to the high-school barrel racer

dear high school rodeo barrel racer:
i saw your race last night. i really liked your purple plaid shirt and fancy shinny belt buckle. you were doing really well; you should be proud of what you accomplished.
we were all stunned at what happened on your last circle around the barrel. did you know your beautiful horse had broken its foot before you got off?? i heard screaming, coming from all around, gasps, and cries of "oh, no!" i wasn't looking when it happened, but i saw the aftermath.
your horse stood there, back left foot dangling, trying to move, not knowing what to do. it looked real painful. i felt so bad when you finally hopped off the horse after it wouldn't move at your command. you fell to the ground, let out a scream, and began to sob. my eyes filled with tears, too.
it seemed like eternity before they got that big horse trailor out to carry your horse off the arena. i think your mom tried to comfort you and keep you from looking at your horse. still, i heard you screaming.
"what will happen to that horse?" we asked my sister in law, Heather, former barrel racer.
"they are putting him to sleep right now."
i couldn't believe it. i still can't get the images of that foot dangling, broken, loosely like deflated skin.
i am so sorry it happened.
keep riding...for your horse.
love
a rodeo by-stander.