I stood in shock, my body was shaking as I read the letter in front of me. I was trembling with excitement, I couldn't believe it, I was accepted into the best equestrian school in the world Meadowgrove Equestrian.

I read through the letter once more just to make double sure.

To miss Mary-Anne Atwood
Firstly we must say we are very impressed by your skill as a rider, getting a scholarship is hard work and it seemed to pay off, you have to be extremely proud of yourself
Secondly, we want to thank you for requesting to join us here at Meadowgrove
Lastly, after some consideration with the board members, we are pleased to announce that you will be joining us here at Meadowgrove. We are excited to see you. We are looking forward to seeing you and your horse here.

I squealed again as she ran into the living room where her mum was sitting watching tv.

"What are you squealing for Mary-Anne?" My mum Rachel asked.

I jumped on the stop in excitement looking at her, "I got in," I showed my mum the letter, which she grabbed and instantly as she read it her eyes widened.

"Mary-Anne," she gasped, standing up to give me a hug. I hugged her back and held her for a few moments.

My parents always felt upset they couldn't afford for my lessons. But we're so lucky that her family friend Angela was willing to give me lessons with the rest. I've been riding since I was 5, I am now 15 so it's been 10 years. In those 10 years I've proved to everyone that I can be a great equestrian rider.

I started to pay back Angela by helping her at the stable, what ever I earned went towards my bill of paying her back and paying fort horse she got me. My horses name was Miracle, she was 14.8 hands and had beautiful brown colour with a white line on her face and a beautiful brown main.

My mum and I pulled away from the hug where she wiped her tears, "I am so proud of you sweetheart. You've proven the odds over and over again. I'm so happy that you are my daughter and proud of how you've turned out to be. I'm going to message your father and why don't you start packing your horse clothes and other clothes."

I nodded and made my way up to my room, my bedroom was medium sized with a double bed, a few posters on the wall and an old computer in the corner. My family weren't rich but we loved each other and supported each other, my family didn't have the greatest jobs but they still made me feel like a million dollars.

They spoilt me rotten when they could, I started grabbing my suitcase and filled it with my riding clothes, helmet and some ribbons I won from shows to hang up in the room. I then grabbed another one to fill with some basic things that I would need and use on mostly a daily basis. I heard footsteps and turned to see my mum walking in.

"I've called and told your dad, he too is very proud of you. We want to take you out to dinner tonight to celebrate after your riding lesson of course. We have some money put aside for these types of things," my mum said.

"But mum, you need the money," I whispered quietly.

My mum shook her head, "No this is amazing and a start to where you can become a better rider and maybe even go to the olympics. We always knew that you were destined for something and this is it."

I sighed and nodded my head, "Alright mum, if that's what you and dad really wanna do. Then I won't stop you."

My mum kissed my cheek before leaving the room.

~

My riding lesson had just finished, I placed Miracle into her stall after Untacking her and cooled her down, I filled up her bucket for feed and water.

"So any news?" Angela asked as she stepped towards my stall.

I turned around and smiled widely, "Yes, I got in."

Angela squealed loudly before hugging me, "Oh Mary-Anne I'm so proud of you. This is amazing. When do you leave?" She asked.

"My Mum said that her and dad will take me tomorrow it's only a 5 hour drive, is it okay to borrow one of your floats so we can pick up Miracle?" I asked.

Angela smiled warmly, "Yes of course, that is fine. I'm very happy for you, please send me details every once in a while."

"You know I will," I replied before gently brushing Miracles hair, making sure all her knots were out. "You hear that girl, we made it."

I knew I couldn't have done it without Miracle, she was the reason why I try as hard as I can. She's been there for me for a lot of things. She's my saving grace. Miracle let out a happy neigh as she waved her tail. I smiled widely before hearing someone stop behind me, I turned to see my parents.

"You ready sweetheart?" My dad Richard asked.

"Almost let me get changed and I'll be ready," I replied, they nodded and stepped aside. I placed the brush back in the holder before giving Miracle a gentle pat leaving her be.

I headed to the girls bathroom and changed into a nice outfit that had a red top with black jeans, a black jacket and my handbag. I carried out my riding gear in a duffel bag. Once I had everything I left with my parents saying goodbye to my friends and Angela.

My dad ending up taking us to my favourite restaurant Alla Penne, a little Italian restaurant just out of the city. We only came here for special reasons, plus the waiters and owner were lovely people. Once we made it there, the 3 of us entered the restaurant, heading towards the desk to check us in.

"Hello and welcome to Alla Penne, can I please have your name and how many?" The lady asked.

"Hi, it's under Atwood and for 3 people," my dad said.

The lady looked before finding us, "Yes here you are, table 21, here are some menus and our server will be with you shortly."

"Thank you... Sophia," my dad said after reading her badge.

We seated at our table and began looking at the menu, I looked through it before deciding on my favourite meal Slow-Cooker Short Rib Ragu over Pappardelle, my mums decided on chicken ravioli carbonara and my dad decided on getting Ricotta Gnocchi in Tomato Sauce.

I could see how proud my parents truly were when they spoke to me during the night at the restaurant. I was so grateful to have them as parents and I knew from now on my life will change and I will miss them dearly but they knew this was a dream come true for me.