Holding Back [Day 6]

Day Six

Strangely, Zaz was both excited and nervous at the same time. He would prance forwards eagerly then shield to the side, blowing hard. After a while he would regain his spark and work a little faster before once again something scared him.

It was difficult and annoying to ride Zaz at this moment. I didn't know if I should hold him or let him have some loose rein.

One way or another, he finally got warmed up and we set off towards the dirt track.

Zaz was still a fire ball once we were on the track. He was also still a tangle of nerves.

He bolted once we walked maybe a stride from the track gate. I held him and sat deep. I made him slow to a trot before he got far. Soon though he bolted again. As before, I sat back and slowed him again.

I couldn't blame him much. Something, or someone, messed him up as a baby to hate the track. But someone didn't do something right for him to think the only way to be safe was to be galloping. It was still a strange concept for me to get use to.

Before I could go very far, he bolted once more. I pulled him back up, being careful not to pull too harshly on the bit. I still refused to blame him. It was never the horses fault- not fully at least.

Slowly, very slowly, we worked our way up to a trot then slowly up to a canter then I let him loose for a casual gallop.

Our schedule called for a sprint over three furlongs. I wasn't planning on him galloping full out however. Just let him gallop a good notch faster.

Soon, he had galloped for roughly five minutes- by my guess. We rounded a corner and I planned to sprint him the three furlongs along the back stretch.

The turn to the back stretch finish fast and I urged Zaz on.

He responded immediately. His stride grew fast and long, taking up large chunks of land with every stride. His hooves, lined with sharp horse shoes for extra traction, dug deep into the dirt. After every stride a few clops of dirt flew out.

Two furlongs passed in a flash and I began to push him for the last.

He hesitated- confused about sprinting n the back stretch rather then the stretch- but finally listened and began to put on the power.

The final furlong came up faster then I had thought and I gave Zaz a pat on his damp neck before pulling him up. What a good boy, I cooed as he slowed to a canter.