Only One Jump

by Cowgirl
(Keyser, Ontario)

Part One

Fear and sadness twisted my stomach into several knots. As the announcer called our name I became even more nervous, we had never jumped this high, but our coach said we would be fine, that we would make it over. Mom said if I didn't do this competition I'd lose Autumn Delight. She is an amazing horse, but we haven't worked up to this level yet. As I trotted her into the arena, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. It was time to win. I knew once I took the first jump, only one, I would help Autumn sore over every jump in the arena. As we soared over the first four jumps, I smiled with glee, if we made it this far, we would make it through the rest. It was to late, when I realized that my cockiness would be our undoing. I tried to pull her to a stop knowing, that she would hit the real brick wall with so much force it would certainly do so much damage to the both of us.

As we hit the wall the impact threw me from Autumn's back and sent me crashing to the ground. As I looked up all I saw was a blur. That is all I saw before I fell into unconsciousness.

When I awoke, I was told I'd lost Autumn Delight forever.