LIFTED

After years of addiction and several stints in prison Steven goes into rehab. When he starts volunteering at a local stables, an unlikely friendship develops with the owner, Irene and a neighbour, Alison Motley who stables her horse on the land. With each of them helping each other with their own personal challenges, a deep bond develops between them. As Steven moves out of rehab and into his own flat, he becomes anxious about using again without his key workers on hand. Nurtured by Irene and Alison, he learns to ride on Irene’s prized American horse, Breeze. During the following months problems cause the relationship to break down, Alison leaves town and Steven is at risk of his life unravelling. Then another Alison steps in. Alison Garner is Irene’s other neighbour and runs a livery and training facility next door at Brook Barn. A seasoned Eventer she offers Steven a chance to train with her and recognising his natural talent and gift with the horses she fights hard to get him an official apprenticeship. Steven blossoms under Alison Garner’s guidance and he gets the opportunity to ride a variety of competition horses. Their plan is to enter Steven into some affiliated events. Life has never been so good. But then Steven’s health takes a serious turn for the worst and he awaits the results from his tests. He wonders if he has the strength to face another fight. Over time Steven’s health starts to slowly improve, but there are always ups and downs. Alison Garner has become a life line to Steve, helping him navigate through the whole process. He then gets the opportunity to take part in the BHS charity horse race at Wetherby, something he is desperate to do. He has to train hard and hope his health holds up and he is able to prove to the world how far he has come.