Page 15 of Only With Me

The season ended last month, but I’m trying to get in as much practice as possible before the next one begins in spring.

“Yeah, of course. Ellie will be done in an hour and then we can start,” Noah replies.

Noah stays busy enough that she needs to work on the weekends, too. She takes off when she can, but for as long as I’ve known her, she always has a full plate. Since I’m not competing right now, Piper and I train with Noah whenever she’s available or when I’m not at my part-time job.

Since I didn’t want to put all the expenses of Piper’s boarding fees on my parents, I work at a Western clothing boutique called Rodeo Belle. It’s a cute place downtown that’s popular with tourists and college-aged girls.

“Hey, sweet girl.” I rub my palm up and down Piper’s white-spotted nose. “Ready to get outta here?”

She bobs her head underneath my hand, and I laugh.

Getting fresh air and trail riding with Piper is the core of keeping my mental health stable. After fighting for my life andbeing unable to walk when I was a teenager, I’ve learned not to take it for granted.

I brush her for a bit before attaching her lunging tack.

“Alright, let’s go.” I click my tongue and lead her out to the corral. I lunge her for twenty minutes since I got caught up at home and haven’t ridden her in a couple days.

“Thatta girl,” I praise when she walks up to me. “Let’s get ready to ride.”

After I bring her back into the stables, I cross-tie her in the aisle and put on her saddle tack.

“Where’re you ridin’?” Ruby asks before I head out.

“Up to the retreat trails. There shouldn’t be any guest tours right now, so figured it’d be a good place to go.”

“Okay, be careful. It gets icy up there this time of year,” she warns.

“Don’t worry. Piper’s a baddie, ain’t ya?” I pat her neck.

Ruby snorts. “Text if you need anything.”

“Will do.”

At the mention of texting, I remember to check my phone that was vibrating while I was outside.

Annie’s horse had a hoof issue, so I swung by her ranch before coming here so I could lend an extra hand in helping her check if there was a nail in it. Unfortunately, there was, so I distracted Gretchen by brushing her and speaking softly while Annie managed to soak her hoof in a bucket of warm water.

Since Annie’s farrier couldn’t get out there until Wednesday, I texted Noah and Fisher to see if he could help since he normally has off on Sundays.

Fisher: I’m heading out there now if you want to let your friend know I’ll be there shortly.

Harlow: Thanks so much, will do!

I quickly change over to my text convo with Annie to let her know.

Annie: You’re a lifesaver! Thank you!!!

Harlow: No problem - give me an update on Gretchen when you can :)

One of the many reasons I’ve loved growing up in Sugarland Creek is how tight knit the community is. I’ve met so many amazing people through their love of horses and the rodeo. Although Delilah’s been a professional trick rider for years, I didn’t get interested in riding until after I’d spent three years in and out of hospitals.

When I finally recovered from the assault that altered my life—“the incident” as we call it—my mom and her thought equine therapy would help keep my mind occupied so I wouldn’t fall into a deeper depression.

I was reluctant at first since I didn’t know much about horses, only what I’d witnessed from my sister riding over the years, but I’m glad they encouraged me. Delilah’s ten years older than me and spends most of the summers traveling across the state for her job, but she’s always been protective of me.

Whether it’s because she’s my big sister or she felt guilty for not being home that day, she’s always been my biggest supporter. She helped me get lessons with Noah so I could learn from the best. I’m no expert in show jumping, but I’m having fun with it and getting to do something for me.

After taking Piper for a trail ride and doing an hour of training with Noah, I’m home before dinner. Delilah moved out a couple years ago into an apartment with her best friend, so it’s only my parents and me with our three dogs.