The End Of One

previously 

April 15th, 2021 

"You ready?"

James rubbed his hands together, bouncing lightly on his toes. "Couldn't be readier." 

"Okay, so." Henry brought his phone closer to his face. This was the announcement they had all been waiting for: the US Equestrian Federation's selection for the Olympic short list in showjumping. Jim had worked hard, raked in some great results - his hopes to find himself on the list were high. Henry - who had just returned home from his overseas studies for a short spring break - had spotted the article first, and claimed the satisfaction of revealing it to his brother for himself. Of course he took all the time in the world, keeping the suspense up for as long as possible.

"Here we go. Jonathan Simmons with Calendula -" 

"Not surprised." 

"Ben Halliday with Silver Crest. Tammy Brunswick with Oracle Night and The Bee's Knees."

"Mhm, yep." 

"Jay Collins with Elbarado, gosh that's a great horse -"

"Ouf, yeah, tough list so far."

"Kristen Foster with Paloma."

"Pff, that's gonna be a long shot." 

"Dennis Hubbard with Revoluzer and Life Is More."

"Mhm."

"Jenny Colbert with Andiamo. Megan McArdle with Viking Z. George Clint with Heartridge's Quebec."

Jim had no comment.

"Aaaaand... last but not least..."

"Henry I swear to -"

"James Crosby with Hergest Ridge and Caedmon's Hymn!" 

"Yes!" Jim clapped his hands, bending forward to do a little celebratory quarter-of-a-circle hop to the side. "Told 'ya!" 

Henry laughed, just as joyous about the sight of his brother's name on the list as the man himself, and offered him an high-five. He knew what a big deal this short list selection was for James. Another step completed on the road to one of his life's dreams: to one day get to represent his nation at the Olympic Games.

May 22nd, 2021

The next step of selection for the Olympic team consisted of competing in designated so-called "observation events" overseas. First on James' list was the 5* CSIO in Rome that he had been selected for with Mike, a competition including an exciting Nations Cup that would mark the beginning of a season of shows all through Europe until the final lineup would be announced at the beginning of July.

Things were looking good so far. Mike had been able to shake off his WEF blunders and was feeling fresh and fit and not a year of his age, so Jim was buzzing with excitement for the months to come. He would show everyone what a great horse he had in Hergest Ridge, and how much they deserved to be on this list.

Presently, he oversaw the grooms loading his two horses into the trailer to start their journey to Italy.

Caddy was already inside, shifting his weight nervously while Helen attempted to lead his chestnut friend in as well. Mike was only halfway up the ramp when she noticed the little separating wall hadn't been swung around correctly, so she signalled Mike to walk backwards again, which the seasoned traveller happily did. In the process, he stepped off the ramp with his right hind leg.

And then and there, Jim's olympic ambitions shattered.

"Wait a moment -" he said, leaning forward and letting his legs catch up with his body. Horror seeped into his voice. "Am I seeing things or is he not walking sound?" 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 :T 

Featuring Jim, Mike
Art (c) by me, reference used