Post by Emily on Nov 21, 2008 22:15:01 GMT -5
Emily led the young colt onto the track and smiled up at the bright afternoon sun, a deceiving sight for the cold fall day. She had chosen this to be her young colt's first real workout. The two year old Winter's Tale foal had been doing well under saddle and on short track experiences and she felt that it was time to try a little longer distance with him given his attitude and his parent's distances. Dreaming of Winter stepped lightly across the soft, dirt track his ears pricked and mane straight up as the wind blew. Emily rubbed his neck and said, Okay big guy, you ready to do this? Danny flicked an ear in her direction but kept his eyes focused on the large expanse of track just waiting on him to fly down.
Emily mounted and walked him toward the starting line. Danny seemed to be building up his energy as he waited anxiously to be told to go. Emily took a deep breath then squeezed her calves against the colt's sides and the explosion occurred. Danny went at a full out gallop for about two furlongs then settled down into an easy pace, thinking that he would be stopping soon as that was all he really had done before. Emily could feel the surprise go through him as they passed the six furlong pole and her crop fluttered over his shoulder reminding him to keep it up. After a couple strides he understood and seemed to be excited to get to keep running. They kept the same pace until Emily counted the eighth furlong pole pass and she asked him to extend his stride for what would hopefully someday be the last two or three furlongs of a race. Danny kicked it into overdrive and just let himself fly. As the tenth pole passed Emily asked him to slow down, ready to end for the day but her colt refused to obey, loving the freedom he was being allowed now. He finally settled into a fast canter and then a forward trot before Emily could get him to walk and cool off a little.
As the pair walked back towards the barns Emily lovingly scratched the colt's ear and rubbed his neck, very proud of him but never expecting less from such a willing colt. Guess we know you like those longer ones huh buddy? she said, leaning her head against his strong shoulder. Danny looked at her and his chocolate brown eyes said it all.
Emily mounted and walked him toward the starting line. Danny seemed to be building up his energy as he waited anxiously to be told to go. Emily took a deep breath then squeezed her calves against the colt's sides and the explosion occurred. Danny went at a full out gallop for about two furlongs then settled down into an easy pace, thinking that he would be stopping soon as that was all he really had done before. Emily could feel the surprise go through him as they passed the six furlong pole and her crop fluttered over his shoulder reminding him to keep it up. After a couple strides he understood and seemed to be excited to get to keep running. They kept the same pace until Emily counted the eighth furlong pole pass and she asked him to extend his stride for what would hopefully someday be the last two or three furlongs of a race. Danny kicked it into overdrive and just let himself fly. As the tenth pole passed Emily asked him to slow down, ready to end for the day but her colt refused to obey, loving the freedom he was being allowed now. He finally settled into a fast canter and then a forward trot before Emily could get him to walk and cool off a little.
As the pair walked back towards the barns Emily lovingly scratched the colt's ear and rubbed his neck, very proud of him but never expecting less from such a willing colt. Guess we know you like those longer ones huh buddy? she said, leaning her head against his strong shoulder. Danny looked at her and his chocolate brown eyes said it all.