Austin
The harsh lights pierced my eyelids as consciousness flooded back. My head pounded, memories of the barrel race accident crashing over me. I grimaced, surveying my surroundings - a sterile hospital room.
The world blurred into streaks of color as Stormy and I rounded the final barrel. The roar of the crowd faded, replaced by the thundering of hooves and my own pounding heartbeat. We were making record time.
"Come on, girl," I urged, leaning low over her neck. "Let's show 'em what we've got."
As we straightened for the home stretch, a flash of movement caught my eye. A loose dog darted onto the arena floor, yapping excitedly.
Time slowed. Stormy's ears flicked back, her muscles tensing beneath me. I knew what was coming, but I couldn't stop it.
She reared, neighing in panic. I
