let the flames begin

[Snowflake]

A memory remains..

Glory boy. I said softly, stroking the elegant grey nose with obvious affection. He nuzzled me gently, checking my pockets for treats as he did. I grinned at his antics, and in an instant my eyes swept over his beautifully proportioned body. He looked just like his dam had at this age. In fact, Glory had always been a replica of Bank On Silver. And so far he was also following in her hoof prints. He had won his first race, just as she and all of her offspring had.

I've given all my oxygen, to let the flames begin
to let the flames begin
oh glory.. oh glory

In the saddle now; we were warming up on the dirt. As awlways, Glory was behaving like an angel for me. I'd noticed of late, since his win in the Try and Catch Me Cup, that Glory looked down on horses who misbehaved for their riders. He'd also seemed to be gloating in the winners circle about his win while he basked in his glory. The paparazzi had gone wild for his winning his first race, like all of Silver's offspring had. At least I'm pretty sure about that.
I urged the grey colt to trot, allowing him a furlong for stretching his legs before turning him through figure eights and circles. After another furlong or two of this, I urged him to canter. He was already nearly warmed up, but he needed to be thoroughly warmed up before galloping. We repeated the same exercises at the faster pace, staying in canter for another two or three furlongs before making the switch to our favorite pace, the gallop.

this is, how we'll dance when,
when they try to take us down,
this is what will be our glory

The moment I let the reins slip a notch through my fingers, the grey colt roared into gallop. We veered toward the inside rail, hugging it as we rounded the turn. Coming into the backstretch, I asked Glory for a little more speed. It was only a six furlong run, so it was okay to go fast. Glory didn't hesitate to pour more on, accelerating until I tightened the rein back up. Good boy. I praised. We rounded the turn into the homestretch. now was the time to really sprint! mine, and his, favourite part, even though we both also loved navigating our way through the pack to get the best position throughout the race. I ducked a little lower, urging the colt on. Bank On Glory accelerated quickly; not quite as fast as some, but quickly enough. He had more stamina than others, and plenty of staying power. he was able to hold a fast pace with ease, and he did it now, going right to his top notch and holding it.

I urged him faster anyway, surprised beyond belief when I felt a little something extra spurt from the colt. He had another gear! Even he appeared to be going his fastest, he had something left, which was fantastic!
We flashed by the finish, and slowed gradually as we neared the turn again. Glory through up his head a little in annoyance; as much as he didn't want to slow down, he hated to disappoint me.
Easy boy. I soothed as he slowed to trot. We exited the track, and walked up the long path between the paddocks that lead back up to the stables.

[finished]




lyric credits to Paramore - Let The Flames Begin