Balto: The Olympics
by Ewolfbalto

Chapter 1: Good news

Balto Hybird stepped out of the ring at Hunter Farm. Emily Long was running up to him arms waving. She had a newspaper in her hand. She had a smiles that went from ear to ear.

"BALTO!!!!!!!!!!" Emily shouted at the top of her lungs. "BLACKIE'S IN THE KENTUCKY DERBY!!!!!!!!! THE STEWARDS TOOK AN EARLY ENTRY!!!!!!"

"Emily the Kentucky Derby doesn't run again until May," Balto said, "and May won't come around for a year."

"But the stewards took an early entry," Emily said. "See for yourself."

Balto read the article Emily had put up to his face:

Homtown filly is going for the gold!

Kids of America, the filly that belongs to Balto Hybird, has enteried into the Kentucky Derby. Kids of America is a large black filly that has the color of her sire, The Black, and the courage of her dam, No Secrets, this filly is huge race winning machine. Foaled on January 1st 2003, Kids of America is ready to win. She will not race until the Kentucky Derby. Her jockey and co-breeder, Emily Long, has high hopes for Kids of America.

"She's one in a million," Long comented. "I might bet the kid next store that she'll win."

Kids of America is going to post in the Kentucky Derby and try to win the Triple Crown. Can this Homtown Filly do it?

"Maybe," Jan Davison said, grandmother of Long. "She has a good shot at winning since she is fast. I've seen her run and I have seen no other horse run as fast as her."

"It's impossible," runner up Henry Daily said. "A filly has never won the Triple Crown. I tried it with Black Minx. I got the Derby out of her but not the rest. I'm betting on another horse."

Kids of America will race in the Triple Crown even if she doesn't win the Kentucky Derby. She wants to win one of the jewels.

The article ended with a picture of Blackie, standing picture perfect. Emily was standing next to the big filly grinning widly. Balto gave the article back to Emily and walked back to the barn. A large black filly stuck her head out of the stall door and tosed her head.

"Hey girl," Emily said, who was opening the stall door and going into Blackie's stall. Balto placed Hunter in the cross ties and started to untack him.

Balto rubbed Hunter down and led the bay stallion out of the barn. He walked Hunter up to a paddock with fence that Hunter could easliy jump over. Hunter let the stallion go. Hunter swift stride show perfectly as he soar over the fences. Balto sighed. He couldn't have asked for a better thing. A wonderful horse, a beautiful farm, a perfect wife, and a great group of friends.

Balto wached Hunter soar over the fence for a few minutes. He walked down to the barn. When he got down to the barn he saw Emily brushing Blackie.

"When do we start training?" Emily asked him.

"When the right time comes," Balto said, walking into the office. He sat down at the desk and ran his finger over a few shows where some Olympic scouts would choose riders for the United States Olympic Team. Balto saw one that was in Prince Geoges County. Balto wrote a entry form for the show. He noticed that it was eventing. So, Balto thought. Hunter's good in jumping, dressage, and cross country. I'll go for it.

Chapter 2: The Show Starts

It was the day of the show. Balto led Hunter down the ramp of the trailer. He tacked Hunter up and led him over to the Warm up ring. Balto wore a dressage outift that intcluded a top hat, a black dressage coat, white gloves, white pants, and a tall boots. Hunter had his mane braided, his hooves glossed, his tail combed into a silky tail, and his coat had been shined so that you could almost see your reflection in it.

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At the same showgrounds, Jenna Hybird walked from stall to stall looking at horses that were for sale. Since her mare, Safaria, was injured she would have to find another horse to ride in shows. She saw a palimino mare with a black forelock, dorsal stripe, and a black streak going through her tail. Jenna looked at the name plate.

"So you're name is Kidia huh," she said. She reached in a rubbed Kidia's muzzle. A man in red suit walked over to her.

"You interested in her," the man said. "I sell her for $100."

"Done," Jenna said. She had a $100 bill from her last win in Kentucky. She gave it to him.

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Balto led Hunter over to he Dressage ring. After mounting him. He awaited for the signal to enter the ring.

The signal sounded. Balto and Hunter trotted with a nice springy motion ad they entered the ring. They stopped at X. Balto saluted the judge and pushed Hunter back into the trot. The two tracked right. After that they moved steadliy along the rail. After doing a 20 meter circle at the trot Balto pushed Hunter into the canter. He did a 40 meter circle at the canter and then slowed Hunter into the walk. They walked for about 10 meters before moving into the trot. Balto tracked Hunter at A and stopped at X. He saluted an exited the ring.

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Balto walked over to the score table after his performance. He looked at his score, 90 points. Not bad for a jumper, Balto thought. Balto and Hunter were in second place. Balto knew that he and Hunter weren't the best in dressage, but they were the bomb in jumping and cross country.

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Jenna led Kidia over to the trailer where Balto and Hunter were. Balto was sitting in a lawn chair reading a horse magzine. Hunter was in a small paddock grazing. His mane was wavy from the braids. Jenna led Kidia into the trailer and placed her in one of the two stalls that were in there. The trailer was designed to have four stalls but Balto made that there were only two stalls. It also had a little cabin that was alot like a small home. Whenever Balto had a long trip, he wouldn't have to be in a hotel. The trailer also had a tack/feed room.

Jenna tied Kidia up in the stall the palimino mare was in and then walked out of the trailer. From the site she looked at all the other trailers site where other people had their horses. She saw people walking there horses around the showgrounds. Most of the audience had gone home but a few stayed to try to see their favorite riders.

Balto didn't look up from his magzine when Jenna looked ta him. All he said was, "Hi, Jenna."

"I got a new mare," Jenna said.

"Really," Balto said still not looking up from his magzine. Hunter looked up from his grazing. HE nickered to Balto. Balto placed his magzine on his chair and walked over to Hunter. "Hunter did an okay job in dressage."

Jenna walked up to him. "Yeah but wait till the crowd sees what'll happen in the next few days."

Balto cuckled. "Yeah he'll show the others what a ture winner is."

Jenna kissed Balto on the cheek and walked into the trailer.

Hunter whinned as if to say, "Hey what about me, I want a kiss!" Balto hugged his faithful compaion.

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Balto led Hunter into the trailer at dusk. Balto let him go in the stall next to Kidia's and closed the back door. He walked into the house part of the trailer. Jenna was in the bed reading a book. Balto smiled and went into the feed/tack room. He filled the feed buckets with grain, oats and pellets. He gave Kidia and Hunter their feed and then went into house part of the trailer.

Balto fixed him and Jenna some grub. While the twoo ate they talked about things that was going on in the horse world. Where Steele, Balto and Jenna's rival, was. They talked about their competion in some shows they might be going to, and all that stuff.

Jenna changed into her sleeping clothes and hopped into bed. She was fast asleep. Balto went out into the horses part of the trailer and gave Hunter a carrot.

Balto then went into the tack room and got out the cross country saddle and bridle. He took out the saddle oil and oiled them both. He cleaned the bit with some mouth wash to give Hunter a minty freshness. He cleaned the bridle and the saddle. Balto shined his boots too. Balto wanted to look his best for tomorrw. He had his vest and riding helmet all set for the challenge for tomorrw.

After he prepared for cross coutry he changed into his sleeping clothes and hopped into bed with Jenna.

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The next day Balto awoke fairly early since he almost always awoke after 7. This time hwas awake at five in the moring. Balto led Hunter out of his stall and tacked him up. After teing the bay stallion on the stide of the trailer Balto got dressed into his cross country outfit. He wore tall boots, breeches, a hard hat with a red and white cover, a red and white vest to go over his white shirt, and to go with it his fine black gloves that he wore in the President's Cup. He had a red crop tha twas in his hand. Hunter didn't have his mane braided. Hunter had boots that would protect his legs.

Balto led Hunter to the warm-up ring and warmed him up. Balto gave Hunter led Hunter during the walkover so Balto could find a good place to jump on the course.

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About two hours later Balto was at the start of the cross country the signal started and the two broke. They appoached the first fence and toppled it easiliy. Fence after fence, no problem. Until the hard part came. There were jumps almost a few strides apart. Hunter's stride became uneven. Balto worried so much that Hunter worried too. Whenever Hunter came to a jump Balto would have to use his crop to make sure that Hunter didn't refuse. Hunter often tripped during this part.

Jenna bit her lip as she saw Balto and Hunter have a hard time on the cross country course. She knew this was a test to see if Hunter and Balto could handle the hard obstackles at the Olympics. Jenna watched as Hunter almost refuesed to jump a tiger trap. Her teeth chattered. A few other riders already had been disquaflyed. She hoped Balto and Hunter wouldn't get disqualifyed.

Finally, the hard part of the cross country course was over and Balto and Hunter relaxed the rest of the way. Balto crossed the finish line.

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Balto hurried to the score table to find that he and Hunter knocked the other competion out of the way and they were now in first place. Balto walked back to the trailer feeling that he would win this show.

Chapter 3: Storm Trouble

Jenna retunred to the trailer to find Balto and Hunter alseep. Hunter was his side in his small paddock with Balto's head on his leek brown neck. Jenna walked into the trailer and gave Kidia a carrot. She then sat on a hay bale and chewed a stick of hay.

Jenna soon fell alseep. She was awakened by a loud niegh. She was at the paddock line in a flash. Balto and Hunter were still in heavy slumber. She saw a black stallion refusing to enter another trailer. Jenna also relized that it was getting dark. Well at least the clouds gave her an inpression. She felt a raindrop and sighed. Please don't let it be muddy tomorrw, She thought. She walked into the paddock and nudged Balto.

"Balto," She told him. "Wake up. Jez, you and Hunter sleep too much. BALTO!" Balto awoke with a start.

"Jenna," he said. "Don't do that again." Hunter was on his feet and was pacing from side to side.

"Well," Jenna started, "I think we have a storm coming."

"Oh really," Balto said doubtly. At that moment in the distance a flash of lightning shone. Hunter reared and pawed the air. He nieghed loudly. Balto went to Hunter to calm him down. But Hunter reared and paced. Balto got the lead rope and led Hunter into the trailer. Kidia was also acting up. She kicked her water bucket. She weaved. Balto tied the two horses up and went into the house part of the trailer. Jenna closed up the back door.

As soon as he got inside, Balto turned on the TV.

"We'll it looks like the northeast will get some major storms today and early tomorrw morning. There are some tornando warnings in the Virginia area. There are also some sevre thunderstorm warings North and south of the D.C.-Baltimore area. Now here's Bob for the midwest," the weather lady said.

"What a drag," Balto sighed. "Really bad weather when it was beautiful today." AT that moment rain pin the roof of the trailer. Balto heard a loud neigh, then a bang. Balto walked over to the horses area in the trailer to find the back door off it's hinges. Balto yelled to Jenna. Balto ran out into the rain. His clothes were getting drenched with the pouring rain.

Hoofbeats sounded in Balto's ears. He turned around to find Hunter galloping right towards him. Balto paniced and jumped just a few inches from Hunter's hooves. Jenna came running up next to him on Kidia who was rearing volently. Balto swung onto the mares back and Jenna yelled somthing but Balto couldn't hear her. Kidia caught up with Hunter. Balto grabbed a rope that was tied to one of the trailers and used it to laso Hunter. The rope lasoed Hunter and Balto pulled back on the rope to slow down Hunter.

Hunter slowed down and was led back to the trailer. While Jenna held Hunter, Balto duck taped the back door back on since on the way back from capturing Hunter, they found the back door. After the door was taped, Balto placed hobbles on Kidia's and Hunter's hind legs.

"Balto," Jenna asked. "Do you really need hobbles on the horses?"

"Yes," Balto answered. "We don't wanted them to kick the door down now do we."

"How do you know Hunter kicked down the door?" Jenna asked. Balto only pointed at a few hoof dents in the back door. Jenna noticed that they were not Kidia's hoof dents, but Hunter's.

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The next day Balto took off the hobbles and led Hunter out of the trailer. There was a small drizzle but that was it. Balto took a curry comb and brushed all the mud and dirt that was on Hunter. Balto then brushed his coat smooth with a dandy brush. He picked up Hunter's hooves and cleaned them out with a hoof pick. So much was to be done before the staium jumping. Balto polished his hooves with the hoof polisher. He then comb his mane until it was as silky as a women's fine hair. He went to his tail, triming off the last part making it even. Balto comb it too, making sure that no knots were in there. Balto made sure that every inch of Hunter was as clean as a mansion. Balto went into the tack/feed room and removed that cover of a light brown saddle. On the back it said, Balto Hybird. Balto dusted it off and grabbed a hunter green saddle pad. Balto placed the saddle pad gently on Hunter's back. Balto placed the saddle on Hunter's back and tighened the girth.

Hunter pranced while Balto tacked him up. This could only mean on thing to Hunter, stadiam jumping. Balto went back into the tack room to retrieve a light brown bridle that had the name, Hunter's Time, on the right cheek piece. Balto placed the bridle on Hunter's great head. Balto then gave Hunter to Jenna so he could changed.

Balto came out a half hour later with a bright red jacket on, boots with a red stripe on the top, a velvet hard hat, pure white pants that had beige grips on them, a white shirt that was worn under the red jacket. Balto then topped it off with a pair of black gloves. Hunter had on his tack a woven fly ear protector that would make it so fly's wouldn't bother Hunter's ears. So the hunter green ear piece was for decoration and for protection.

Balto led Hunter to the mountin block and mounted Hunter. Balto rode Hunter to the warm up ring and trotted around the ring. There were other horses being warmed up in the ring but most of the crowd that were watching the warm up's had there eyes on one stallion. When Balto passed the crowd he heard one women say, "Is he going to jump?"

"I don't think so," another said. "He needs to save his energy."

Balto reconized on of the riders. What no! What in the world is Steele doing here, Balto thought. HE finished wamring up Hunter and rode him over to the main ring. The rider in front of him looked at Balto.

"I didn't know you were here," the rider said.

"Me niether," Balto said. "I bet $50 that you'll lose, Steele."

"Fine," Steele said. "$60 says you lose."

"Fine," Balto said. He turned his atention over to the jumping. Only one rider had a clear round. Steele went up and knocked down a few jumps.

THe signal toled Balto to start. Balto pushed Hunter into the canter and aimed him towards th first jump. Balto rose with Hunter as they soared over the jump. Jumps after jump was easy for Balto and Hunter. They came to the last jump with no faults. Hunter soared over the jump with ease.

The next jumpers had faults so only Balto and the other rider were in the jump off. Balto and Hunter cleared all the jumps and made perfect time. Balto won the round and also won the show.

Balto collected his blue ribbon and trotted Hunter back to the trailer. Balto took off Hunter's tack and put on Hunter's shipping clothes. Balto led Hunter into the trailer. He tied him up and closed the back door. Balto opened the door of the truck and got in. He started the engine and drove over to the judges desk where the Olympic scout would post who they would allow to be on the United States Olympic Team. Jenna got in the truck with a big smile on her face.

"So," Balto asked.

"Your in," Jenna said. "You're on the team."

"B-a-utiful," Balto said.

Chapter 4: Goofing off

Balto, Jenna, Hunter, and Kidia reached Hunter Farm safely. Hunter was unloaded first and brought into the stallion/gelding barn. Kidia was led to the mare barn. Balto led Hunter into his stall and removed his shipping clothes. He gave Hunter good grooming. He rubbed his hands againest the silky and shiny coat. Balto groomed Hunter for hours. When he was done Balto could almost see himself in Hunter coat. Balto had been taught long ago that if you were to groom a horse throughly it's coat would bring out oils from the skin that would make the coat of the horse shine. He had seen many Quater Horses in shows for comfimation where the coats would be so shiny, you could see the crowd in them.

Jenna walked through the ailes of the mare barn. One of the mares that would be here until Hunter retired nickered. Jenna smiled. She loved to hear the nicker of a mare or the rustle in the bedding. She loved being here. She went into the stall of her favorite mare, Safria. Safria was a dark bay mare with a small star in the middle of her forehead. Safria was once a wonderfully jumping mare taking ribbions wherever she performed. Unfournatly, in Safria's last show, the bay mare slipped and fell ontop of Jenna. Jenna was only bruised a bit but Safria had a break in her right foreleg. She was now recovering. Jenna hoped she would be able to perform again. If her beloved bay mare couldn't perform again then she would become a brood mare. Being bred to Hunter to probaly create more little jumpers that would fill in for their old man.

She heard footsteps and saw Emily skipping down the ailes. She frowned.

"Up to more trouble huh?" Jenna sighed.

"Yep," Emily smiled still skipping down the ailes. Emily was one to great trickters here. Balto somtimes played tricks but Emily almost always played tricks. "I got a good new line, 'But why is the rum gone?'"

"You don't drink rum, pirates do," Jenna sighed. Emily loved to foul around with Jenna the most than the other riders that had their horses here.

"I am a pirate," Emily said.

"No your not," Jenna rubbed her fist hard on Emily's head. This was one of the games they played when Emily was acting goofy. Well, goofy was her middle name.

A whinny came from the stall beside and a chesnut head with a blaze reached out of the half stall door.

"Hey Yasmine," Emily said. Jumping from Jenna's reach. Yasmine's real name was Yasmine's Jewel . She was owned by Emily's friend Elena Blackburn. Emily and her had been very good friends since fifth grade. Yasmine was also being shown be Elena.

Jenna rubbed Yasmine's cheek and said, "I wonder where Elena is anways."

"Yeah," Emily said giving Yasmine an apple core. "I hope she isn't sick."

"I don't think she is," Jenna sighed and walked into another mares stall. A light bay mare stood in the middle of the stall. Jenna rubbed the mares ears. This mare was No Secrets. She was a rachorse that ran in some races but they were all claiming races. Lori and Emily saw her at an aution and bought her. She was then in foal to the Black. Soon about a few mounths after he purcase she gave birth to a big black filly by the name of Kid's of America. Black was the filly's nickname. Blackie would be raced into the Kentucky Derby to try to be the first filly to win the Triple Crown.

No Secret's ears pricked at the sound of footsteps and hoof beats. Jenna looked out of the stall and saw a big black filly walk past to the other side of the barn. The back door was opened and the big black filly was led out of the barn and into the field she was let go in. Jenna heard loud hoofbeats as she thought the filly rcoketed across the earth.

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That night in the house, Balto layed down on the couch in the family room and watched TV. Jenna was cleaning the dishes in the kitchen. Since Balto cooked, Jenna had to do the dishes. It was a simple rule in this house hold. Somtimes Emily sleep over when a foal was due. Emily was okay at riding but excenlent at taking care of foals. Balto was happy just the way it was.

"Now that big storm that blew the Northeast will be heading out sea," the weather lady said. "But we'll still have a few small thunderstorms around here. But tomorrow looks like a bright sunny day. With a low in the mid 70s and a high in the mid 80s. Now heres Bob with the south." Balto thought to himself, low mid 70s, high mid 80s, not bad maybe I'll just relax tomorrow in the small patch of grass near the stallion and gelding barn.

Jenna finished the dishes and walked into the family room. Balto almost always watched the Weather Channel to see the what the weather would be. She looked down where Balto layed and saw his eyes closed and asleep. "You are so like Hunter."

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Balto slept on the couch for about an hour or so until he heard the sound of the tv. He got up and said, "Jenna I'm heading up." Jenna nodded and went to the TV.

Balto walked up the stairs and jumped onto his bed. He fell asleep very quiickly.

Chapter 5: Tricks and Training

The next morning Balto woke up early and fed Hunter and some of the other horses. He then layed down on he small grass areabout the size of the office next to the barn. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Emily skipped around with two buckets of water in her hands. She sat them down near the grass and skipped off. She came back again with a long pipe and a wood thing on one end of it. Emily drilled a hole in the wood thing and tied a string in it. She came back dragging an iron pole. The tied the pipe and the pole to tegther with duck tape and steaked the pole in the ground. She now had a like an upside down L above Balto. She put a ladder near the pole and poured the two bucket's of water into the pipe. Once the pipe was full she stuck a rock in the pipe to keep the water from coming out. Elena walked by and saw Emily messing around with pipes and poles.

"What are you doing?" Elena asked.

"Boss's orders," Emily said. "She wants me to wake up Balto."

"Oh, can I watch?" Elena asked.

"Sure. We'll have to hide though." Emily and Elena hid behind in the office and brought the long string with them. They sat below the window. Emily pulled the string.

"What is the world was that?!?!" a loud voice yelled. Emily and Elena grabbed a blanket and hid themselves. Balto walked into the office covered in water. He looked around for Emily. "Now where is that little trickster. I have surprise for her." Emily jumped out of her hiding place.

"What, what?" Emily asked.

"We're going to start training Blackie," Balto said. Elena jumped out of her hiding place too.

"That's great," she said.

"Awsome," Emily said.

"We're only going to start with her being used to the gate. We'll break her this summer. Got it."

"Yes sir!" Emily and Elena said at the same time. The saluted him and marched away.

"Elena, I'm afraid that you won't be able to join in. Showing season is hear. And I know that you want to train Yasmine for the Joinur Championships."

"Yes I do," Elena said.

"Then go out into the ring and train. You'll a whole bunch of it before you go their, lots of hard to beat compentors."

"Yes sir." Elena tacked up YAsmine and led her to the ring. Balto then layed back down in the same spot and slept. He would need a whole lot of it if he were to start training Blackie.

Well, he thought, at least Emily and Elena will be going back to school next week. Then I can get her used to the gate.

Chapter 6: REALLY, REALLY, Good News

Balto walked up to the mailbox the next day to find a letter for him. From USET. Balto read it.

Dear Balto Hybird,

You have been invited to compete in the Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. You will be riding Hunter's Time (Big Ben x Black Minx) in the perfomance. You will be performing in the jumping area only. You are required to stay for the whole entire games.

We wish you and your horse good luck in the games. The show rules are at the bottom of this letter.

Sincerely,
USET

Rules:
1. If a horse reufes then they will be disqulifed.
2. If a rider is thrown then they will be disqulifed.
3. If a pole is knocked down then five pentatlies will be added.
4. There are time limits.
5. All horses must be treated respectivly.

Balto showed Jenna the letter.

"What luck?" Jenna smiled kissed Balto. "My husband in the Olympics. I knew it would happen."

"I guess I'd better start trainging," Balto sighed. More work.

"Maybe it should start today," Jenna said. She handed him a pitch fork. "Cleaning stalls creates strongs arms and gives you a good work out."

Balto only cluckled and started to clean out the stalls. He came to where Hunter stall was. The bay stallion nickered and stuck his head out of the half door. Balto rubbed Hunter's muzzle and looked at the blanket hanging next to the stall door. The blanket was hunter green with a lone red star in the middle. That was Hunter Farms colors. Balto walked into the small room next to Hunter's stall. The room had torphys and photos. All of the photos were taken at shows that Balto had gone to. Some were with Hunter and others were with horses that he rode at WIndy Hills. There was a desk and a chair that were hunter green. On the desk there was trophies from The Comlumbia Classic and the Presidents Cup.

Balto walked out of the room and placed the pitch fork kneeling on the wall. He walked into the room next to Hunter's stall grabbed his bridle and walked into the main tack room. He grabbed a lunge line, a pair of leather side reins, and a lunging saddle. He walked into Hunter's stall and tacked him up for lunging. HE led Hunter out of his stall and led him to the large pasture that was about an acre large.

Balto tighened the side reins so that Hunter's head was intersecting with the ground. Balto allowed Hunter to walk around him in the pasture in a large circle. Balto used his whip and whipped the ground. Hunter picked up his walked into the trot. Balto whipped the ground again and Hunter moved into the canter. Balto suddenly pulled on the lunge line. Hutner responed by slowing down to a halt. Balto then whipped the ground. Hunter responed by trotting. Balto then pulled back on the lunge line. Hunter halted again. Balto pulled Hunter in and took off the lunge line. He took off the side reins and mounted. Hunter sidestepped alittle but Balto quickly got him under control.

Balto squeezed Hunter into the trot. Balto pulled back on the reins making Hunter halt. Balto made Hunter trot again. He pulled back on the reins. Hunter halted and snorted. To him this was just boring, but to Balto this was work. Hunter would need to have good balance if he were to compete in the jumping. Transitions from halt to trot would create good balance for the competion. Halt to trot was also a dessage move. Many riders who in some of the biggest jumping shows would practice dressge to make their horses more balanced and controlled in competions. Dressage wasn't just used in English. Mayn westren riders use dressage as a balance factor. Barrel racers would need balance to turn tightly around the small barrels.

A gunshot was heard throughout the farm. Hunter heard it more clearer and reared.

Balto muttered under his breath, "Stupid hunters!" Hunter pawed the air and bolted. Balto hung onto the stallion's mane for his life! When a horse bolted it could be deadly. Hunter jumped over a log, causing Balto to lose his balance and fall. Hunter contiuded to gallop off without knowning his rider had fallen. Balto had fallen on his back and was slowly getting up. He sat up and looked after the dust that Hunter had made. Balto layed back down on the ground and looked up at the sky. It was a nice spring day with a few clouds in the sky and a few birds singing songs. A snort came from behind him. Balto sat back up and saw Hunter in front of him. Balto put his hand on the stallions pole and slowly got up. Hunter looked at him and nickered, as if to say, "Hey your supposed to be up on my back." Balto smiled and mounted Hunter yet again.

"Lets take it easy this time," Balto said to Hunter. "No more bolting with me aboard."

Chapter 7: Training starts

Balto had brought out Blackie from her paddock and was leading her around and small corral. On the edge of the corral were Jenna, Steele, and a few other riders who had their horses there. Balto had made a wooden gate out of a tree that had fallen in the storm that had rammed through the farm while Balto and Jenna were at the show.

Balto led Blackie into the gate and had her stay there. Beside the gate was Emily holding her Thelwell alarm clock in hand. Balto closed the gate with Blackie in it. Blackie reared and pawed a bit but stopped after getting used to the close corners. Balto nodded to Emily. Emily made her alram clock sound and Balto pulled that rope that kept the gate closed. Blackie reufsed to leave the gate before Jenna came around behind and gave a slap in the rump. Blackie got the idea and jumped out of the gate and halted.

"We'e her in the gate but we have a lot more things to do before the Derby." Balto led Blackie down to the barn and placed her into her stall. Blackie tossed her head and nipped Balto's shoulder. Balto smacked her nose and said a firm voice, "Quit it!"

Emily never liked it when Balto would smack Blackie for doing somthing bad, but she knew that she had a hot temperment and would need to learn some lessons.

Balto walked out of the stall and looked out side. The sun was starting to set and Balto would need to do the eveing feeds. Balto fed all the horses in the stall/gelding barn while Jenna and Emily took care of the mares.

After the horses were fed, All three of them led the horses out into the paddocks. It was best for the horses to be outside when it was night in the summer. In the heat of day the horses might die so it was for their health for them to be outside at night in the summer.

The next week went along with Blackie's training and she was soon knowing that she would have the break from the gate when the doors opened and the bell sounded. Hunter's training was going very well too. Balto had Hunter jump over low jumps with a nice good dressage look. Hunter knew how to jump over some of the worlds tallest jumps but it was worth it for him to be collected during the Olympics.

Chapter 8: Getting ready to leave

Balto was wrapping Hunter's legs about two weeks after the bolt. Balto had gotten the ticket for him and Hunter to be flying on of the planes that carried the horses for the Oylmpic Games. There was only two tickets, one for Balto and one for Hunter. Jenna or Emily weren't able to go because they could not get tickets. Emily and Jenna would have to say goodbye to Balto and live without him for two weeks. Emily didn't mind though. The more fun for her. Without Balto she could play pranks on Jenna and some of the other riders. But she would have to play them when Balto was in Greece.

Balto finshed wrapping up Hunter's legs when he heard footsteps and saw Jenna, Steele, and Emily walking towards him. Balto said to them, " I'll only be gone two weeks. I'll call you from Greece."

"Two weeks," Emily cried. "Why can't it be two months or two years? This is my big chance to have some fun."

"Were gonna miss ya buddy," Steele said. The two hugged and Emily hugged him too. Although she wouldn't miss him since she would be playing pranks on people. Emily smiled with happiness.

Steele and Emily walked off allowing Balto and Jenna to be alone. '

"Jenna, I will call you, every night," Balto said. "I promise."

"Have a good time in Greece," Jenna said. "I hear they have good food."

"Jenna, Hunter will like going back to the big jumping. The only big jumping he did was in Washington, the Presidents Cup. I might go to Europe for some shows. The more Hunter become world wide the more money we'll make when he goes for stud," Balto looked into Jenna's eyes. They kissed for a few moment until Hunter got his teeth into Jenna's hair and started to eat it as if it was hay. Balto giggled and Jenna laughed. Balto hugged his ife and then led Hunter out of the barn. Jenna walked beside him. Balto led Hunter into the trailer and tied him up. After a short trip to the airport, Balto led Hunter into the cargo area. A few horses that were going to Greece for the Oylmpics were being loaded onto the plane.

Chapter 9: "Good Bye Maryland"

Balto led Hunter up the ramp that went into the plane that would be heading for Greece. The man at the door of the plane tipped his hat for Balto and Hunter. After tieing Hunter in his stall he would be traveling in, Balto went down to the trailer and brought out a dozen of suit cases and tack trunks. Balto put them on two carts and pushed them up the ramp and over to where He would be staying. He placed them in a large trunk that had enough room to fit about twenty suits cases in it. Balto opened up a tack trunk and revealed a flag that was Hunter green with a lone red star in the middle. Balto hung it on Hunter's travel stall and sat down in the seat on the wall of the airplane that had a window next to it. Balto looked out the window to see Jenna's truck driving down drive. She got out and handed somthing to the man who was at the door of the plane. She then ran down and stood by her truck and waited for the plane to take off.

The man who was at the door of the plane came walking towards Balto. He handed him a necklace that had horse head on it.

"Your wife told me to give it to you for good luck," the man said and then he went back to his job.

Balto held the necklace in his hand before he placed it around his neck. Balto looked out to window. He saluted to Jenna and Jenna saluted back.

"All passengers please sit down in your seats and buckle up. We will be taking off soon."

Balto looked at Hunter who was side stepping in his stall. Balto knew this was a big one for the stallion. Hunter had never been on a plane!

"This is your captin speaking we have a nice flight ahead of us as we are heading to Athens, Greece. The trip will take about a day or so. Please all passegers sit down in your seats and buckle up. We have clear skies and we hope to have a nice flight to Athens. Enjoy you flight."

The plane started to drive down to runway while Hunter pawed the ground. the plane rose into the air and was sailing over houses and buildings. Balto looked out the window and whispered, "Good Bye Maryland." The plane rose into the clouds and Balto saw no more of his home.

Chapter 10: Destination Greece

The plane went along steadily before crossing the Atlantic Ocean and landing in Morocco for a break. The plane landed in Casablanca and stayed their for about a few hours to re fuel and give the captins some time to relax. Balto gave the time to lay down on the floor and fall asleep. A few hours later He heard the captin's voice and quickly got back into his seat.

Once again the plane flew but only flew for a few hours over the Meditarean Sea. It landed in Athens, Greece.

Balto led Hunter down to ramp after unloading the large trunk. He led him to a makeshift stall in the airport so that Hunter could be quatrinetined. After a few days of being in quarintine, Hunter was free to go to the Olympics stables.

Balto had finshed un packing when he heard hoofbeats and saw a couple of horses being led in the aisle. Balto proudly hung an American Flag and a hunter green flag with a lone star in the middle on the little area where he would be sleeping. Balto sat down in the little area that used to be a stall but now it was Balto's "room". He sat down on a chair with his colors on them and read an issue of Horse Illustarted. Balto read until he heard Hunter nicker.

Balto got out of the "room" And scooped two scoops of pellets and two scoops of oats and placed it into a green bucket. He opened up Hunter's door and placed the bucket in the stall.

Chapter 11: Let the Games BEGIN!

Balto stood in line with all the other Olympic competiors for the US. They were only waiting for them come out and walk around for the opening cermory. The big group walked out and walked around the stadium. Balto saw hundreds of people looking down and cheering them. Balto smiled and hoped one of the millions of people who were watching him from home was Jenna. They large group headed up to the stairs that led to the stands at sat in an area in the stands. Balto looked around him to see people waving flags of their country.

The ceromory was about an hour or so long and now a man had said, "Let the games BEGIN!" There were many shouts and cheers. For the Olympics Games at Athens, Greece had begun.

Balto and some of the other riders on the USET team walked back to the stables after the ceromory. Horse heads popped out as they walked by. A few even snorted. Then it was quiet for a few stalls until they heard a low rumble.

"That was not me," one rider said.

"A human couldn't make one like that," Balto said. "But that sounded like Hunter snoring if you ask me." A few rider clucked but a few stayed quiet. At Hunter's stall, Balto heard again the low rumble and looked into the stallion's stall. There was the stallion laying down on his side asleep. Balto smiled and said, "Come on pops, it's time to get up." An ear twitched but nothin more than that until Balto opened up the half door and patted the bay stallion on the neck. Hunter's eyes flew open and he quickly got up. Balto reached into his pocked and took out an apple core. Hunter saw the apple core and eat it from Balto's hand. Hunter tossed his head and fumbled around in Balto's pockets to see if there were any more.

"There aren't any more boy," Balto said. "You eat them all." Hunter tossed his head and then layed down on his side. Balto joined him by going into the stall next store and laying down on the green cot he had brought. Balto looked at a saddle that was covered by a hunter green cover. He looked at a bridle that hung next to the saddle. HE closed his eyes and was soon asleep.

Chapter 12: Tricks and Pranks

Emily walked out the office with a big smile of her face. SHe had just set up the perfect pranks for Jenna. Jenna walked into the barn and sat down in the chair. A low rumble was heard through out the barn. Emily came in laughing so hard that she fell to the ground.

"That was a good one Jenna," Emily laughed. "You cracked one good." Jenna got out of her seat and pulled out a whoopie cusion.

"I think you need these," Jenna said. Emily went down to her knees.

"Please don't hurt me," Emily cried.

"I'll make you clean out every single stall here," Jenna said. "Now get to work." Emily obeyed and went to clean out stalls. Jenna stood there and shook her head. Why is Emily such a goofball? Jenna shook her head and sat down. She looked at a picture of Balto after THe Presidents Cup. She wanted to be with him right now but she would never have enough money to buy airline tickets. Then she knew it. "Somtimes I just have to take a risk." She went down to the mare barn and into Safria's stall. She led the mare out and tacked her up with a dressage saddle and bridle. Safria's jumping days were over.

Balto awoke the next morning early and groomed and fed Hunter. Balto then sat down in his little room and just relaxed. He would a whole week before he and Hunter would show off their stuff. Balto oiled his light brown saddle and cleaned Hunter's bridle. Balto placed the woven hunter green fly portector on Hunter's ears.

Chapter 13: Nevreous and Surprise

The days went by quickly and it was now the day that dressage would be performing. Balto was watching the dressage and he cell phone rang. He picked it up.

"Hello," Balto said.

"Congradulations Balto," a chours of people said to him. He reconized all of the voices. It was his college friends and the Shoemakers.

"Thanks guys," Balto said.

"Good luck," Little Emily said. "Mom told me that she is sending down a Silly mare to be bred to Hunter once he is reitred."

"That'll make a good foal."

"Good luck," the chours said. "Were with you!"

"Excellant," Balto said. "The dressage is about to start. I'll talk to you all later."

"Bye," the chours said. Balto pu his cell phone away and relaxed for the dressage.

The cross coutry day went by very quickly. Balto spent the whole day cleaning the tack for the next day. Balto shined his boots and his saddle. Everything Balto would be using tomorrw would be need to be shined perfectly.

Balto could barley get to sleep that night he always tossed and turned. Finally he went to sleep and awoke about two hours later. It was 4 o' clock in the morning when he got up. Balto grabbed a curry comb and a rubber and rubb Hunter until he shined. At that time it was 6 in the morning. Balto cleaned his tack once again and braided Hunter's mane while the stallion ate his feed. Balto went to Hunter's tail started to braid. After braiding he had some breakfast and quickly got dressed into his show clothes. It was now 9 in the morning. Balto tacked up Hunter and led him to the warm up ring where many of the other riders were warming up. Balto mounted Hunter and pushed Hunter into the trot. He kept it at the trot until he saw some riders go out and wait for the signal to tell them to start. Balto went with them since he was one of the first to go.

Balto got nervreous and fiddled with the reins. He looked into the crowd and saw a familair face. Jenna.

Chapter 14: One Jump at a time

"And now ladies and gentlemen, representing the US, Balto Hybird on Hunter's Time." Balto heard his name be called in Spainish, French and a few other langues and pushed Hunter out into the stadium. It was outdoors and there were stands almost all around it. Balto looked back into the crowd. The signal sounded and Baltp pushed Hunter into the canter.

Hunter's tail shot up at the sight of the upcoming jump and his ears shot foward. His front legs curled up and he soared over the jump. Hunter soared over the jumps. The last jump was a quapler oxer. It wasn't that high but very long. Hunter soared over to jump with only inches to spare. Hunter wanted to do the whole thing over again but Balto slowed him down to a trot.

Hunter tossed his head and pranced. Balto reined him over towards the barn area. He dismounted the stallion and noticed that Hunter had his head down and was breathing hard. Balto felt around Hunter's chest and noticed that Hunter's body temperature was very hot.

"Someone get me a hose," Balto yelled as he unsaddled Hunter. He placed the saddle on the ground and grabbed the hose when a stable hand handed it to him. "Looks like a bad case of sunstroke. I've seen it before in some horses I've rode." He sprayed the water on Hunter's back, neck, chest, and head.

Jenna rushed through the crowd. She came to the gate of where the horses were stabled and asked the guard if she could get through.

"No!," He said in a thick Russain Accent. "You stay here and not go there."

"But my husband is in there," Jenna complain. "I have to-"

"Husband or no husband, you stay here and wait for him."

"Okay, I'll wait," She walked of to a wall and leaned againest it.

"Get me a bucket of water," a voice yelled. "I can't leave him here if he has sunstroke."

Jenna turned her head over towards where the competirors were returning from the show. She saw a familar bay stallion with socks and a blaze, with his head lowered and steam rose from his back. A man holding him with dark brown hair was hoseing the stallion down on the back, neck, chest, and head. He was shouting orders for some of the stables hands to get him some water and fast. Jenna ran over to where the stallion was and took a careful look at him. The stallion lifted his head and gave a whicker to her. Jenna quickely grabbed some ice from a first aid kit and plaed it on the stallion's chest. She spoke softly to him. The stallion was soon looking better and was walking regularly. The man thanked Jenna for her help. Jenna never knew that the man was Balto and the horse was Hunter. Well she did after they got home.

Balto led Hunter back to his stall and lefted him alone to sleep. Balto then sat down in his little room and read a book.

Chapter 15: Home Sweet Home

Balto rubbed Hunter's nose after he awaited for him and Hunter to leave the plane. Hunter was standing still and watched as some workers opened the door and were unloading some people's things. Aroubd Balto's neck jingled two gold medals. One he and Hunter won for indvial and another for team performance. Balto led Hunter down the ramp and over towards a row of stalls that were where the horse would be in qurantine. Balto led Hunter into a stall and went out into his truck anddrove home.

As he drove into the driveway he saw mares and foals in their paddocks and a large black filly galloping around her field. Balto said to himself, "Home, Sweet, Home."

THE END

Well there you have it. This is my longest story so far. I expect the next one to be even longer.
Balto, Jenna, and Steele are copyright to Univeresal Studios.
Hunter's Time, Kids of America, Emily Long, Yasmine's Jewel, Elena Blackburn, and No Secrets are copyright to me (ewolfbalto) and are not to be used without me knowing or you give me credit and type down my name as for they are mine.

COMING SOON......... Balto: The Pusiance
Before the big Pusiance Balto gets fataly injured and will not ride in a few years. Who will ride Hunter in the Puisance? Well you'll just have to wait and see.