FS Mockingbird; never say never

[Melissa]

Challenge Me If You Dare

The chestnut colt blew hot air into the cold air, his eyes rolling a bit as he pranced. "Shush bud, shh." I murmured, gloved hands wrapping smoothly around the leather racing reins. With a busy year of racing ahead of him FS Mockingbird would be treading in the footsteps of his older half-brother Geronimo if all plans went well as planned. He would tackle the BC Classic, Dominance Cup, Wire Finish Cup, Barbaro stakes and possibly another big race before going at the BC Classic again. It wouldn't be an easy task, prepping the Oddside and Fly High Silver son for so many big races one after the other but I was absolutely determined to see him make it big, and with his talent Jay seemed up to the challenge.

Mouthing the bit lightly Jay flicked back his ears before shifting his weight and swishing his tail restlessly. With a gentle nudge of my heels Jay moved out at a prancy walk over the track surface. Today would be a light work, he'd been galloped three days this week today would be his relaxing day. He would need a lot and I mean a lot of fast works between now and the Dominance Cup, since Touchstone had entered the mix. The competition was already hot and would most likely get even hotter.

With a quick toss of his head the chestnut squealed, anxious to pick up the pace. Rocking forward above his withers I let some of the reins slide through my hands and he snorted in pleasure, stretching out into a brisk canter. Resting my hand lightly against his neck I smiled at the smooth movements of Jay's warmed up muscles. The best young colt I had in active training right now he was a sensational colt. Others were wary of his temperament but he was my baby. Keeping close contact with the colt since he was the type of horse who needed to know his rider was with him one hundred percent.

His hooves skimming the soft track surface Jay moved with ease in his fast canter along the middle of the track. My hands light on the reins I let the colt's head guide my hands, not getting in the way of Jay but I wasn't letting him have the bit today. With Jay I wasn't taking any chances. "Steady." I murmured as the colt swung around the far turn, hooves catching slightly. Thank goodness I'd thought to put leg wraps on the front tendons. With a snort the colt went up against the bit and Jay's stride increased as he itched to get the bit. His increased speed brought us by the finish line much sooner than I expected. Pulling my hands back on the reins I got Jay back to a reluctant trot towards the outside rail. "That was fun Jay." I said brightly, hopping off the chestnut and giving his sweaty neck a quick rub. His nostrils flared as he took in deep breaths and nudging me firmly Jay did his usual search for a treat.

"Your treat will come later boy, come on let's give you a nice rub down." I said pulling the racing reins over Jay's head and moving off the track towards the barn, the chestnut following his hooves muffled against the frost covered grass of the early morning.