Catherine’s mare is an off-the-track Thoroughbred. The little ex-racehorse doesn’t fit in with the expensive German horses at the dressage barn because she doesn’t look or move like them.<br><br>So it’s no surprise that when a competition is held for all the boarders, Catherine and Besca are the only ones not chosen to ride on a team. The two are laughed at for having the nerve to hope they’d be invited to compete.<br><br>Catherine resigns herself to not taking part, but continues to work on her riding skills and practice the test she wanted to perform in the competition. But she doesn't realize she's being watched ... by someone intent on changing her life when show day arrives.

The Horse Inside

After tightening the girth, I led her to the mounting block and leapt lightly into the saddle. To get her circulation going again, I walked her on the grass outside the competition arena, where I could also watch Sherry and Pirandello perform their test.


Of all the rides of the day, Sherry had the smoothest. Pirandello still shied at the judge’s canopy whenever the wind made the blue canvas move, but allowed his rider to steer him past it.


This gave me five minutes to gather my wits, take more deep breaths, and run through the test in my head.


Sherry was now exiting the ring and passed us as we went in. “Good luck, Catherine!”


My pulse was racing. Please let me stay calm and remember the movements!


I trotted for a few strides, then halted Besca to make sure she was paying attention. I gave her a couple of pats on the neck to soothe her and help me focus. Then I asked her to trot up to the judge’s table, as I’d watched the other horses do. All eyes were on me. 


Chapter 6