|
|
Post by Melissa on Jul 8, 2009 19:11:33 GMT -5
Standing calmly at the track gap watching the horses already on the track jog or gallop in the early morning mist Fireworks rubbed his muzzle along the riders vest of the sixteen year old standing at his head. Shifting sideways the bay colt pawed the ground restlessly. "Okay, go on and hop up G." I called from where I was leaning against the rail with a nod to Cain who slipped one hand around Gabs's boot boosting her up into the young colt's saddle. Jerking on the reins Sparks crow-hopped his mane flying up and down as he spun around Cain who had one hand firmly gripping the Touchstone son's bridle.
"Chill out buddy." Gabs crooned in a soft voice to the tall and muscled colt who was less than a month away from his second birthday. I waited quietly but studied Fireworks like a hawk. He was a good boy and had grand bloodlines along with the ability to be a big winner. Even though I had had little lengthy hands-on handling of the Faith In Shadows son he was impressive looking and Gabs had devoted every spare minute she had to caring for the colt. Cain glared at Sparks when he stepped on Cain's boot. Gabs gave a slight nod to Cain and then with a hop, squeal and kick Sparks plunged forward onto the dirt track eyes rolling and ears laced back. Gabrielle sat the colt's antics out like a pro and soon had him moving swiftly along at a steady trot to prevent any more naughty behavior.
"Warm him up a mile and then let him gallop out slowly for four furlongs." I called at her retreating back as the pair swept rapidly next to the outside rail. Lifting one hand in acknowlegment Gabby flexed her hands on the rubber exercise reins feeling her colt loosen up and let out some of his high energy. A naturally quiet boy in the stable yard there was something about the track that got his blood flowing hotly for some reason. Maybe he sensed that this was where he was to lead on Touchstone's line with pride. His half-sister Lyrick had done alright for herself as a racer but she had never reached the pinnacle of success that Toby himself had accomplished. Gabs knew that whatever fame Sparks earned it would be mostly credited to her so if he flopped as a racer it would be on her.
His breathing was coming a bit quick now and Gabs tightened her grip on the exercise reins, Sparks instantly perked up his gait quickening now he'd be able to run any moment now. Hind socks a blur now as he sped up, teeth against the bit as he scooted under her, "Steady." G breathed to the anxious young colt as she aimed him for the path about three off the inside rail and let a few inches of the reins slip through her fingers, which were slightly sore from keeping Sparks restricted to a trot, half-jog. Leaping forward, black-marked fore legs reaching out and snapping back as he surged forward strongly, head lowered and determination showing in his dark eyes. Gabby took a greater hold on Sparks, knowing the bay was trying to duck the flash band by his incessant nose flips and she wasn't about to let him get away with it. Flashing the crop past his eye she lightly brushed it against his shoulder to get him to focus on running rather than shedding his tack.
The crop flashing by his eye was enough to put Sparks in his 'zone' and he rocketed forward, dirt flying from under his hooves as he flew down and around the turn, his agile body curving as he streaked around the turn. Gabby was sitting cool on his back, arms moving with the motion of the colt's head but still keeping Sparks down to a slow gallop, even though he looked like he was flying. Keeping a close eye on the mile markers Gabs sat back, shortening the reins as she went until he was jogging. Aiming him for the rail she walked him to the track gap and halted him in between Cain and I. The bay colt's eyes rolled and he snorted, tossing his head once Gabs had dismounted. "Nice work. We'll have to get him out a few more times before he starts in his maiden." I said scribbling down some notes on my training clipboard. Gabby nodded and set off for the barn Sparks's reins firmly in her hand. |
|
