To get Back Into the Saddle Again {COMPLETED}

Chapter 6: The Fall

Atlas went to several other competitions, either placing 5th, 6th, or 4th. He had gotten a 3rd, but only once. Altas had gotten a lot better and now was on Preliminary level. On July 5th, they were going to be in a competition. This was the biggest one yet, and, the scarest. One wrong move and things could go downhill.

"You ready?" Justin called from inside the silver Ram truck with a trailer. 

"Yes," Madelyn replied and shut the passenger door. "Let's roll,"

The slight drizzle of rain when they arrived at the competition made the air smell nice and fresh. Horses in their blankets stood in the covered parking area, thankful for the dryness. 

"I just spoke to the organizer, and she said the rain should stop soon. They are still doing the competition." Madelyn said and unloaded Atlas. The horse looked around, nickered to some horses, and waited for a reply. When only one answered, he walked to the side of the trailer to be tied up. 

Soon after  Atlas was warmed up, the rain stopped. The course first had a Trakenher, then a Corner, a Key Hole, a Sunken Road, a Coffin, a Weldon's Wall, two Banks, and a Normandy Bank to finish. 

Maybe Altas isn't ready. He's only done a Normandy bank once. A small one too. This one is a big one. Madelyn thought to herself. 

"Number 134. 134. Please come number 134,"

Atlas and Madelyn trotted up and waited for the whistle. Then they were off. Over the Trakehner and Corner with flying colors. Then a moment's hesitation with the Key Hole. Altas lengthened his stride when he came to the Coffin, making an easier jump. Then to the Weldon Wall. This was Atlas' favorite. He jumped it effortlessly and without a moment's hesitation. One the Bank, he stumbled a bit but got his footing again. 

The Normandy Bank was just 5 strides away. 4. 3. 2. Then. It happened. 

They jumped that bank, but Atlas was not ready for the uphill landing. He completely lost his footing and flipped over, landing on Madelyn. Madelyn screamed. Then they fell over the hill. Atlas crushed Madelyn again and flipped over onto his side.

Madelyn lay breathless on the ground. Gasping for just one breathe. Atlas lay next to her with tack still on and breathed raspy breaths. Soon all went blurry and black as Madelyn lost consciousness.