Romp Through The Feilds

[Sam]

Horse Confianza
Jockey Samantha Lettington on Zazzy (Confianza)
Notes None
Purpose To let Zaz get a gallop so he could have some fun and relax before he went to work on the track


Zazzy had slowly gotten use to me over the course of a few days. They named him well. Confianza was Latin for 'familiar trust'. The more Zazzy got use to me, the more trusting he became. I've done several join-up sessions with the colt and he seemed to trust me a good deal now.

He stood facing away from me. His head hung over the rusty iron railing, gazing longingly over the pasture of horses.

I felt bad for the young colt. But like all horses, he had to be put into quarantine for two weeks before he is allowed near my other horses.

I kissed to him as I approached. Zaz! I called.

The golden colt pricked up his ears and gazed at me with his gentle eyes. He paused for a moment then gave a soft nicker and trotted over to me, delighted with my company.

I smiled and stuck my hand out into the round pen- where the colt was kept until he was done being quarantined- and ran my hand down his muzzle. He leaned slightly into my hand and let his muscles relax.

I smiled and grabbed his halter from the near by hook. He watched me curiously as I opened the gate and slipped the halter over his head, clipping it into place on his cheek.

We'll have a bit of fun today, I told the colt. As always expected, he didn't reply or show any understanding of my words.

---

The colt did well while tacking up but seemed a bit jumpy. Luckily, he was fine as long as I was near by to help him feel safe with his small one-person herd.

Soon I was on him- with long stirrups just in case- and trotting him up the small hill along the pastures to the trails.

He seemed relaxed. Anxious and possibly excited, but relaxed for the most part. It was roughly a fifteen minute ride at a trot until we got to the forest (I had big pastures).

Until we got to the forest where he couldn't see the pasture with the other horses.

He bulked at the entrance but kept going when I gave him a small nudge. After that he grew jumping. His steps grew jittery and I could hear his loud intakes of breath. Though I couldn't see his eyes, I would bet they were rolling white.

I kissed and clucked and gave Zazzy the cue to run. He was completely and utterly confused by this but he listened, nonetheless.

His legs sprung forth and he was galloping up the hill to the bend that would lead to the field and beyond. He was nervous at first but began to enjoy his gallop more and more with each powerful stride.

Up the hill, Zazzy dug deep and began to pull with his head, wanting more speed to get up the hill but I didn't allow him to speed up the hill. I wanted him to save it for the meadow.

Soon we were up the hill and banking to the left. Any thoughts of spooking or shying had left the colt's mind as soon as the meadow opened up in front of us.

I let him have his head and he plunged forwards. His ears were pricked forwards and his head was bobbing high in pure excitement and joy. His creamy white mane was whipping at my face and I let him take all the rein he wanted to achieve his speed.

If a horse could laugh from the joy from the sheer fun of just galloping, then Zazzy would be rolling on the floor right about now. The colt was really enjoying himself. His stride had an extra little bounce and he was well tucked under as he bolted faster and faster.

The entrance for the trail to reenter the forest was up head. Zazzy didn't try to avoid it or bulk at it this time, instead he dived for the gap in the trees, emerging into the cool forest with renewed energy.

He galloped along a crest of the hill that was slowly slopping down. We were heading towards a bridge and I was certain he would bulk when he heard his hooves echo from underneath the bridge.

His gallop, like all good things, slowly came to an end. One moment he was plunging faster and faster, and the next he was bounding slowly in a canter.

Zazzy came to the shallow stream. He came to a jarring trot and stared hard at the water before gathering himself and jumping clear of the stream. Luckily, I had expected nothing less from him so I was ready with a hand full of creamy mane.

He cantered for a few strides before slowing to a trot then a forward walk, seeming pleased and more confident with himself. I smiled and gave him a sturdy pat on his neck. Had some fun, eh Zaz? The colt only swung an ear at me before stopping stalk still at the sight of the bridge.

The bridge was small and built of stone. Still the colt listened to the sound of the water echoing underneath.

I knew this would cause a problem, but he would have to get over it. I clucked and pushed him on. He was hesitant at first but listened eventually.

He tried to stop at the first step onto the bridge but a well timed kick caught him by surprise and he jostled forwards. He blew loudly at the sound of his horse shoes tapping against the stone with every step.

But soon he was over it. I gave him a pat on the neck and let him walk on a loose rein for the remaining of the trail- which was just another clearing before it slopped back down to the stables. It would suffice as a perfect little cool down for the golden colt.

Word Count 993