Companion.

Ace was a companion. A friend. Not a pet, not a working vehicle. Not with those big, dark eyes which stared right into Sam's heart. Trusting, wishing nothing more than to please this girl he had grown to trust with his whole heart.

Heart of gold.

He was an opinionated gelding. Sassy, feelings shown through a flick of his tail or the arch of his neck, holding himself high with his pride, head to the sky and chest puffed out. But he was soft – obedient and loving and everything you ever want in a horse.

Heaven.

Sam would occasionally whisper to him. Speaking softly. Her breath would tickle the inside of his ear. You're an angel, Acey boy. A Godsend. Perfect. Her hands would rub at the itchy spot on his flank – his heavy body would lean into her touch. Melting in her hands like a lovesick puppy.

Poetry in motion.

Thump of hooves against the hard, dusty earth. Tug of reins. Distant whinny of another horse. The song of the desert. A duet shared by horse and rider. Something akin to a promise. A brief moment of simplicity.

Cornered.

Ace kept close to Sweetheart. Head low, ears flattened. Sweetheart his only friend in the world. Her low whinny warned him to move his head as she searched for grass to nibble on. He complied and lifted his head. Her appreciative nicker relaxed his tensed muscles.

Wind.

Blowing through his mane. Carrying scents of the desert. A familiar, comforting scent. His nostrils flared and he tossed his head. Blowing past his legs. Curling sandy dirt in the air. Itching to run.

Borrowing freedom.

Ace could feel Sam's excitement. Her legs always tightened that little bit more. Her carefree laugh echoed through the empty range. Ace lifted his head to the sky, whinnied loudly, the freedom a precious memory both held dearly.

Waiting.

It's a game. Ace holds his head over the fence and waits for his girl. She comes running, hands outstretched towards her horse, baby talk pursing her wind-chapped lips and her hands cupping his slim head. Stroking his cheek. He nibbles at her hair. She laughs. He is content.

Flying.

A pair of renegades face the world head on. The soulful girl and her faithful horse race the setting sun across the desert floor.