Post by S u N f r O s t ~ on Aug 14, 2011 21:01:48 GMT -5
WHIP UP THE DANCING & WORLDBREAKER
It was morning, prime time for workouts. Only difference was, these workouts were different. Torrential rain poured from merciless skies, turning the dirt into a flood of mud and the turf into a waterlogged plain. But Amber didn't care about the weather; her horses were going to go out and work at the track, and they were going to learn to love the muddiness and the sogginess. They would not be disadvantaged by weather conditions. And the true plus was that no other horses would be interrupting them; only somebody truly insane like Amber would dare to bring their horse out to work. They'd be out later, when the rain would've eased up, but not now. Going out now was crazy talk.
She's crazy, absolutely crazy thought Krystal as she saddled up the coldly oblivious bay. Whip Up The Dancing ignored her, more intent on glaring down the stable aisle. No doubt at the chestnut head and challenging gaze of Limited Bluez, thought Krystal. That colt was coming out later, and he would make a huge fuss of it. Of course, Amber would go and calm him down, and everything would be sunshine and butterflies, but then it would get dark and dangerous, as Blue met Prancer and the two exchanged invisible blows. But for now, she had to focus on staying on her colt's back. At least Prancer had no qualms about working with Worldbreaker. The chestnut three year old colt was Amber's pride and joy, and an absolute lover of the turf.
In a different part of the stables, Amber stood tacking up her chestnut colt. World looked at her, gentleness in his eyes, and she felt her heart melt. This colt meant a lot to her. His eighth place finish in the Crystal Cup last week had shattered her. She knew World was more than capable of more. To prove it, they would have to prepare more carefully, and that meant more workouts. The young colt was going to learn just how skilled he was. He would then move on to eliminate the competition beneath his hooves. He was her Turf Triple Crown hopeful. She had to build up his record for that moment of truth. It would take work, which was why he was meeting his old workout partner Prancer for a work in the sog today.
It took about ten minutes for both women to meet each other, nod, lead their horses outside and then mount up. Krystal felt like screaming as the rain poured down on her, running off in thick streams on her horse and on her special water-proof jacket. She had left her goggles off, and now snapped them on. She'd have to clean them of water often, but it was better than the alternative. Amber, however, was enjoying the coolness of the rain. She pulled World to a stop, and together the two stood, enjoying the coolness. World looked like he normally did - calm, and at peace. He ignored Prancer as the dark bay stallion drew up on his left shoulder, glaring at the chestnut with all the might of dominance. Krystal smirked at her colt's attitude, and glanced at Amber, waiting for instructions.
Let's go see how the turf is. Nothing too long today - perhaps just a blowout, a tune-up of sorts Amber declared at last, just when Krystal considered heading out herself instead of waiting for answers. Krystal nodded, and steered Prancer out towards the track rail gap. World followed behind closely, not minding the way Prancer had taken the lead, almost as though he didn't care, though Amber had seen the gleam of calculation arise in World's mannerism. His trot was more collected, and his ears were perked straight up against the rain. His nose followed Prancer's movement, and when the pair finally stepped onto the turf track he surged up alongside Prancer, matching his trot side for side. The turf squelched under their hooves; the footing was not very good. Krystal shot a look of concern at Amber, who shook her head.
We're not doing anything faster than a canter in this. Our later workouts will be compromised she stated, sounding disappointed. Krystal sighed. Galloping in this weather was suicidal - she was happy that Amber had seen sense on at least that point. It was obvious that cantering was all they would be able to do. With a quick nod at Krystal, Amber cued World for a canter. The colt responded, his hooves squelching on the ground, stride a bit choppy as he struggled to adjust to the extra resistance. Prancer was faring better - he carried his hooves a bit higher and landed more lightly. World seemed to notice that Prancer was having an easier time, and was now keenly observing, and then matching the stallion's strides. Krystal and Amber looked at each other, surprised at the compliance of the two, helping each other through the sog. It was...unexpected, to say the least.
The two horses cantered for a straight lap around the turf, ending their run at the mile mark. They both slowed to a trot, and then to a walk. The rain still poured around them, and both horses and riders were soaked. Yet somehow, the workout had been beneficial. The two colts had bonded, somehow, and were now friends. Krystal was most surprised by this. Prancer did not typically liken to others. World was, of course, the peaceful type, and for some reason Prancer had been drawn into comradeship with him. Amber grinned and patted World, smiling at Krystal. Krystal smiled back. Despite the numerous obstacles in the form of rain and bad track conditions, the result had been an unexpected alliance well on its way to actual friendship.
