The Highest Hurdle — David Pereda

The Mexican Equestrian Federation challenges the best riders in the world to attempt the seemingly impossible -- break the official mark of 2.47 meters for the highest jump on horseback ever recorded. Five riders are equal to the challenge, although each has a personal reason for wanting to do it -- besides the lure of the $500,000 prize money, of course. Piero, from Italy, wishes to use the opportunity to change his decadent life style...and, oh yes, escape a jealous husband too; Sheikh Abdullah desires to show the world the supremacy of the Arab horses; Jenny, the consummate professional from the United States, does it to represent her country; Rodney wants to do it to win Jenny's love...and her father's approval; and seventy-two-year-old General Alberto Carriles, from Mexico, is willing to risk his life trying it to regain his nation's respect. The competition rules state that only one rider can be declared the winner. But, realistically, can any horse and rider combination in the world, however good, overcome The Highest Hurdle?