It's Never Over

PROLOGUE:

   "You all ready?" Raven asked me, her hand on my leg. I nodded, feeling pretty relaxed. This was one of the smaller Grand Prix's so I wasn't as stressed. 

   Raven grinned, patting my horse on the shoulder. "Go kick ass."

   I laughed, gathering the reins and trotting into the arena as the judge called my turn. I did a circle, picked up a canter, and headed for the first jump. I felt my horses muscles ripple under her skin as we flew over each fence.

   We headed to each jump smoothly and cleared each fence. Finally we headed for the last jump. I let out a little more rein and we flew towards the jump. I sat tall in the saddle, letting the movement push us towards the jump. We took off, but too soon. My horses front legs hit the fake stone wall, and I flew from the saddle. I saw my horse falling, felt extreme pain, and then darkness.

   When I woke in the hospital a week later, my arm was gone. The doctors told me there were torn ligiments and nerves that couldn't be repaired. I was also told that I had a concussion and a fractured ankle. My horse was bruised and scared but was otherwise okay. The doctors told me I'm lucky to be alive.

   I spent six months in the hospital getting treatment and physical therapy. Friends, family, and Raven visited me. I didn't care anymore though. How could I ride with one arm? It just couldn't happen.

   My name is Kristin. I live in Minnesota and own a horse named Saniah. She's a black trakehner. Why does it matter though? I can't ride.

1

   "Keep those eyes up." my instructor Raven said as she led me around on my mare Saniah.  I felt like a five year old, like I was just learning how to ride, but truthfully I had been riding for 13 years. I felt like it was all over. It was the second time I had gotten on Saniah after the accident. I was finally recovered enough, but it didn't really matter anyway, I could never do Grand Prix again.

   "Raven I can't," I said flatly. I didn't want to try anymore. I just wanted to wake up, I wanted what was now my life to be over.

   "You can Kristin," Raven said, tugging Saniah gently to a hault. "It'll take time, but you'll get better."

   I shook my head and gritted my teeth and tears sprung to my eyes. "No I don't have time. It's over, my career."

   "You don't know that." Raven said. She handed me the reins. I took them nervously with my one hand. Raven hit Saniah gently on the butt and she started walking.

   "What are you doing?" I asked nervously. "Raven I can't, get her."

   My voice rose with every word. Raven stood there watching, her arms crossed. She didn't look mad or mean or upset. I can't really place her look. What she did that day changed my life.

  I pulled the reins gently to the left with my hand. Saniah turned, listening to my command. I tried turning her the other way, and she listened. It took all my willpower not to jump off and run around the arena like a wild child with joy. I pulled back on the reins and haulted Saniah.

   "I'm doing it," I whispered. My gaze shifted to Raven. She was smiling. Her soft brown eyes shown in the light of the indoor arena. 

   "I told you," Raven said. That's when I realized she was crying. Raven of all people was crying. I was obviously concerned. Of all the 13 years I had known Raven I had only seen her cry once, when her uncle died in a car accident.

   "Raven," I said. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

   Raven nodded. "You did it. You just did it kid. I'm just so happy you can't even imagine how proud I am of you right now."