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[Sam]

The colt was excited to say the least. Since his win from the Preakness, he was delighted and full of energy. He seemed to be dancing under me yet felt completely under my control.

Jake joined me on Lottie and had Que Bar in tow. Surprisingly, he convinced Ipo to come along. Lately, they've been taking the Quarter Pony out and has been letting Ipo go for a little run with Jake whenever he worked a horse on the trails.

Que Bar was the saint of all horses. He was a Universal Champion and even a Horse of the Year. He could run a barrel pattern like a hyped up young horse, then, as soon as he got out, be trusted with the smallest of children.

He didn't care if Ipo lost her balance quite often and flopped like any beginner did. If anything, he moved to keep her on, as if he understood that she didn't see it coming when he had to move around an obstacle or make a sharp turn on a trail.

Jake laughed and said, "I'm pretty sure he's picking up his foot before the other one even lands." He fell in behind Zaz and I with Que Bar and Ipo right beside him.

I joined his laughter, believing it quite easily.

Unfortunately, Ipo did not join in. She sat on the chestnut pony with this uncomfortable expression planted on her face. You guys sure about this? she spoke up.

Jake and I exchanged a glance before looking at the little blind girl. You'll be fine, Jake promised. Que Bar and I won't let you fall.

Ipo didn't look too comforted or impressed by that. But nevertheless, we pressed on until we were trotting along the rail of a pasture that lead to the trails.

Zaz trotted with excited steps while Lottie and Que plodded behind. The golden Thoroughbred couldn't handle it for long, I knew.

I'm going to go ahead and let him run. I'll meet you guys later, I said and let Zazzy have his head.

Immediately, he darted his head down and galloped forwards. He flew up the steep hill and sailed around the corner. His hooves found easy footing in the soft woody, ground.

I smiled and laughed, moving with him and ducking under branches. I rubbed my hands up and down his neck, telling him to let it all out.

Of course, Zazzy did.

It felt faster than on the track with the trees swishing by us and the sudden twists and turns of the trail. Zaz sprinted up the slope to the clearing and let loose on the level ground. His muscles bunched and stretched, sending himself faster and faster across the clearing.

I smiled and laughed, rubbing his neck before I began to pull him up. To my surprise, Zaz ignored me and continued to gallop but soon, he heeded to my request and slowed to a easy canter, then a trot, and finally a very forwards walk.

His neck was damp with sweat and his breathing was loud. His flanks moved in and out dramatically as he tried to catch his breathe.

All in all though, he looked quite happy.