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Post by Sam on Dec 27, 2009 5:33:33 GMT -5
Horses No Wonder Jockey Sam Lettington on Wonder (No Wonder) Point of View Sam Lettington Purpose Sam getting use to No Wonder / No Wonder's first workout at Racing Stars Stables. Notes I am basing this off the work out: Heart and Soul made my Emily before I purchased No Wonder
The chestnut filly danced on the other side of the reins. Her ears were pricked and her eyes wide and alert. Her nostrils were wide, flaring, taking in all the scents they could muster in a single breathe. Her muscles were tense and I was nearly positive she was steaming already in the cold afternoon air.
I sighed as I handed the filly's reins to Toby. If she wasn't a King's filly, I may be rethinking my decision to keep her. I loved crazy horses but she put up such a fuss for grooming and tacking, I wouldn't want to have to go through it daily. I would feel guilty making a groom do it. I was never one to have my grooms do all the work. I just request they bring my horses in for me and only ask them to tack up for me if it's a busy day. I love to spend the time with my horses, on the ground or in the saddle.
I stood beside the fidgeting filly, reins in one hand and the other resting on the back of the saddle for support. Sandra stood behind me and grabbed my foot as I lifted it.
1, 2, I said bouncing to each count. 3, I said and Sandra threw me onto the filly's back, who only seemed to grow more excited with the weight on her back. It was a good thing I decided to go with long stirrups today.
With a small nod of thanks to my cousin and Sandra, both who came to watch the new filly. The half blind jockey, Sandra, may end up jockeying the filly after I get a good feel for her. She was best with mean-spirited horses. But Wonder didn't seem mean in the least, just extremely excited.
As soon as Wonder's hooves hit the turf, she tried to bolt. I sat back, hands firm and pulling, legs giving a holding grip. No 'mam, I said, shortening my reins and keeping my pull on the reins firm. She threw her head high, her short mane whipping in my face. A cloud of warm mist blew in face as she snorted and threw her head again, dancing right then left.
Finally Wonder grew still, her muscles tense like a coiled spring under me. I held her still and wiggled my fingers against her short hair, typical of the thoroughbred breed. That's it, I said softly to her, a small smile on my lips as I released some of the tension on the reins, allow her to walk forwards at a quick pace.
Finally I released more of the reins, though keeping a constant contact with her mouth. Trot, I said simply, being sure not to cluck in case the filly mistaken the cluck as the cue to bolt again.
Quickly, the filly's thin legs moved off in pairs of twos. Good, I muttered softly, knowing the hyper filly would hear me though her ears were pricked forwards.
We trotted for a good while around the track. After roughly fifteen minutes I turned her around to go clock-wise around the track. I allowed her to pick up a canter as she grew more and more excited. Her strides were short and her head was high with pure excitement. Around the corner I cantered her until we came to the backstretch.
My hands flew forwards along her neck. Get up there! I said into her neck as her hind legs pushed her faster until her stride normal. After several strides, I held her to a easy gallop, holding her from bolting into a sprint.
Wonder galloped freely around the backstretch. Her mouth chomped at the bit, trying to get more speed but my steady hands held her. She was all for blowing all her energy on the backstretch but I held her still.
Soon the corner was upon us. Her head rose in excitement and her strides got a little messy but she kept her speed. Her head bobbed slightly as she pulled more harshly on the bit but I kept her close to the rail and saving her speed.
The stretch was upon us and I didn't hesitate to jut my hands forwards and give her her head. She grabbed the bit with her teeth and yanked her head forwards as she spurred herself on.
Wonder's strides were massive, making it seem like easy, effortless work to get up to speed. Wonder was a short mare but she was leggy. She was compact in her body, with large, yet lean, muscles. If she had the normal leg for her size, I would assume she might have been a pony.
Everything about her body screamed: Racer. Though this was expected when she was the daughter of the King himself. Merry Bay King, that is.
Her nostrils were flared as she took in as much oxygen as possible to power her racing heart and bulging muscles. Her short, crimson mane whipped at my face lightly. Her breathes came out in large clouds that rolled by, tumbling with the air current her mad gallop to the wire created.
Just as I began to really enjoy myself, the wire flew over. With a grin, I stood up in the stirrups and began to slow the filly. She seemed content with this and her ears- that were half pinned during her gallop to keep the wind out of them- pricked up. I gave her a pat and a ear swerved towards me. It took me a moment to realize she was waiting for some praise. I just chuckle and rubbed her damp neck. Such a good girl, I cooed. She seemed pleased with this and her ear went forwards again.
Word Count 988
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