Post by Deleted on Jan 30, 2013 13:00:51 GMT -5
A lanky black colt galloped effortlessly over the dirt course, tugging eagerly at his rider's firm grip on the reins. His ears were pricked and his eyes were bright in the bare light of dawn that cast a warm glow over the training track. Over his right eye was a strange lightning bolt-shaped streak of white, the unusual mark typical of his lineage.
The short woman on his back had her hands placed back on his withers, keeping him firmly in check as he struggled to increase the tempo of their gallop.
The colt was named Animosity, and he was preparing for his debut at The Wire. Undefeated in two career prospect races, the two-year-old colt was the most promising young horse at Hawkstone, and there was no doubt he'd soon prove his worth. He was a son of the great racehorses Crescential and Augusta, and though he could not possibly know the prestige of those names, he certainly acted as though he did. His regal presence was to be respected by all he encountered, for those who did not bow to his dominance would face his wrath.
As the colt rounded the turn and entered the lane, his rider lowered her body and allowed the reins to slip slightly through her fingers. The response was instant. Animosity took off like a shot, still tugging relentlessly as he flattened himself to the ground and reached out with his hooves, propelling himself over the dirt. He strides were long and fluid, and his extra exertion was merely apparent in the length and frequency of his gait.
The pair streaked past the wire and galloped out a few more strides before the woman stood in her stirrups and began to pull the colt up. Animosity shook his head furiously, letting out a loud snort to signal his disagreement, but eventually relented, slowing to a canter and eventually a light trot. Still shaking his head in dissent, he allowed himself to be slowed to a walk and his rider glanced at the stopwatch in her hand.
"Forty-six flat." She whispered softly, a smile spreading across her face and making her blue eyes glint. "I'd say we're ready, Ammo. We're showing no mercy."
