Just Me and My Horse

Chapter 1

The loudspeaker rumbled through the building.
"10 minutes riders, 10 minutes!"
I rushed towards the warm up arena and trotted some circles. Butterflies filled my stomach.
What if I mess up?? What if I hit a barrel??
I pulled my helmet strap tighter as I thought about even worse possibilities.
🔹🔹🔹🔹
My heart raced as we circled. My horse reared to go. As we turned the corner we took off to the first barrel. The wind whistled in my ears. I could feel myself smiling and I could sense my picture being taken. But it didn't matter, it was just about me and my horse. I turned the third barrel and ran home, kicking all the way. As I stopped my horse I waited for my time.
"And that was a 17.79 for Mackenzie!"
I couldn't believe it. Not only had I had an amazing time but I made it to the finals next weekend. I walked towards the trailer and jumped off my horse. I tied him up and gave him a treat.
Sweat ran down my forehead. I opened the truck and grabbed a water. After I untacked my horse I laid down in the bed of the truck. It had been a long week. But finally it was over. Tomorrow was Saturday and my day off from work. I hoped to spend it exercising my horse, Beau. But I knew I would probably be cleaning out stalls for my uncle.
I climbed out of the truck and went to see how all the other riders were doing. When I got to the arena they were on the last 5 and I was still in the lead. I smiled thinking about how much the winning check would help me. I didn't have very much money and I lived with my uncle. It wasn't that bad except all the chores I had to do. But I was still grateful. He was the only family I had that still cared what happened to me.
As the last riders finished up I was still in the lead. I walked toward the main office to get my check. 134 dollars. As I walked back to the trailer I thought about what I was going to do with my money. I could finally get Beau some new, much needed splint boots. I opened the truck and put my check in the middle console. As I closed the door I saw someone I never thought I would see again. Someone I hadn't seen in 8 years.
"Mom?!"