Never shall I forget the period of time I spent waiting in that horse show ring, anticipating when my back number would be called.

Never shall I forget the suspense I felt as I waited in that line-up.

Never shall I forget the stress that the beast below me might take one step in the wrong direction.

Never shall I forget the hot sun burning through my chaps.

Never shall I forget these simple instructions: heels down chin up shoulders back, elbows in.

Never shall I forget the stiff leather reins in my hands.

Never shall I forget how the minutes crept by like hours.

Never shall I forget the expectant faces of the audience.

Never shall I forget hearing the announcer call out the placements in the order of 10th, 9th, 8th...

Never shall I forget the joy, the pride, the relief I felt when my back number was the last one called.

Never.