my dear little brother..

[Snowflake]

Okay, Euphoria, here's the deal: I began loudly and clearly as in an authoritive voice as I groomed the bright chestnut. She gave me a funny look, co.cking her ears as she listened to my voice. We are going to kick Impressario's butt next time. It's your turn to win now - it'll be his when you have a baby next year. My thoughts briefly turned to Lusitania, Euphoria's twin sister, at this point. I wouldn't be retiring her yet - she would hopefully run a successful season with Akita Rose Stables, then I would like to have her back at GHS in Y8.

I had never had the pleasure of riding the chestnut filly who looked so much like my Euphoria. It would be truly amazing to have her back in my stables so I could. Maybe she and I would click the way Euphoria and I did, like Bank On Silver and I did. But perhaps she would be better off staying with those she knew while she was racing. I shook off thoughts of Lusi. N ow was the time to give Euphoria a pep talk.
The big races are coming up now, girlie. And Ario'll probably run in a lot of them. He's got his Triple Crown campaign to worry about too, so we definitely have a good chance to beat him.
I placed Euphoria's green and gold diamond saddle pad on her back, then on top I put down her saddle just as gently.
Besides, there's only so many races he can run in.
I finished tacking her up and lead her out of her stall to the mounting block, somewhat lost in my thoughts the whole time. El Sol Del Mar had mysteriously stopped racing, but the lack of a rival hadn't stopped Euphoria's spirit. She still looked out for the other filly every time she was at the track, for some reason.

We warmed up on the outer edge of the dirt track slowly. It was a distance work today - fifteen furlongs at a slow gallop. Nothing too stressful; just a pleasant break from the normal speed works.
Euphoria was energised and ready to work, cooperating happily with me as always, eagerly completing each circle and figure eight without a fuss. I pressed her into canter when I was sure she was loosened up enough, repeating the same warm up exercises at the faster pace.

Finally we coasted into gallop, and I guided the talented chestnut closer to the rail. I could feel her energy radiating from her, her adrenalline coarsing through the reins and into my arms. Her smooth and effortless gallop could have rocked me to sleep if I were tired, but my mind was so full of worries and plans for my horses that I found it near impossible to keep my mind on the task at hand; but my love and devotion to Euphoria won over and I was able to shut everything else out for the time being.

Phorie was quiet today, I noticed. She seemed more content to follow my directions than she ever had been. I shuddered a little - she was nearing her peak. I could sense it. I wanted so badly for her to win the Dubai World Cup, Breeder's Cup Classic and a few other big dirt races, but I didn't know if she would be able to do it. I wasn't unsure because she was reaching her peak, but because I was worried the stress of so many big races could either end in injury or Phoria no longer wanting to run. i'd seen both happen to so many horses, and I never wanted either to happen to Euphoria. She meant too much to me.

Phorie could feel my anxiety and was picking up on it a little, becoming fidgety. Settle down, lovely. I murmurred soothingly. But I couldn't do it myself, because Impressario was yet another problem who could very well beat Euphoria. We finished our fifteen furlong gallop, and headed back to the barn where I would groom and bathe the filly myself.

finished