Chapter 1
July 15th, 2004
4 years old
“Good morning sweetheart.” My dad says coming into my room.
“Good morning daddy!” I exclaim sitting up from my bed my long blonde hair tossed across my head.
“Happy birthday princess!” My mom says coming into my room.
I giggle and jump up and down on my bed.
“Okay settle down cowgirl.” My dad exclaims as he grabs me in his arms.
My dad, mom, and I walk into the kitchen where a big breakfast is waiting for me. Chocolate chip waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon, strawberries, and whipped cream.
“Eat up princess we have a special surprise for you!” My mom says as she puts bacon on my plate.
I shovel in my breakfast as fast as I can and wait for my mom to finish the dishes.
“Ok come on! Come on!” I say as my mom puts the last spoon in the dishwasher.
“Ok princess close your eyes.” My dad says putting his hands over my eyes.
I walk forward as my dad continues to cover my eyes. I hear my mom open the door to the backyard. Our farmhouse has a big backyard with four paddocks. One for the pigs, goats, sheep, and cows. I start to giggle as I feel the sun on my arms.
“Ok here we go.” My dad says before he takes his hands off my eyes.
In front of me my mom is holding a Guoxia pony on a lead rope. I gasp and run up to her. I hug my mom and pet the little pony.
"You can name her whatever you like, princess." My mom says still holding the pony.
"I'm gonna name her Princess!" I exclaim.
My dad and mom laugh as I take Princess from my mom. Princess nudges me and that's when my love for riding started.
Local Texan five year old places second behind thirteen year old in show jumping.
Six year old Taylor Barlowe places first in Cross Country event in Dallas, Texas with Princess.
Seven years old and just won the under 13 division in Dallas, Texas taking her to states.
Seven year old wins States in Texas for under 13s.
Eight year old Taylor Barlowe rides new horse in show after tragic accident five months ago.
Taylor Barlowe stuns judges after perfect dressage event with new horse, Nova.
Nine years old and Taylor Barlowe crushes fifteen year olds in local Texas competition.
Ten years old and Taylor Barlowe is winning competitions every week.
An exclusive interview with eleven year old Taylor Barlowe who has been winning competitions since she was five years old.
Taylor Barlowe, twelve years old, has won 45 competitions since she was five years old.
Brian Barlowe, Taylor Barlowe's father, starts the build of Stallion Academy as Taylor Barlowe turns thirteen.
Taylor Barlowe still wins competitions as her father continues to build Stallion Academy.
As the construction of Stallion Academy comes to a complete the Barlowe family mourns the loss of Nova, Taylor Barlowe's horse who passed unexpectedly.
The Stallion Academy had their grand opening as Taylor Barlowe turns fifteen and starts on her new horse, Dallas.
Taylor Barlowe and Dallas start competing with Stallion Academy as the first participants.
Taylor Barlowe continues riding for Stallion Academy while also continuing her individual competitions.
April 16th, 2019
15 years old
"In third place, Miss Sofie Dovan riding Madrid." The announcer says as the final three riders stand in the middle of the ring.
Sofie Dovan walks her horse forward and salutes.
"In second place, Mr. Lucas Grams riding Denali." The announcer says.
Lucas Grams walks his horse forward and salutes the same as Sofie Dovan did.
"And that means our overall grand champion of the day is Miss Taylor Barlowe riding Dallas!" The announcer exclaims.
I walk Dallas forward and salute as two people put the winners rose wreath on Dallas and pin a rosette to his bridle. I walk Dallas out of the ring towards our trailer as people take pictures of us and I hear news reporters asking me all these questions.
"Alright, alright. Thank you for your support but please leave so we can get our stuff set." I hear my dad say as I dismount off of Dallas.
I see the reporters and photographers walk away and then go chase down Lucas Grams.
I take off Dallas' bridle and put his halter on, tying him up to the trailer while my dad takes his saddle.
"I'm proud of you princess, another competition in the books." My dad says placing Dallas' saddle in its bag and placing it on its rack in the trailer.
I figure eight Dallas' bridle and place it next to the saddle on the bridle rack. Dallas' name is engraved on the top of the racks on a horse shoe next to two horse shoes with the names Princess and Nova. I walk out of the trailer and put Dallas' blanket on and his boots.
"Nice riding today." I hear someone say behind me.
I turn around and see Lucas Grams leading his horse over to me.
"Thank you." I say untying Dallas' lead rope from the trailer.
"Taylor, is it?" Lucas asks tying his horse up to my trailer.
"Taylor Barlowe." I say holding out my hand to him.
He takes it and his hands are firm and rough. Not surprised considering he's from Texas.
"Lucas Grams, came in second today behind you." He says putting his hands in his pockets.
"I know, you rode a great round though." I say before leading Dallas into the trailer.
I tie him up and close the trailer door.
"You know I'll be seeing you around more often Barlowe." Lucas says untying his horse.
"Meaning?" I ask as I see my dad walking over to us.
Before he can answer my dad answers for him.
"Ah Lucas Grams! You just enrolled at Stallion Academy, rode a great round today son." My dad exclaims shaking Lucas' hand.
"Thank you sir, you're daughter rode wonderfully today." Lucas says eyeing me.
"Appreciate it son. Well we're gonna be heading home now." My dad says as he claps Lucas on the back before heading to the drivers seat of the trailer.
"See you 'round Barlowe." Lucas says before untying his horse.
"See you around Grams." I say before walking to the passengers side of the trailer.
