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Post by Cavallo on Oct 5, 2007 12:42:21 GMT -5
Horses were milling about, grooms men and trainers all moving about the property with a certain goal or mission in mind. Mine was on a certain filly. Dark intelligent eyes held my gaze as she broke from her current activity (sun bathing) to come over to the fence line and greet me. She was a large structured filly, tall and massive she certainly stood apart from the others, but it wasn't necessarily her looks that qualified her as such. True to thoroughbred form, she was athletic and spirited, maybe more-so than the average horse, but that was why we loved Attie so much.
Hand outstretched, I felt the the soft velvet of her coat, hard muscle rippling beneath my touch. There was no question about it, Attie was ready hardened by the intense training and mock trial races. We weren't surprised when she placed first in a prospect race of 20+ entrants. She was an animal of speed and passion, and a short temper. Sharply her ivories playfully nipped, but I was quick to reprimand her. She knew better than that, but again she was Attie. There was no such thing as personal space when you were around her. Easy girl, you know better than that. She snorted brushing off my rebuke, but she didn't attempt it again, just sulked as she laced back impatient thorns. She was ready and waiting, she knew what was to come when I was around. Course then again, I was the only one she could stand to be around...
A hand grabbing firmly upon her halter I clicked the lead on as we walked down the secluded lane, all other horses ordered ti be taken out to pasture on the other side of the property. The IGS track lay ahead as we entered the gates. The vast expanse lay open before us, inviting and enthralling all at the same time. Shivers ran through Attie's body as it transfered to me. It was always amazing to have such a sense of excitement and expectation. Ready? What a question to ask!! Her eyes flew from me to the track, I felt her pulse begin to escalate in excitement. Easy girl, we haven't even walked the track yet. She sensed the impending wait and stamped her daggers with an unapproved glare in her eyes. Don't even think of arguing with me, Young lady. I smiled, I knew exactly how she felt.
Pace for pace we walked in an understood silence. There was no need for words. My eyes scanned the ground for the best footing. The ground was firm and fresh, a good day for a free run. There were no distractions, no other horses, just myself and the horse that I loved. I knew she felt the same. We walked the distance her strong joints and keen mind clearly warmed up and invigorated. A trembling hand grabbed her thick mane as I swung myself up onto her bare back. No racing saddle or gear, though she was clearly accustomed to them, today I just wanted to spend time with my horse. She tossed her head and turned to look at me almost inviting me to jump up. She knows me all to well. It was a comfort to know and to trust your mount and Attie was no exception.
My weight fully settled down as gravity held me in place along her strong back. I could feel her breathing. Her chest heaving and her heart beating. I was astride a magnificent champion and she knew it.I gave the trained signal as I felt her take the powerful plunge. To feel the strength and the power, each time it was so overwhelming! The wind began to blow, grasping and pulling, intermingling the hair and sweat of man and beast. My body crouched, becoming one with the black bay form. The ground below flew up to meet us in a flying spray, disturbed by the fleet feet of a goddess. She was uncatchable, unbeatable. Outrunning all possible suitors of power and success.
Right now there was only one love for her. The love of the chase. The love of the thrill and excitement. The love of the race.
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