Walk. Ride. Event.

July 15th

Seneca PC Trials

The grass squelched under the big, black gelding's hooves as he circled the start box. His breath came out evenly as we plodded around and around. The steward gave a thumbs-up in question and I nodded back, readying the beast between my legs.

"Out on the course next, we have Emerson Silver and her Quarter horse gelding, Rock My Heart." The female steward speaks into her walkie-talkie. "Good luck." She waves us into the box and counts down.

Rock surges out onto the course, charging the first jump; a simple brush-and-ditch combination.

"Easy, buddy." I collect him before launching over the brush, overjumping it. He stumbles on the landing, but makes it over.

This was going to be a long course.

~W~

The roar of the upcoming crowds flooded my eardrums and I completely forgot where I was, memories from a cross country lesson attacking my conscious mind.

The brick wall, jump number twelve, loomed four strides ahead. I pulled back on the reins and seated myself, but Rock already had his eyes set on the jump. The takeoff was slimy with mud and I had witnessed several horses stumble before it, barely making it below the time limit. His hind legs slipped at the last minute and he lurches over the jump, falling to his knees after and pitching me out of the saddle.

His front end rolls over my waist and everything goes back.

All I could hear were frantic cries of the sideline parents and trainers wishing for me to rise. Rock lay on the grass, nibbling at the littlest pieces. I knew this was bad.

An ambulance rolled onto the course, men and women in emergency uniforms dragging out a stretcher and a neck brace, which is buckled on. I wiggled my fingers, happy that one thing was hopeful. My toes wouldn't budge, an excruciating pain exploding from my hips, all the way down to my ankles.

"What's your name?" The paramedic setting and adjusting my neck brace asked. "Can you stand?"

I shook my head 'no'. "It's Emerson Silver."

"Emerson, wiggle your fingers." She says, watching for any paralyzed movement. "Good. Now wiggle your toes."

I willed myself to show them I was alright, to show that Rock and I could finish this, but nothing happened.

"I can't feel my legs." I sobbed, trying to drag myself to Rock's body. They'd gotten him up and he gave his nose for me to hold. "I'll see you soon, buddy." I kissed his snip as I was attached to a breathing mask and lost consciousness.