Heart and Soul

Horse The Wanderer
Rider Emily

Written by Emily
^{Posted here for safety}

A cool breeze ran through the air as I walked toward the stall of of the newest arrival to my racing string, a beautiful filly out my prized mare, Mystical Sunrise, and by Hall of Famer, Merry Bay King. Ever since her birth around a year ago, I have found myself drawn toward Wonder's energetic, outgoing personality, much like that of her parents. Today would be the day to see if all that talent was passed on as well. Before I got to her stall, a small chestnut nose was pushing through the bars to greet me. I gave her muzzle a pat then stepped inside and slipped a halter over her head. She stepped out and pranced in a circle around me. I laughed and started walking, knowing that she would follow.

We reached the washrack and I tied her up while I reached for a brush. I quickly ran the smooth bristles over her body as she squirmed. I then placed the saddle on her back and tightened the girth. I unhooked her halter and slipped the bridle over her head. I then walked Wonder over to the round pen to mount. I had worked her here before so I hoped that she wouldn't feel like it was any big deal.

We walked and trotted a few laps in the round pen before I had a groom lead up out to the track. As soon as her first hoof hit the soft grass of the track, Wonder's red mane was inches from my face and her nostrils flared as she fought with the groom to be free. I thanked the man and as soon as she was freed, Wonder leaped into the air and bolted away. Whoa pretty girl, I said as I sat back and gently applied pressure to the reigns. She settled down fairly quickly and I trotted her to the starting line.

We got straightened out and then I gathered my reigns and squeezed her sides. Wonder fired off at a full gallop, loving the open space ahead of her. I let her alone the first furlong and a half but then asked her to slow down slightly, to save her energy so that she wouldn't burn out too soon. She kicked out with her right hind leg and as I persisted, she threw up her head and bolted, her coal black feet striking the ground hard. Finally, as we reached the six furlong pole, she settled down a little and galloped pleasantly. As we passed the 9 furlong pole I began to ask Wonder to slow, thinking that that would be enough for our first time on the track. But, she had other plans and threw up her head and kept on running, only stopping after three more poles had flown by. Well girlie, I said as I dismounted and walked the sweaty filly toward the hot walk, I guess that means you really are your parents' little girl huh? I pat her neck as I fastened the hook to her halter and walked over to turn the machine on. I stayed around for a few minutes, watching Wonder try to walk against the walker, and dreaming of the day that she would join the top ranks where she belongs.

Word Count 584