Ocean ceases to stop disappointing me but along with that, he makes me happy.

We lunge out of the starting gate and fly down the grassy pathway. We probably just took off at the fastest speed we have ever hit. Wow. This horse just amazes me every time I hop on him.

Ocean spots the first jump before I do and he lurges forward even more. I collect him up and go into 2 point as he hops over it. I almost lose my balance! But quickly maintain it back.

The next jump comes up faster than I can think and he attempts to lunge at it yet again but he calms and collects much nicer. Over we go nice and pretty and strong but not too strong.

He looks as if he is enjoying himself which I love. A few minutes passed and we reach the last jump, he jumps over it like its nothing and we gallop even faster to the finish line. Everyone shouts as we race over the line marking out the finish.

I slowly bring Ocean down to a walk and a long rein to let him take a breather. He probably has not had to work that hard since his younger days.

He has been a trail horse for far too long but now he has what it takes to be a great champion! I wait anxiously for the time... Crickets could be heard in my head but I am pretty sure they are not real.

"Congratulations! Sophie and Ocean beat a show record today at the cross country! Last to go but they sure did shine! Well done Sophie and Ocean! This puts you guys in first place. Heart in second. 3rd is a horse named Lazy Eye and the rider and owner is Ash. The rest have been eliminated.
Good day folks! We arrived all safely back to the finish line with no injuries, falls,or mishaps! Yay! Have a great day everyone. We will see you all tomorow in the arena for show jumping day 3." the announcer finnally replies as I hop off Ocean to go cool him off.

I can not believe that Ocean got me in first. He sure does shine at cross country!

I pull all of his tack off and I clip his leadrope to his halter guiding him to the wash stalls. He deserves a nice cool bath after his hard work today!

I spray cold water on him as he smiles my way. "Silly boy!" I giggle.

Suddenly
...I feel a cold hand at my back. I do not want to turn around.

The man covers my eyes and I turn the water towards him.

"Wait!! Not the water!!!

The voice sounds like my uncle.

The one I thought I lost...

I turn around..and there I see him. I feel like breaking out in tears. I can't believe that he is alive!!

I give him a great bear hug, even though he is wet. But I wont need this outfit anymore. I have a show jumping one in the trailer. And I have a protection over my outfit anyways.

"Ive missed you sophie!" he says.

We lost him 2 years ago when he went missing. He was kidnapped at a local convience store and we hadn't seen him since UNTIL NOW!

"I thought you were gone forever. Uncle, you went missing and I thought they would of found you dead since its been 2 years." I say in shock.

"Well I was...almost...but I saw a door opened there mistake and flooded out! I was scared out of my mind and afraid of being shot but it was the best thing I could of done. I found the police,turned out I was in another state. And they brought me back to my family! Im very happy that I got to see you compete today! You looked amazing and im glad you were able to handle Ocean here. I remember training him as a yearling...he was the roughest of the bunch. But now look at him." he gazes upon him and says goodbye as he heads off to his truck to head home for the day. He didn't live very far from the show grounds soo he could come by during show season and watch my progress.

A warm feeling comes over me and my show nerves are gone. Im happy that he is alive and my hopes have not been doomed after all. Maybe all I needed was to believe.

I finish washing Ocean and have him dry and then I put him in his stall to rest.

He gets a banana for his good work and Heart gets his favorite, green apples!

I say goodbye to my buddies, horses, and head off with my brother to the trailer. He is happy to see our Uncle also.

We are over the moon exited to catch him up on the 2 years he lost. I just hope that they don't come looking for him or anyone again.

Fingers crossed that they have given up or arrested.

Hmm...what will happen next? Take a guess in the comment section and check your self in the upcoming chapters.