I walked into the stables and gravitated toward Meg. I found her in the tack room and together we went into the lounge. I dropped off my bag and slightly stretched my back. I greeted Meg and Sammy walked in shortly after. I went to Moon's stall to find out that one of the grooms had tacked her up.  I gratefully thanked him before walking to the arena. Meg lifted me up into the saddle and I settled into the seat. Meg helped me fasten my chaps and I slipped into the irons.
  I warmed Moon up while Meg set up jumps. Meg moved out of the way and motioned for me to start. I felt the heat from my brace relax my back muscles as I started for the first oxer. We glided over the jump when it clicked. I motioned Moon into a canter and led her easily over the next fence. We finished the course easily without trouble. We pulled beside Meg who had a grin plastered on her face. A warm smile crept onto my face.
  "Claire, you ready?" I tilted my head curious. "First we will raise the jumps, then I want you to try something." I nodded and Meg raised the jumps while I gave Moon the well deserved attention she needed, then Meg motioned us. Together we cleared the raised course, our moves becoming more fluid with each jump we completed.
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Meg took Moon away and brought out a bronze thoroughbred with a cream colored mane and a white blaze down his nose covering one nostril. His ears perked up and he approached. His elegant head poised perfectly, his delicate nostrils deeply breathing in the air. My legs started to shake and I could see Storm grows anxious, yet nervous. I knew I couldn't be harsh to him because that would only ruin him. Meg offered a leg up and I gratefully took ot, boosting myself into the saddle.
  After I was sure the stirrups were the right height, I put my feet in the irons and sat deep in the saddle. Meg encourages me to go. Instead, I cantered a lap catching up with Storm. I was nervous for this moment but knew I had to do it sooner or later. His legs were wrapped for support and a twinge of guilt rushed through me.
  I centered him toward the first small oxer. I cleared it realizing that Meg set up the course the exact same way as the Jump-Off. I led Storm over all but the second to last jump. I couldn't bear to look, putting all my trust in Storm. I let him lead. He flew over the fence and I buried my face into his neck, looking for support. I still helped Storm as he landed, clear. We sailed over the final fence and then collected each other and walked over to Meg.
  She looked at me hopeful. "I think, I can." I took a deep breath trying to soak in what just happened. "I did it. I really did it." I started to cry. Cry out of happiness, Storm and I survived. I survived the torture. I knew I still had a long road of recovery to go, but I knew that I was past the biggest hurtle. Only the small oxers remained to be cleared.
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I finally found Julie, she hadn't been in the stables for a few weeks. I brought Sammy along who has increased in her skill, I could tell she loved the horses. I approached Julie, "Hey Julie, do you know who tacked up Storm for the Jump-Off?"
  Julie stopped cleaning the bridle she held, looking thoughtfully for a moment before replying, "Honestly, no, I didn't realize Storm was tacked, I thought you quickly tacked him up before you left?"
  "Why would you think that? You were the groom."
  "Well, it wasn't your saddle that was there, I just figured you found a saddle and just put it on."
  "No, who's saddle was it?
  "Hmm, if I'm not mistaken, I think it was Emily's."
I stood in the isle, shocked. "Did you inspect the saddle afterwards, was the stirrup just worn?"
  "I did check the saddle, the stirrup too. It seemed to be half torn, half cut."
  "Like, with a blade?"
  "Yes, now, if you'll excuse me, I have to finish this tack before their owners return from the paddock." I nodded walking back down the isle with more questions than before.