A Horn Made of Honor and of New Beginnings

Horses Tempered Passion and Studly Dudley
Jockeys Samantha Lettington riding Tempered Passion (Tim) and Max Lettington riding Studly Dudley (Dudley)


Once Upon A Time...

The two three year old colts snorted, both jostling with excitement. They pranced down the track, seeming to glide with grace and powered by the pure love of running breed into their flesh and blood. Every fiber of their being was made for this. There was no question of this as they chomped and slobbered on the bit in eagerness.

The dark colt, a prince in his own right, was going to be high contender in the three horse race. He had won the race in his prospect year and this upcoming year was promising.

The lighter colt was another matter. His owner and rider saw him as the underdog in the competition. She didn't have high hopes for him but decided this would be a great way for the colt to stretch his legs for the year to come and let his jockey, the owner's little brother, get a better feel for the colt.

Through the crisp morning air they jogged side by side. Their necks arched majestically as their spirits high, seeming as if they were being paraded around the winner's circle instead of warming up for a work out for the race.

Minutes passed and soon the colts were moving at a light, airy, three-beat gait. They departed shortly to allow the brother and sister to warm up their horse separately to do what the horse needs in the agreement to meet back up at the nine furlong marker.

Sam and Tim were a team to say the least. Sam had learned how to read the stallion quickly and Tim knew exactly what he was doing and exactly how Sam liked it- not that he often did it that way. He only was three after all and was prone to become distracted or simply decide he wanted to do it his way.

Max and Dudley, on the other hand, were having constant arguments. Dudley would lean heavily on the bit, nearly pulling new jockey's arms out. He would mumble under his breathe, swearing at himself for not wearing gloves today, and push the horse on so the horse could not lean so heavily.

Soon, the gathered at the nine furlong marker. Their horses were restless and ready to go. The older sister gave a nod to her brother and at the count of three, they were to gallop off to the wire.

One, the sister counted, gathering her reins and holding Tim. Two. Dudley grew impatient and threw his head but Max held still.

Three!

The colts were off and racing down the backstretch. They fought for position. Tim quickly over took Dudley and took the front while Dudley was content with galloping easily behind him.

Soon Tim calmed down and took his position with ease. His strides long and effortless. Sam simply sat perched upon his back to stay out of his way and to keep him from letting all his energy out with her gentle, steady hands.

Dudley was content with nearly tailgating Tim, who didn't seem to notice or if he didn't, didn't seem to mind in the slightest. Max held his reins short to keep him from running too much on Tim.

Soon they were soaring around the corner and heading for the stretch. Both colts knew it and their pace increased without any encouragement. Soon the stretch was upon them and the colts were released.

Dudley flew quickly into a sprint was caught up to Tim in a matter of strides but that didn't last for long. With a bit of urging on Sam's part, Tim flung himself to a sprint to the finish.

Soon enough, Dudley was catching up again, slowly, but surely. Tim would have none of this and pushed himself faster. It even things out for a bit but soon Dudley was gaining again.

Eventually the colts were neck and neck. Tim pushed his legs faster while Max urged Dudley faster with a small tap on his rump with the end of his whip. Tim slowly was able to pull out in front of Dudley just as the wire passed over them.

With a grin, Sam stood up in the stirrups, letting Tim slow under her. Her hands rubbed up and down his neck, praising him all the while. The colt bobbed his head and gave a small half buck in his excitement, which luckily for Sam, did not unseat her, but then it seemed that his exhaustion came upon him. He ducked his head and he slowed even further.

Max, disappointed with the lost but happy with Dudley's work, gave him a hearty pat and stood up in the stirrups as well. Dudley ducked his head slightly at the praise, as if he was slightly bashful.

The two colts soon cooled down and was brought into the stables for a well deserved rest before their big race.

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