Final Version of First Scene (Patreon)

Camida stomped into the kitchen. She tossed her riding crop and boots into the corner rather than putting them away as she always had. It was clear to everyone in the room that she was angry. At fifteen, she was prone to the usual teen outbursts but her mother could tell this was something different.

“Camie,” Jean began. “What’s wrong honey?”

Camie stomped off to her room. Her father, David with a knowing look in his eye, waved Camie’s mother off.

“Today was the first race weigh in.”

“Weight problems?”

“This was bound to happen eventually.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Our little girl is growing up and I suspect she’s too big to jockey her mare any longer and pass the pre-race inspection.”

“Oh my,” Jean look worried.

“She’s become too heavy and too tall to race in the upcoming season. You know she was at the upper limit last season.”

“Yes but doesn’t the limit go up?”

“Yes, but there’s an upper limit. Jockeys have to be small and light. She’s beyond the range.”