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Description

previously: sit back or die | next: the stars are not wanted now

Rider: Zachary De Luca
Horse: FDS Best Kept Secret

Representing for the TEAM

Nothing had felt worse than the disappointment of pulling out of Pula. Weeks of training and preparing only to realize there at the starting gate that he just… couldn’t handle it. He had simply turned away from potentially one of the biggest competitions of his career, and at that point he saw himself as nothing more than a failure. He had felt too sick to compete he had told them, but had politely declined the opportunity to see the show’s EMT’s. It was nothing more than the anxiety. The dread after the events that unfolded in London had loomed over him like a dark cloud, and that weight had been hard to shake. Pula had been too soon. The toll had become too high. If he had gone into that ring in Croatia, he would of either passed out, or the mare with no heart for humans would have left him in the dust.
Since that point he had debated if he was even deserving a spot here. Of course, everyone must be feeling that way at this stage of the game. For those struggling to hold their head above the water over such a worthy field of competitors, it was easy to give in to the worry. To lose focus… and to lose hold. He tried to keep his spirits high, but that rock had already settled firmly in the pit of his stomach. He was still an underdog, it seemed. It was not stated for pity, it was only his feeling. And sometimes, you don’t get your resurrection story right away. Sometimes, others are set on keeping you face down in the mud. It was a hard realization to come to… but also something that inspired personal growth. He was stubborn enough. He was too stubborn, not willing to let himself stay in this place. No matter what he felt, he had to push through it to get to the other side.
The mare came down from the jump with a rough thud, and pulled him from his thoughts. What was he doing? Letting himself get carried away in the middle of the course? He shoved his heels forward, setting her back on her haunches as they sailed over those last combination in the direction of the skyline. The morning sun seemed to catch right in his eyes, and for a mere second, all he saw was white. Then the impact of landing, and the mare perked her ears to the direction of the final fence.
He didn’t glance at the time as he circled, or check for knocked rails. Those things had never really mattered to him before, he was always grateful for the experience. Instead he patted the mare, silently praising her for her patience with him.. Perhaps, she had just enough heart for him to not leave him at the fences. As he left the arena, a crow cried over head. It was fitting to his apprehension. It just never felt quite right… could others tell? His hand shook, and for a second he doubted… was it really just all on his head? No. It was.
While others talked along with trainers and friends, he headed back towards the stables alone. It was a good time to think though… and to consider his current status. The situation back at home, his everchanging love life, and the strain he felt with the famous Adam Moore. He’d sooner die than have to confront any of those prevalent issues.
So… what would it take for him to stand up for himself?
Word Count: 593

references: jumps + location provided by the HCL
rider + horse --> 78.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mea…
hand to eye.

Description

previously: sit back or die | next: the stars are not wanted now

Rider: Zachary De Luca
Horse: FDS Best Kept Secret

Representing for the TEAM

Nothing had felt worse than the disappointment of pulling out of Pula. Weeks of training and preparing only to realize there at the starting gate that he just… couldn’t handle it. He had simply turned away from potentially one of the biggest competitions of his career, and at that point he saw himself as nothing more than a failure. He had felt too sick to compete he had told them, but had politely declined the opportunity to see the show’s EMT’s. It was nothing more than the anxiety. The dread after the events that unfolded in London had loomed over him like a dark cloud, and that weight had been hard to shake. Pula had been too soon. The toll had become too high. If he had gone into that ring in Croatia, he would of either passed out, or the mare with no heart for humans would have left him in the dust.
Since that point he had debated if he was even deserving a spot here. Of course, everyone must be feeling that way at this stage of the game. For those struggling to hold their head above the water over such a worthy field of competitors, it was easy to give in to the worry. To lose focus… and to lose hold. He tried to keep his spirits high, but that rock had already settled firmly in the pit of his stomach. He was still an underdog, it seemed. It was not stated for pity, it was only his feeling. And sometimes, you don’t get your resurrection story right away. Sometimes, others are set on keeping you face down in the mud. It was a hard realization to come to… but also something that inspired personal growth. He was stubborn enough. He was too stubborn, not willing to let himself stay in this place. No matter what he felt, he had to push through it to get to the other side.
The mare came down from the jump with a rough thud, and pulled him from his thoughts. What was he doing? Letting himself get carried away in the middle of the course? He shoved his heels forward, setting her back on her haunches as they sailed over those last combination in the direction of the skyline. The morning sun seemed to catch right in his eyes, and for a mere second, all he saw was white. Then the impact of landing, and the mare perked her ears to the direction of the final fence.
He didn’t glance at the time as he circled, or check for knocked rails. Those things had never really mattered to him before, he was always grateful for the experience. Instead he patted the mare, silently praising her for her patience with him.. Perhaps, she had just enough heart for him to not leave him at the fences. As he left the arena, a crow cried over head. It was fitting to his apprehension. It just never felt quite right… could others tell? His hand shook, and for a second he doubted… was it really just all on his head? No. It was.
While others talked along with trainers and friends, he headed back towards the stables alone. It was a good time to think though… and to consider his current status. The situation back at home, his everchanging love life, and the strain he felt with the famous Adam Moore. He’d sooner die than have to confront any of those prevalent issues.
So… what would it take for him to stand up for himself?
Word Count: 593

references: jumps + location provided by the HCL
rider + horse --> 78.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mea…
hand to eye.