She yelped in surprise, the branch ultimately sending her down to the ground. She hissed in pain, grasping her side.

Briskly, Jackson wheel the mare around and leaped from the sadle. "Sophia!" He grabed her sholders and geltly forced her in to a sitting position. Leaning her back against his shoulder.

"Ah, gentle!" She hissed softly, leaning against him. She looked over herself and tried to determine if anything was broken or strained.

"Oh shush." Jackson says. He glanced at the horse, but they are still nearby. "That was quite the fall." He says gently. "We should probably get you back." but all the parents will blame me.

"No, I'm fine!" She said stubbornly, climbing out of his grip. "I've dealt with worse Jackson."

"Alright, my lady." Jackson says with as much sarcasm as he can muster. "Let's get you back on your noble steed."

"Aww such a charmer." She said as she rolled her eyes. She dusted herself off and said, "I've fallen off a horse before and I've survived. I'm tougher then I look."

Jackson grabbed at his mare's reins. Catching hold, he shoves his foot in the stirrup and climbs on. "Alright, then. And you said you were the best in the 'arana'. Ever done Cross country?" Jackson says.

She climbed onto her horse, wincing as the soreness along her sides. She rode up alongside him and said, "I've probably done it once or twice. But I'm up for the challenge."

Jackson smiles. He turns and clicks to his horse. He takes the easy routes for now. Gentle turns and small jumps, always keeping an eye on Sophia.