toeing the line

[Snowflake]

Dudley - I began, breaking off abruptly when the attractive light bay tugged sharply on his lead rope, pulling me along with him as we made our way to the track. I tried half heartedly to bring him back to a comfortable pace, then gave up and surrendered, jogging along beside the big strong colt. Studly Dudley stopped when we reached the track, right next to the mounting block - just as he did with his grooms every other morning. Unfortunately for me, Dudley's usual groom for today was sick, and his other one had gone away on her annual leave. So, as his owner and rider, I had the wonderful task of walking the colt - or rather, being dragged by him - down to the track for his morning workout.

I handed his lead to James, then climbed onto the extra high mounting block. I vaulted on easily, and Dudley snorted as if to say, let's go! I giggled and petted the fiery colt as I listened to James' instructions. Just a mile gallop today, nothing too stressful. Keep it easy, no flat out running. I nodded. Sure.

We did as we were told, starting out slow, working at just trot and canter for the warm up. Though Dudley didn't need gate practice (he literally trots into the gate sometimes!), James had suggested we start from the gate, which was set at the mile marker. My mount was fighting for his head, attempting valiantly to take the bit and run. I bit my lip and grimaced. Would you stop it? You're yanking my arms off. Jeez! I gave him a sharp tap with my crop to get him back in line.

I steered him for the gate, noticing with a grin how the colt pricked his ears and made a beeline for it. It was weird how the uncomfortably small space didn't bother him at all. I mean, it bothered me. I had seen countless horses get hurt, and many more jockeys. Once locked inside, I braced myself quickly for the sudden break.