Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2014 14:20:20 GMT -5
Vox Populi and Jeff Blakely
The colt's behavior had not improved a great deal, even after settling in. Of course, Jeff was more than up to the challenge. He was a bit irritated that Lucy had somehow slipped out of riding Vox...again. He wasn't overly fussed though - he knew she would get around to pulling her weight. On this particular morning, Jaimy was off looking at possible stallions for Windsor next year, and so Jeff was taking the colt out again with Winters for company today. The youth certainly was quiet, and Jeff always felt like a conversation with the kid was forced, so he said nothing as they walked out to the empty track. Without saying anything, Evan gave the older jockey a leg up, and Vox danced sideways, head raised, neck taut. Jeff ignored this, getting his feet in the stirrups and nudging the colt into a trot.
Even though he was an awkward, and difficult horse to ride, Vox had a nice, springy trot. Even though his stride was a bit awkward, the colt was a spitfire, and he was sure footed. "Go on," Jeff grunted as the colt balked slightly, wishing to return back to the stables. Grudgingly, the youthful beast broke into a canter, and his jockey piloted him towards the rail, urging him a bit faster. "Go on, scoot!" he barked in the colt's hear, reaching back and delivering a swift smack to the colt's hindquarters. Surprisingly, the colt did not buck, but moved into a working gallop, ears back, settling into a good, moderate pace. Jeff settled back a little, sorting out his balance and keeping a firm contact, hands moving forward and back with the horse's bobbing head. He moved a bit more than he should during workouts, but today his legs were working together far smoother than usual as they made their way down the backstretch. The sun was not yet up, but it still cast a dim light all over the track, allowing Jeff to see where he was going easily. There was no wind, no other horses, and no other creatures for that matter.
The only sound was that of Vox's steady breathing, and the pounding of his hooves against the fast track. He liked the firm ground, and the lack of mud. He liked being close to the rail, and for once, Jeff almost enjoyed working with the colt. As they passed the four eights pole, he kissed in the horses ear and asked him for more. Once again, the coppery bay colt responded almost immediately, and with enthusiasm; it seemed he liked a quiet environment with few distractions. Jeff had half a mind to tell Jaimy they ought to try an ear net and blinkers in his next race. Perhaps the colt was just upset by the noise and the crowd. Of course, there wsa no denying that he was a ruddy bastard, but perhaps there was a little more to it than met the eye. As they flew around the final turn and into the homestretch, Jeff gave another cry of "scoot" and delivered another whack with the stick, and the colt shot forward into a sprint.
Grinning as the colt extended his stride to the max, Jeff crouched even lower over his back, and in a matter of seconds, the final two furlongs were gone, and he stood up in the saddle, allowing the colt to slow on his own terms before turning in a nice arc on the other side of the track and trotting back to Evan. "He sure likes having the place to himself," he said with a grin, reaching forward and giving Vox a pat on the neck. The bay snorted, looking around and tossing his head as he chomped away on the bit. Evan nodded as Jeff dismounted, and gave the colt another pat. Vox squealed and side stepped away, looking offended ad Jeff rolled his eyes. He wasn't that different.
