False Gods: The Show Jumper's Challenge

“Let’s start with the vertical, then down to the small roll top,” Vee called, interrupting Cory’s thoughts. “Just sit quietly and wait for the jump to come to you.”

Vee took up a position across the arena. Her head was slightly tilted to one side, feet apart, and each hand slipped into a back pocket with her elbows sticking out like wings. Her concentration pose, studying every tiny move I make.

Cory sat taller and resisted the urge to grab up more of the reins. The scenery swam by in her peripheral vision as she stared with target lock-on at the fence galloping toward her. Airborne. Epiphany’s front hooves touched down, making a soft whisper in the slushy, shifting arena sand.

“Okay, let’s try something a little more challenging.” Vee adjusted the ground lines on the large oxer.

Cory noticed the top poles, garishly painted with red and blue stripes, were about even with Vee’s chin. The fence was at least five feet and the spread . . . She circled around the jump and stole a sideways glance. You could drive a car between the front and back rails.