Shawn still protested and Kyle went to get the coach. The coach came by and explained,
"Listen Shawn, I know this is awkward for you. We normally use real centaurs for this event
and the centaurs minds are half horse, half human just like their bodies. They fuss about
the bridles too but they adjust because the horse part of them accepts training."
Kyle added, "The bridles prevent injuries to the rider. You don't want me to fall off and get
hurt do you?"
Shawn said, "No, but it's embarrassing. Can't I wear a shirt? It's bad enough that I have to
do this naked. I don't want to be harnessed up."
The coach said, "If we could have found a replacement centaur in time we would have. Do
this for the team. Or do you want us to be disqualified? The judges need to be satisfied
that you are completely a centaur. They might accept that you were a boy changed into a
centaur but they might disqualify the whole team if they think that you are not completely
a centaur."
Shawn said, "Alright, but you owe me Kyle."
Kyle said, "And I will make it up to you. Now let me put the bridle on."
As the bit slid into Shawn's mouth, it was laced with a magical formula. Kyle had added
this formula just to ensure Shawn's cooperation. Kyle had every intention of changing
Shawn back eventually but for now, Shawn had to be made more submissive.
It took another thirty minutes to get Shawn ready for the sport. In that time the magical
formula had started working. Just before they were ready to head onto the field, Shawn
said, "You should put the saddle on me anyway, Kyle. It will make your ride more secure."
Just then the judges walked in to inspect Shawn and make sure he was completely a
centaur. They spoke with some of the other centaurs. Finny the centaur said, "Judge
Patterson, as you can see, I've been laying off the sugar cubes. I'm fit and ready to play."