sparks fly

We warmed up slowly; I had to make sure it was completely and totally thorough. If athletes didn't warm up properly, it increased their chance of injury, so we weren't about to risk it. Especially not when Sparky was nearing the crucial part of the year. The big races were coming up, and the colt needed to be in top form. I turned him through ten figure eights at a slow trot, as well as ten circles, five of each going in each direction. Then we repeated this same exercise at a canter.

I kept him going until he had nearly completely worked out his kinks and was loosened up and warm enough to run flat out for six furlongs. That was sort of the plan. We were going to go for a run on the galloping lanes. Just six furlongs at a fast pace, up and down hills, around tight turns and over both dirt and turf, with soft and hard ground. It was one heck of a workout, that was for sure, and Sparky needed it to get to absolute top fitness for his next race.

We cantered towards the beginning of the lane, then broke into gallop about two furlongs before it. No one else was using the lanes this morning, so we didn't have to worry about making sure the coast was clear. I urged him faster as we began the trail - it was a bit of a hike for the first few hundred metres, which was great for toning and powering up a horse's hind quarters. He responded quickly, leaning forward and racing up the steep incline. I stood in the stirrups, keeping my weight off the saddle so he could move more freely as he was used to. Good boy, come on! I encouraged, grinning at his eagerness.

Two furlongs in, Sparky was showing no sign of tiring, except perhaps sweating more than usual. We continued up the hill, which wasn't so steep now, but instead with far more turns that required the horse and rider's full and proper attention to navigate properly. You're doing great, Sparks, keep it up! I praised. The lane flattened out a little, and I pressed him for a little more speed before we ascended up the next slight incline. There was about two furlongs between the top of the first hill and where it started to go uphill again, so we were able to go quite fast in this area. Sparky wanted to take the next hill at full speed, and so he did. I wasn't about to stop him when there was no real reason. There was only about two furlongs to go anyway, and then we would slowly make our way back down.

Sparks gave everything for the final two furlongs, maybe even over exerting himself a little. Go for it, Sparky! I urged, noting that he was tiring a little but certainly not ready to stop. We flashed by the tree that marked six furlongs, and I stood taller in the stirrups, leaning my weight back to ask him to slow down. I had to really work on him to get him to stop, and we nearly went seven furlongs in the end. When I finally had Sparky back down to canter, I turned him around and we went back the way we'd come, both breathing a little heavily. It had certainly been a good workout. Phew! That was great. you really did amazing, Sparky! I said encouragingly, petting his sweat darkened neck. We rode home, both of us feeling energised and fit; and Sparky was given a shower to wash off the dirt and sweat. Then I retreated to have a shower myself, a little tired after the grueling workout.

finished