Peace of mind

I can't believe it, we won! Amadeus' first show and we placed 1st! Soo happy!!

Horse: GM Amadeus
Rider: Isac 
Competition: Mental Illness Awareness Show 2016 
Discipline: Dressage
Song: Peace of mind- Above and Beyond www.youtube.com/watch?v=ct21Cq…

Artist's comment: I have been struggling with anxiety for a while now and this song always lifts me up, making me believe that there is an end to it and that I will be alright. I felt that this competition is very important for me to attend since I have this subject so close to my heart. With this piece I wanted to show other people that struggles with their thoughts that there is a way out. The rain won't last forever, soon the dark clouds will disappear and reveal the sun behind. 
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Story: 

Even though he had been very negative about his younger brother joining him, he was actually very relieved to have Rasmus by his side to support him. They had finally agreed to Rasmus just following as a moral support, without competing. 

The same morning as the show, Isac felt more nervous than ever, since this was his first show with Amadeus in the United States. This was also the first time he had brought Amadeus with him on a plane. It had been a long trip for them, but luckily the flight had gone without any trouble. As Isac prepared the breakfast for his horse, he thought about all the worst case scenarios that could occur. He worried about Amadeus being too tired, too hyper or too tense and imagined how the two of them made complete fools out of themselves in the arena. 

As he greeted Amadeus he sensed that the stallion was a little stressed out about the new environment. Isac scratched his companion behind his ears and tried to calm him down. The two became more relaxed in each others company and Isac felt the first positive feeling of the day.
"Maybe this could go alright" he thought. 

As the competition began and he saw the other contestants, Isac's heart fell, and he started to doubt his choice of music.
"Maybe I should have chosen a classical piece instead..." He said to Rasmus as he braided the green ribbon into Amadeus' mane. 
"No, come on, Isac, your program is so cool, the song is like the main part of it!" Rasmus said, trying to comfort Isac.

He got up in the saddle and the stallion felt very tense and stressed out about all of the fuss around him. Isac could feel his heart in his throat. The warmup went by very fast and finally it was their turn. As the music started, Isac's fear disappeared and got switched out to pure excitement. He now remembered why he joined this competition in the first place and felt enthusiastic to show the audience what he had come up with.  

Overall, the program went really good. The sundown in combination with the music rose the atmosphere and Isac could feel the support from the audience. When it was over, Isac dropped the reins and gave Amadeus a big hug from above. He was so pleased with his accomplishments and his horse! Other than a few misunderstandings here and there, the duo made an astounding premiere at their first international show. 

Rasmus waited for them outside of the arena. He gave Amadeus a carrot and hugged his brother.
"That was AWESOME!! You should have seen the faces of everybody!" He shouted excitedly. Isac smiled. It couldn't have gone better, he felt pure happiness and excitement for the future.
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Art info:
Time: 10-11 hrs
Photoshop CC
Tablet
Referenced from a private photo taken by my cousin: www.instagram.com/photographyx…
Horse: 12696802 1131870836836664 374667147 O
Stocks:
Background:horse stables stock