flying without wings

Ans stepped powerfully out onto the dirt track. The crisp dirt crunched under foot in the early morning frost. Ans moved swiftly down the inner rail in a good forward going walk. He had been running amazingly and had had a great start to his two year old season and racing career; placing 3rd in both his races. We were hoping for a good run in the up coming Unicorn Horn Series Juvenile Dirt Sprint, so we were out for a morning run to get in the last minute practice.

With a click of the tounge and squeezed of my heels, I urged Ans forwards in to a brisk trot. His movement was loose and free. It carried him easily and quickly across the ground. Ans loved running and he really showed it in every workout and race. He would race for himself, not just because he was asked to. I sat deep in the saddle and pushed him into a smooth, yet powerful, canter.

The young colt's muscles rippled as he moved his strong quarters. I steadied his canter, to start with, just while he was warmed up properly. I wasn't risking anything with this fine young colt, I had high hopes for him! Ans settled nicely into my hands and gracefully carried his muscular fram across the track. As we got further down the track I allowed Ans to move more forwards, but still kept a good contact on the bit. He happily took this freedom and pushed forwards, really using his hind quarters to power him down the straight.

We came around to the bend on the track. The plan was to push Ans into a gallop once we came back onto the straight, and we would run the full five furlongs of the straight, as a nice preparation for the Unicorn Horn Series; his first major race. I didn't think I was asking too much from him, I felt that even though he was young he was extremely focused and mature for his age, and was deffinately ready to take on some more serious competition.

We came out of the bend and approached the straight. I urged Ans into a nice gallop. I kept the contact in my hands but still allowed him to move freely across the dirt. Ans was a speedy horse anyway; being a sprinter, but today he was flying. He really had had a confidence boost after doing well lately, hopefully he could just keep it up now!

He settled nicely on the dirt splattered inner rail in a good active gallop. He happily kept his good rhythm, his hooves thudded down on the dirt; it sounded like thunder clapping each time a hoof hit the ground. Ans never fought against what I asked, if I asked him to slow, without hesitation or argument he would do so; the same if I asked him to quicken his pace.

Ans edged up the rail, his speed creeping faster and faster. Two furlongs flew past and Ans was still egar for more. His head bobbed out and he stretched his neck out; reaching towards his goal. His legs flew furisously and rapidly, covering the group beneith him in no time at all. He galloped comfortably with in his limit. I didn't want to push him too much in our five furlong workout, with his first major race quickly approaching.

He continued in a continuous pace until we reached the four furlong marker. With one furlong left I quickly kicked Ans into action. He sped up the rail, hugging it tightly, noone would get between him and the rail when he wanted it. His ears were pricked sharply forward, happy to be steaming along. The faster he went the happier and more egar he was. His speed quickened and quickened as he flew across the dirt. In no time at all he had covered one furlong and had flown across the five furlong marker.

I gradually steadied him back down to a walk. Happy with his workout I gave him a pat and we retired for the day.