloppy mistakes, and I knew she would also take the tighter turns to shave off some time on the clock. Competing against Rachael was always difficult; we were both well on our way to receiving professional status for our career’s.  

 

She started the course, and with each cleared jump I was filled with dread. If she went clean I would have to ride clean as well and compete again in the jump off. Over the Swedish oxer she went, Ace snapping up his legs with a graceful precision. I started to hold my breath; she was only four jumps away from going clean. As she approached the next combination, the tricky two stride spread, Melissa appeared at my shoulder. She patted me reassuringly and our eyes went back to the pair.

 

Rachael only had two jumps left. As she approached the next oxer I felt a surge of anxiety. She was such a beautiful rider; I knew Ace wouldn’t make a mistake. I counted her strides, and she took off exactly where I would want to be. Ace snapped up his legs quickly, and they sailed. But it wasn’t a landing. My heart rose to my mouth and I felt my gloves rise over my lips. Ace flailed his legs over the jump as Rachael grabbed mane. They plummeted, Ace falling on his face. Rachael fell underneath him, trapped under his weight.
I stared in horror as Ace seized on the ground. I couldn’t take my eyes away from the sickening sight. The ring master and crew finally got to Rachael and tugged her out from under Ace who had stopped moving. They tried dragging her away but as soon as they let go she was desperately tugging on Ace to get him up. Tears pricked my eyes as I realized why Ace wasn’t getting up. He was such a young horse, and would’ve definitely qualified Rachael for Nationals in the years to come.  

 

I craned my neck to see her trainer pulling Rachael away as they draped a blue tarp over Ace’s still body. I felt my heart wrench at her wail, and I twisted in my saddle to look at Melissa whose eyes were glued to the scene as well. It suddenly dawned on me, I was up next. I had to ride after that. My heart raced, but I could still win now that Rachael had been disqualified. I sat up straighter and snapped my helmet as a fork lift came in to take Ace’s body away, clearing the ring for my ride.

 

“The Jumper Classic has been cancelled, and all other classes have been suspended for the day.”

 

 

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