Mira gripped the reins at the arena entrance. The crowd buzzed like a swarm of bees. Her horse's ears flicked back at the noise.
They trotted past the first jump — blue and white poles. Mira held her breath. The crowd clapped, and Biscuit shook his head and stopped.
Next came the tall wooden jump with rainbow stripes. Mira squeezed her legs. Biscuit planted his hooves and refused. A spectator dropped an ice cream cone. Splat.
She leaned close and whispered to Biscuit. 'One big jump. Together?' One ear flicked forward.
Mira squeezed again, and they galloped toward the rainbow stripes. They leaped into the air. The crowd gasped.
They landed with a loud thud — Mira's helmet wobbled. The crowd cheered.
Mira grinned so hard her cheeks hurt. She hugged Biscuit's neck. 'We did it,' she whispered.
The crowd clapped and cheered. Biscuit pranced in place, his tail swishing. Mira patted his neck and laughed.
Mira looked down at the rainbow jump. It didn't look so tall anymore. She patted Biscuit. 'Good boy.'
They walked out of the arena together, the crowd's cheers trailing behind. Mira smiled at the sky.