I fidgeted, and my coach looked over to me, his face creased into a frown.

“Calm down; you’re going to rub your jitters off on Ian!”

“You’re right – calm down,” I whispered to myself, smoothing my jodphurs out nervously.

In case you’re wondering who Ian is, that’s my horse’s backstage name. When we’re in the ring, his name is “Cosmic Creepers”.

Don’t give me that look. I liked that name. There’s a guy who’s called his horse “Barley Beer”. What was going on through his head, I have no idea.

Besides, the name holds lots of memories for me. I shuffled up to the black Friesian stallion and started combing his mane, making sure it was all glossy; he can wow people when he looks at his best.

“Next up – Varso Athanasopoulou from Greece, and her horse, Cosmic Creepers.”

My breath caught in my throat.

My coach walked over to us, and started mumbling advice to me, which I only half – processed.

My brain only started working when we we rode into the blaring lights of the arena.

Focus on your dressage.