Arrow

Chapter One

Barrel racing. A rider and her horse. Knocking over a barrel leads to a five second penalty. The clock is the only judge.

"Next up we have Tara Wilson and her horse Wild Card the time to beat 14.52 seconds and here she comes now!"

The rodeo is an insane, high pressure, loud, and thrilling place. This one is no exception. My handsome paint paces the compact space. The gate is the only thing separating us from the arena. I sit comfortably in the worn saddle holding tightly to the reins. I run my fingers through his mane when the door flies open, the timer starts, and Warrior takes off. Tearing out of the start lane. No matter how many times we practice this pattern you never know what will happen in the ring. Warrior turns to the right nearing the first barrel and expertly rounding it. Then starts the ninety foot gallop to the second. I can feel his stride beneath me the repetitive motion of his hooves striking the dirt. He circles the barrel keeping up his speed and then makes his way to the last. My adrenaline surging throughout my body. I watch the barrel and Warrior's sides. He comes close and my foot thumps the metal bin. I grit my teeth but focus on the 135 foot dash to the finish. I kick his sides and strike his neck with the reins. We come thundering into the confined box from before. I sit back in the saddle and pull him to a stop then find my time on the large scoreboard.

14.27 seconds - Tara Wilson - 1st place

I throw my hands up in the air and Warrior rears at all the excitement.

"That was Tara Wilson on her horse Wild Card we now have a new top score of 14.27 seconds and what an amazing pair they are!"

The crowd erupts with clapping and yelling. We are led out of the ring, Warrior acting a little jumpy after his race as usual. I dismount and take his reins. I look up at my tall gelding and he nudges my shoulder with his big head. I take him to the holding stalls outside and some of the other competitors congratulate me. I wish them luck and tie Warrior to a post.

"Tara you did sooooo good" My mom squeals from behind me.

I turn and give her a hug.

"Great job kiddo we're proud of ya." My father says.

He smiles and gestures to Sydney to say something. She just nods her head and look down.

"Hey, all thanks go to Wild Card." I say and kiss my horse on the forehead.

My mom checks her watch and then looks at the rodeo schedule.

"We have to go to the front desk can Sydney stay with you?" She asks me.

"Yeah of course."

I walk Sydney over to a bench and she sits down. Her black wavy hair covering her pretty green eyes. Ever since my parents adopted her, two months ago, she hasn't said much. Sometimes if she is in a good mood we will have a small conversation. She lost her parents when she was 5 and has lived in foster homes for 4 years. I can only guess that's what made her so shy. There's also the fact that she is blind. I turn my attention to Warrior and do a quick groom even though he is already mostly clean. I have ridden this horse for 8 years and started when I was 14. He is my best friend I trained him to barrel race after I saw how fast he could run. In fact my whole family trains rescued horses. My great grandparents started the ranch and passed it down. I listen to the announcer who is still yelling into the microphone.

"You know they make guide horses it's like a guide dog but so much cooler." I say trying to break the silence.

"Yeah" she says after a small pause.

"Maybe one day we could get one."

"Yeah" She whispers.

The next few minutes are a little awkward as she listens to music on her phone. I pet Warrior anxiously waiting to hear if I won. I watch my parents jog back to me and my sister.

My mother shrieks, "TARA YOU GOT SECOND PLACE!" She smiles and claps.

"Aw man" I grunt.

My dad lifts me into the air.

"We raised a champion!" He exclaims.

I giggle and he sets me down. I take Warrior to the judges table and they give me a medal. Then turn to decorate my horse. Once he has received the ribbon. I mount Warrior and we parade around the arena behind the first place winner. I wave to the crowd and smile while getting Warrior to do a fancy trot. I post with his movements and once we have finished the lap I head back to the desk. I tie up Warrior and sign some papers then they hand me a check for $300. I accept it and thank them, before being swarmed by a group of fans. I give out some autographs and let the little kids pet Warrior.