Season: Z
Episode: L
Rodeo Freak Out
(By: Flame Runner)
“It’s a competition,” an orange pony, named Applejack, pounded her hoof which clenched a flyer down upon a table in the Sugar Cube Corner. “Three different events: Bakin’, Racin’, and, my personal favorite, a Rodeo. And I’m parcitpatin’ in every single event!”
Applejack’s face lit up as she excitedly told her five friends, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity about her plans.
A pink pony with an untamable poofy mane suddenly spewed the chocolate milk she had been drinking all over Twilight. Rainbow Dash, a pegasus mare with a mane practically made of a rainbow itself, looked up from a delicious pasty to eye her friend with concern. Rarity, a pure white unicorn mare with a beautifully curled purple mane and tail, spoke up with concern.
“Ah…doesn’t that seem a tad bit much dear? You remember what happened last time you tried doing more than you could handle don’t you?”
“Shucks! Y’all don’t go worrin’ ‘bout me none. The events aren’t all in one day. No, each day there’s a different event so that if somepony, like myself, wants to participate in them all, they can.”
A unanimous sigh came from the other ponies. Except for the purple unicorn, Twilight Sparkle, who was busy cleaning herself off and gazing at Pinkie Pie with slight annoyance.
“But the best news is yet to come,” Applejack continued. “The competition is bein’ held in my cousin Braeburn’s town: Appleloosa!”
(Insert Theme Music Here)
* * * * * * * * *
A train, pulled by many muscular stallions, pulled to a stop at a dusty but well built town. An earth pony stood at the train stop with a broad smile etched across his face. This stallion had a light yellow colored coat and a single bright red apple adorned his flank. His hair was both orange and light yellow and it tended to twist around with a few sharp curls. He had a pair of handsome green eyes and he wore a deep brown vest. A cowboy hat the same color as his vest adorned the top of his head and finished his western style getup quite nicely.
A group of ponies flooded off of the train. Amongst the group exiting were Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, and even Twilight’s young dragon helper, Spike.
“Well howdy!” called the beaming stallion at the group from Ponyville. “Cousin Applejack, it’s been far too long.”
“Braeburn!” replied Applejack happily. She ran to give her cousin a good pat on the back. “How’ve thin’s in Appleloosa been goin’ since we were last here? The orchard doin’ fine? And how ‘bout them buffalo?”
“Well cous’, the orchard is growin’ strong and steady and the buffalo are doin’ jus’ fine. Yep, matter of fact; we Appleloosins and the buffalo are talkin’ ‘bout startin’ a tradin’ business to some of the other towns sproutin’ up ‘round these here parts. It’ll be a fine project to work on together, as ponies and buffalo.”
“That sounds great!” responded Applejack enthusiastically.
“Sure is. But we’d best be gettin’ y’all off this here train stop. With the competition here in Appleloosa, we’ve been flooded with guests. The hotels are booked out and the train seems to be runnin’ nonstop. Trust me on this one, ya’ don’t want to be stuck here when the next train comes in. Come on! I’ll show you what we’ve got goin’ on fer the competition.”
Braeburn gave a wave with his hoof and then turned around. He came down the train stop and led Applejack and her friends around Appleloosa. He motioned toward a newly renovated clock tower and excitedly pointed out some of the famous ponies, griffins, donkeys, and even a few buffalo who would be competing that year. At last the group came up to some large white tents which sat just outside the fledgling town.
“And this here is where the first event is goin’ to be held,” Braeburn continued with his tour. “These tents are where the bakin’ will take place. We’ve got all the necessities: ovens, ingredients, cookin’ tools, you name it, we’ve got it.”
“Wow! This looks super duper amazing! I wish I could cook in a kitchen this large!” Pinkie bounced around, full of energy. She dashed underneath the large canvases and looked at everything; absolutely everything. She stuck her head into the ovens, she balanced the many bowls, plates, stirring sticks, whisks, and whatever else happened to be laying about on her bouncing body as she looked over each and every item that was available, she even stuck her hoof into some flour and then taste tested it raw.
“Hmmm…” she smacked her lips together while thinking, “…Perfect!”
“Come on Pinkie!” yelled Applejack to her hyperactive friend. “We’ve got plenty more to see!”
“Coming!” replied the pink pony. But she stuck her hoof back into the flour and took one last lick before heading off with the others.
* * * * * * * * *
“And this here’s the race course,” Braeburn stated. “The buffalo were kind enough to take this event upon themselves. It goes across a lot of their own stomping grounds and twists through one of the most gorgeous canyons I’ve ever laid eyes on. Runnin’ in this event is goin’ to be a real treat.”
“You’re runnin’?” asked Applejack in shock.
“‘Couse I’m runnin’! You didn’t think that you were goin’ to have all the fun now did ya’ cousin?”
“That’s great news! Good luck on race day,” responded Applejack with a smile across her face. “Now where’s that rodeo arena?” she asked.
“Oh, y’all are in for a treat. Come on! I’ve saved the best fer last.”
* * * * * * * * *
Braeburn was showing the group around a very large wooden stadium. It wasn’t something simply flung together at the last minute. It was well crafted and even some of the wood had been carved with the images of ponies and other creatures twirling rope around or performing some other feat, courtesy of the buffalo craftsmen.
“And this here’s our rodeo arena,” stated Braeburn proudly. “We started buildin’ it not too long after y’all headed back to Ponyville the last time y’all were in town. Turns out that the buffalo like a good rodeo almost as much as we Appleloosins do. This place was built in honor of our friendship and as a reminder to keep those relations goin’ strong. The buffalo themselves did a lot of the wonderful carvin’s y’all see on the wood.”
“It’s fantastic!” shouted Applejack with glee. “I can’t wait to perform in that there stadium.”
“And we can’t wait to watch you,” said Twilight happily.
“Oh, I can’t thank everypony enough for comin’ with me. Y’all don’t know how much that means,” Applejack thanked her friends.
“Applejack!” Braeburn smacked his head with his own hoof. “I can’t believe I forgot ‘bout this, but you’ll never guess who’s goin’ to be at the rodeo!”
“Who? Who is it?” asked Applejack excitedly.
“It’s Wrangler!”
“Not THE Wrangler?! You’ve got to be kindin’!” responded Applejack.
“Yep! The one and only Wrangler: king of rodeo,” stated Braeburn happily.
“Excuse me, but just who is this…Wrangler?” Rarity interrupted the excited babble.
“Why Wrangler was one of my childhood heros!” replied Applejack. “He’s one of the reasons I love rodeo so much.” Applejack then turned back to her cousin Braeburn and asked, “So what’s he goin’ to be doin’? Judgin’? Watchin’?”
“No cous’. He’s participatin’!”
“You mean he’s goin’ to be IN the rodeo? Like competin’ IN the rodeo?” asked Applejack sounding slightly less confident than normal.
“As sure as the day is long!” responded Braeburn with enthusiasm. “Now come on y’all, I’ll take you back to my place. With all of the hotels full y’all will be stayin’ at my house.” Braeburn gave a wave with his hoof for the others to follow him as he turned back toward town and led the party to his place where they would be sleeping for the next few nights.
* * * * * * * * *
Braeburn had only recently brought Applejack and her friends inside his home. He was going over some house rules and explaining about their sleeping accommodations.
“I’ve laid out plenty of mattresses for y’all to sleep on. Sorry they’re on the floor, but I don’t have enough beds for everypony. So, choose your mattress and settle on in.” The sun was rapidly going down in the sky and Braeburn and the others were about ready to turn in for the night.
“Well Applejack, you’ve got a busy day at the bakin’ competition tomorrow. It’s probably best if we all tucker down for the night,” Braeburn recommended with a yawn.
The Appleloosin stallion walked into his own private bedroom and closed the door behind him. He was going to get a good night’s rest so as to be ready for the next few days. The guests staying in his house were each curled up on the mattresses they had claimed and were lying on the floor. They knew that sleep would be good thing, but they wanted to get some last minute talking in.
“Ooo! The baking competition is tomorrow!” whispered Pinkie Pie excitedly. “What are you going to make Applejack?”
“My homemade apple pie.”
“That’s a great choice! I love apple pie!” replied Pinkie while licking her lips.
“Applejack?” asked Fluttershy quietly.
“Yes Fluttershy?”
“Who’s that Wrangler fellow you and Braeburn were talking about?”
Applejack pulled up into a more comfortable talking position and then began to speak.
“Wrangler was one of my childhood heroes growin’ up. He was the king of rodeo back in the day. I would check out all the gossip on him I could find; newspapers, word of mouth, you name it. One day one of his rodeos came close to town and I begged my parents for an entire week to go to it. They said yes and we took off for the show. It was the most spectacular event I’ve ever seen. That’s what got me into doin’ rodeo. Then one day he jus’ up and stopped. Never did find out why. I haven’t heard head or tail of him since.”
“Wow, I didn’t know that,” stated Rainbow Dash.
“Well, times change and I’ve an orchard to take care of now,” Applejack said.
“It must be great for you to finally meet one of your childhood heroes, and to compete against him no less!” Twilight commented.
“Yeah, heh heh,” chuckled Applejack nervously. “Well it’s late and I’ve got some bakin’ to do tomorrow. Let’s get some sleep. Good night!”
As the ponies fell into peaceful rest, one orange colored equine couldn’t seem to find rest. Throughout the long night she tossed and turned, trying to make herself comfortable, but sleep wouldn’t take the tired pony. She flopped around and pulled up the sheets. She whispered to herself uncertainly, “Me…compete against Wrangler?”
* * * * * * * * *
A bright morning greeted the ponies. As the sun rose higher into the sky, the group made their way to the large white tents where the baking competition was being held. Applejack had set herself up at her own baking station. Each contestant had been given a fair sized table and all the necessities for a day of baking. Baking tools littered the contestant’s tables, but no ingredients were present.
Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Spike, and Braeburn all stood off at a distance from the white tents. They were not allowed to help in the competition or Applejack would be disqualified. A faded red stallion with an elegant black mane and tail walked up to a podium close to the white tents. He was also dressed in a nice suit and hat.
“That there’s the mayor.” Braeburn whispered to Applejack’s friends while pointing a hoof at the fancy stallion. “He’s goin’ to start off the event.”
The stallion cleared his throat loudly and then yelled out in a voice befitting a mayor. “Greetings! And welcome to Appleloosa!” A roar of applause came from both spectators and contestants. It died down a little and the mayor continued, “We are pleased to host these excellent events and we sincerely hope that everypony enjoys themselves. I have been asked to briefly explain some rules for the baking competition before the event starts off.
First, all contestants must work by themselves or in their designated teams, no outside help is allowed or the contestant is disqualified. Second, no outside ingredients are allowed in this competition. All ingredients have been provided in bins, barrels, or other places which have been clearly marked. These are free to be used by any and all contestants. Lastly, each contestant has been provided their own oven and work space. You may use only this space and oven for baking. Moving into another contestant’s territory will cost you in the judging.
Judging will take place at three o’clock this evening. Use your time wisely and bake well. Now, as mayor of this fine town, I pronounce the baking competition officially started. Begin!”
At the mayor’s proclamation a loud shot was fired and the contestants scrambled around to find the ingredients they would need to begin baking their treats. The crowd outside the tents yelled in at the competitors, each one cheering for their own friends and family. A certain group of friends, plus one cousin, were rooting for an orange equine in a cowboy hat. “Yeah Applejack! Go get em’!”
Applejack moved around more slowly than usual and she mumbled to herself in slurred speech, “Um…I need…uh…apples. Yeah…apples.” She wobbled over to some barrels and nabbed up her supplies slowly, seeming to forget something each time she made a trip. As the orange pony glanced around, she thought she saw a stallion with a black cowboy hat, trimmed with silver thread, from time to time. Only one pony wore a hat like that: Wrangler. Applejack would freeze in place and do a double take, but he was never there when she looked back. “Come on Applejack, pull it together,” she whispered to herself.
The competition continued but Applejack couldn’t seem to focus. Always she would get a glimpse of the black hat out of the corner of her eye, but Wrangler was never in sight. She worked and yawned and worked and yawned again. If only she could rest for a few moments. Her eyes became heavy and she closed them for only a moment or two before they shot open again and she shook her head. “Stay awake!” she commanded, “You’ve got a pie to bake!”
* * * * * * * * *
The competition came to a close when three rolled around. The contestants each presented their creations to be judged. Applejack brought her pie before the judges. The judges took a detailed glance over the creation. They slowly cut into the pie and each hoisted a slice onto their own plate. The slices jiggled and began to fall apart. Without even taking a bite, they began to whisper amongst themselves. Finally, a griffin judge spoke to Applejack.
“My dear, without even tasting it, I can see that your pie is not fully baked. The crust is still doughy and wobbles about. On top of that, your filling is not mixed. The clumps in this pastry are visible. Visible! I am sorry, but you will not win this competition with a half-hearted effort like this. Next!”
As the judge rambled on, Applejack’s weary smile faded and she walked over to her friends. All of her friends wore smiles and greeted her warmly, each asking what the judges said.
“They said it was unfit to eat,” she replied glumly as she held out what remained of her pie.
“I don’t see anything wrong with it,” stated Pinkie cheerily. The pink pony took the pie tray in her hooves and gobbled the whole thing down in one bite. “Mmm…something tastes little different than usual. I like it!”
“Thanks Pinkie,” said Applejack with a sad smile.
“Applejack, what’s wrong?” asked Twilight with concern etched across her face.
“Nothin’ I can’t fix” replied Applejack dejectedly.
“Applejack, we’re your friends. Let us help,” said Rarity. “As long as it doesn’t involve any physical labor that is,” the unicorn added quickly.
Applejack chuckled quietly. Then she replied, “Alright. It’s Wrangler. I kept thinkin’ I’d seen him in that crowd and I was jus’ so worried about disappointing him and even more so about competing against him that I couldn’t think straight. And I sure couldn’t sleep last night.”
“Applejack,” said Braeburn kindly, “ya’ didn’t have to worry about Wrangler. He’s not comin’ till tomorrow.”
“He’s comin’ tomorrow?!” screamed the orange pony.
“Whoops, don’t know if I should’ve said that,” sheepishly responded Braeburn.
“Applejack?” asked Fluttershy sweetly. “Why don’t we head back to Braeburn’s. You look like you could use some rest before tomorrow’s race.”
“Uh…yeah,” gulped Applejack.
The group went back to Braeburn’s where they rested as best as they could and prepared for the next day’s race.
* * * * * * * * *
Another day dawned bright and true. Contestants lined up at the starting line with the intention of racing for first place. The course was to zigzag into a beautiful canyon and through wide acres of buffalo stomping grounds. Many buffalo had signed up for this competition and were competing side by side with ponies. A large buffalo in a ceremonial headdress held everypony’s gaze as he walked up to the edge of the canyon where the race started. He looked down upon the racers and then began to speak.
“As chief of the buffalo I welcome you all! Today we are gathered as buffalo and pony to participate in a race across our ancient stomping grounds. May the friendship between this town of Appleloosa and buffalo continue as we all work together, race together, and cheer together. Now, let the race begin!”
The chief’s voice thundered through the air and another loud shot was heard as the race started. The racers took off through the canyon with victory in mind. Braeburn and Applejack were placed next to each other and, as they raced, they began to speak.
“Where is he? Where’s Wrangler?” Applejack shouted over the pounding of hooves against earth.
“Focus cous’! Don’t let him freak you out so much. Jus’ run! Come on let’s show em’ how an Apple races!”
They both took off with greater speed. From time to time they would place a hoof on their hats to keep them from falling off. The two began to laugh as they raced, just like old times at one of the Apple family reunions. But, as the race wore on, Applejack caught a glimpse of a black hat with silver trim. She turned her head back around to see who was wearing it and suddenly found herself smacking into an apple tree.
“Cous’!” screamed Braeburn. He went back to his cousin and helped her to her feet as many other contestants thundered past them.
The race came to a finish and Applejack and Braeburn were no where near first.
“What happened out there?” asked Rainbow Dash. “You were beginning to take a lead when Applejack ran smack dab into that tree.”
“She thought she saw Wrangler and turned back to look,” replied Braeburn.
Applejack let her eyes wander sheepishly around.
“I-I jus’ need some more rest,” mumbled Applejack. The orange equine took off for Braeburn’s place and left her friends in the dust.
“Is she going to be ok?” asked Spike.
“She’s lettin’ this whole Wrangler thing get to her,” responded Braeburn with concern.
“I think that I might know a way we can help,” stated Twilight.
She leaned in and began to whisper to the group.
* * * * * * * * *
The final day of competition dawned in the town of Appleloosa. The entire group staying at Braeburn’s got up bright and early so as to get a good seat for the rodeo. Applejack looked more nervous than ever. She was constantly pacing about and pawing at the earth with her hooves. She looked tired and her hair was ever so slightly out of place. The orange pony was currently waiting under the large stadium in a small room, debating to herself whether or not she should even participate.
“I don’t know if I can do this,” she mumbled dejectedly to herself.
She looked around the little room that she was in, nopony else was to be seen. With head hung low and eyes to the ground, she slowly made her way toward the exit. With a thump she collided against a solid object which had not been in her way only a moment before. When Applejack lifted her face to see what she had bumped into, she found herself looking into the eyes of a dark grey stallion who was wearing a black hat, trimmed in silver.
“Howdy,” stated the stallion with a thick Southern drawl.
“Wr-Wr-Wrangler?!” whispered Applejack with eyes wide in shock.
The stallion simply took off his hat and gave a polite nod ‘yes’. Applejack backed up until she hit a wall with her rump.
“W-What are ya’ doin’ in here?” asked Applejack.
“Wouldn’t you know it? I came here to meet you,” responded Wrangler as he placed the black hat back upon his head.
“M-Me? W-Why me?”
“Your friends found me last night and we had a good chat.” Wrangler smiled and walked slowly toward Applejack. “I’m here to help ya’. But how ‘bout a proper introduction first?”
He raised a hoof in greeting. Applejack shakily raised a hoof of her own and the two shook.
“I’m Wrangler. It’s a pleasure to meet ya’.”
“I-I’m Applejack and I can’t tell ya’ how long I’ve wanted to meet ya’ Mr. Wrangler.”
The two released the shake and planted their hooves back upon the ground.
“Now, Miss Applejack, from what your friends tell me, it sounds like you’ve a good case of nervous stress.”
Applejack pulled her hat down with a slight amount of shame.
“Don’t sweat it kid. I used to get stressed whenever I went for a rodeo myself,” reassured Wrangler.
“Y-ya’ did?”
“‘Course I did! All those ponies watchin’ me and my family too, and then I go and git all famous and then even more start watchin’. It’s enough to drive a pony bonkers at times. I had my share of rough nights before I’d go to big events and it only got tougher when I competed with some of the greats: Wild Bill, Pecan Pie, you name it.”
Wrangler walked up to Applejack’s side and put a comforting hoof on her shoulder. She looked up at her childhood hero and met his faded blue eyes.
“Well, what did ya’ do?” asked Applejack.
“I did the only thin’ I could do Miss Applejack, I went out and did my best. I went out and performed like it was jus’ another day of practice. I looked up and saw my family and friends in those stands and I jus’ kept on goin’. I had fun because I loved rodeo and the crowd was there to have fun too. So, when ya’ go out today, jus’ go out and have fun. If ya’ love rodeo, then jus’ go and play.”
Wrangler gave Applejack a quick tap on the shoulder and the two smiled.
“Thanks Mr. Wrangler. You don’t know how much this means,” stated Applejack quietly.
“Don’t sweat it kid.”
“Uh…If I may? What DID happen all those years ago? When you simply up and quit,” asked Applejack.
“Ah. What happened to Wrangler, king of rodeo? I’ll let you in on a little secret. I loved rodeo, still do, but it wasn’t always kind to me. Ya’ remember when my leg got injured?”
Applejack gave a quick nod.
“Well, it never fully recovered. I kept on doin’ rodeo for years after the accident, but time finally caught up with me. My leg was goin’ to give out soon and there was nothin’ I could do about it. So I quit. Best to finish well than to fizzle slowly as my leg got worse.”
“So then why are ya’ comin’ back now?”
“I jus’ can’t stay away from the sport I love so much. I’ve rested it and had it looked at by many doctors. They say that I can do another rodeo once a year now…if I’m careful. Maybe you’ll see me again one of these days if you’re still doin’ rodeo.”
The two paused and shuffled around a bit until Applejack spoke up with shocked realization, “Haystacks! I’m goin’ to be late if I don’t get a move on!”
“Good luck out there kid! I’ll be rootin’ fer ya’!”
* * * * * * * * *
“Second place Applejack!” cheered Spike as the group walked up to the train station. “That’s great!”
Applejack had a very shiny silver medal strapped around her neck. She was beaming proudly.
“You were awesome out there!” encouraged Rainbow Dash. “Where’s that been these past days?”
“Thank ya’ everypony,” replied Applejack. “I jus’ had a case of nervous stress is all, Wrangler told me so.”
“So you really did get to meet him?” asked Fluttershy.
“I sure did, and I have y’all to thank for it. Thank you. All of you. I couldn’t have any better friends in all of Equestria.”
“Well, it looks like your train is here,” Braeburn stated as he walked over to the group of friends. “Thanks fer comin’ out cous’. We’ll have to git together again soon.”
The cousins gave each other a big hug and then said their good-byes. The train took off with all of its passengers, headed back to Ponyville.
* * * * * * * * *
Aboard the train, Applejack leaned over to Spike.
“Hey Spike, think ya’ can do somethin’ for me?”
“Sure. What do you need?”
“I need to write a letter to Princess Celestia.”
“No problem, just give me a moment.”
The little dragon hopped up and rummaged through some of the bags the group had brought on their trip. He found a sheet of parchment plus some ink and a quill.
“Twilight always brings something to write with,” chuckled Spike. “You know ‘just in case of an emergency’. So, ready when you are.”
“Alright, here goes:
Dear Princess Celestia,
Today I learned about stress and nervousness. I was stressed about meeting a childhood hero of mine and it kind of got the better of me. But when I met him, he told me that he sometimes got nervous too. He told me to jus’ go out and do what you love because it doesn’t really matter who’s watchin’. My friends were tryin’ to help me do that the whole time, I jus’ couldn’t see it. So, I’m goin’ to keep on doin’ what I love and I won’t get all stressed over who’s watchin’.
Signed, Applejack
