George,
with his silver-gray fur
cantering across bright green grass
whinnying softly
his white mane blown out by the wind
the sun a horizon of bright colors
behind him

Reaching out to pet
the soft
brown and white dotted face
of Polka
Peering out from behind the stall
ready to ride

*          *          *

All my life I’ve been watching those jumpers in that field wishing it was me. Finally I was ready. The swishing of Violet’s tail and the clop of her canter encouraged me onward. Leaning forward I felt my heart soar into the bright blue sky as Violet leapt into the air almost as if she were flying. Then dropping gently to the ground and coming slowly to a stop. I had done it. I had jumped.