Demi secured Cougar's reins to a loop of twine on the arena fence then approached the line of riders, checking girths, stirrup leathers and throatlashes. She stopped at the end of the line and counted. "Where's Ashleigh?"

India raised her hand demurely. "She's not here, Demi."

Demi grimaced. "That much is obvious. Does anyone know where she is?"

"I'm here." I stood up in the grandstand. I wasn't going to hide.

"Where's your horse?" Demi's face was dark. She moved towards me. The line of riders stared.

"In the paddock," I said.

Demi exhaled sharply. "May I ask why?"

"I'm not riding today," I said. My hands started to shake so I shoved one under each arm.

"Out!" Demi cried. She was shrill. It was like she'd been desperate to tell me off, like she finally had an excuse to unleash all the anger I feared she'd been boiling up inside her and now there was no way she could control it. She pointed at the gate of the arena. I could hear murmuring from the riders and felt my face burn. I left the grandstand and stood outside the arena where none of the riders would be able to see or hear.