Heres another horse story, not about spirit but once again no where else to put it :) Hope You all like it!


Chapter 1- New Home

The crowd went wild as the next contestant burst into the arena. They shouted the powerful stallion's name and he circled each barrel with such swiftness and gracefulness. The mighty stallion turned and charged at his final barrel. His rider showing every sign of encouragement to go faster. His lungs burned with every gasp of breath he took and his fiery legs pounded the ground with every step he made. He circled the barrel and turned to the finish line. At top speed he galloped until he crossed the line. He slowed with a tug at the bit in his mouth from his master's signal. His rider shouted with joy and threw their arms around the stallion's neck. The horse proudly lifted his head high as other contestants congratulated him on his brilliant performance.

"You've seen this horse before folks! He is the greatest, most spectacular, and fastest horse you have ever seen in your life! Such a powerful stallion that I am proud to say who is from our hometown here in the state of Michigan, is goin' to the pro rodeo tour folks! That's right you heard me correct National Treasure is goin' to where all champions go!"

Benny jerked his eyes open when the truck hit a pothole in the rode. He nearly fell in the cramped space of the trailer. He sighed when he remembered it had only been a dream. He shook his body and looked out the window in the trailer. He smiled when he saw miles of grassland full of grazing horses in pastures. Where he lived there was very little grass and barely any room to run freely in the pastures. If it weren't for his lovely owner Elizabeth, he would've hated where he lived. He was confused as to why he was in this area, usually the only time he left home was for a visit to the vet or very rarely did he go to barrel racing competitions, which he proudly won every competition. Never had they been out this far from home.

The vehicle slowed and turned into a driveway. Benny looked back out the window and his eyes widened from the beauty that lay before him. The pastures were huge and horses filled them with all sorts of colors. The barns were three of his barn put together. Benny smiled, then he wondered why he was here. The truck came to a stop and Benny watched as Elizabeth hopped out of the truck. Benny smiled as she opened the trailer's door and hooked his lead rope to him. Benny happily followed her out of the truck, glad to be out of the trailer since he had been in there for about four hours. He looked up to see a young boy walking to them.

"Can I help you?" The boy asked.

"I'm Elizabeth, the owner of the quarter horse I'm selling." She held her hand out.

"I'm Lance Clabic," he took her hand and shook it. "My dad will be right out for the payments." He looked at Benny and smiled. "Pretty good lookin' horse there, what's his name?"

"This is Benny, but his show name is National Treasure."

"Hello Benny," he said as he patted his neck. Benny nickered friendly. "Welcome to your new home."

Benny blew through his lips. Not knowing a word that Lance had just said. He turned his ears to the direction of another person walking to them.

"Well Lance, he sure wasn't cheap so you better be right about this stallion being good."

"Believe me sir," Elizabeth began as she took an envelope full of money from the man. "Benny here is worth every penny. I just wish I didn't have to sell him. Ever since I lost my job everything just went downhill." Lance could see the hurt in her eyes, he also noticed that she was on the verge of tears.

"Well, Lance take the horse back to his pasture. He's goin' to the green barn." Will's father explained. Since there were so many barns, they gave each barn a different color which was the same color as the horses tack.

"Wait could I have a minute to say goodbye?" The man nodded and motioned for his son to give her time alone. Elizabeth turned to Benny, with tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry Benny, I swear I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't have to. Unfortunately thats not the case. If I keep you I won't even be able to afford food." Benny nudged his nose against her, understanding how sad she was, even though he didn't know why.

She lead him to Lance. He took the rope and watched her leave. Benny's heart sank as he began to understand what was happening. He whinnied for her to come back and tried to trot to her, but he was pulled back by Lance. He gave a neigh so loud it filled the ranch, horses turned to see what was going on. He whinnied again, this time for goodbye. She got into the truck and backed out of the driveway. Benny could feel tears form at the edge of his eyes. He nickered and followed Lance. The horses greeted him as he passed each pasture. He just continued walking.

They came upon the green barn. Benny looked around in amazement. He had never seen such a big barn before. There were 10 stalls on one side, then on the other there were only five since there was an area for the food and tack. Lance lead Benny to the other side of the barn to the pasture.

"This is were your goin' to stay." Lance removed the lead rope and patted Benny's back for him to continue forward into his new home.

Benny took a couple steps and then stopped when he noticed all the horses that were in the same pasture as him. Benny smiled, he had never before had the opportunity to be with other horses in the same home as him. Benny whinnied to get the horses attention. Most the horses looked up with one glance and then returned to grazing. Benny frowned but then he noticed three horses trotting happily to him. Benny watched happily as the horses trotted towards him to greet him. There was a bay, sorrel, and a palomino. The bay was the first to make it to Benny.

"Hello there! I love it when we get newcommers, don't mind the others there just a little shy," the bay let out a sort of sarcastic cough when he talked of the others being shy. "Anyway, I'm Turner, these two here are Comet and Sandy." The sorrel named Comet greeted him along with his mate Sandy.

"I'm Benny."

"Welcome Benny, do you mind if I call you Ben," Turner asked but before Benny could answer, he continued asking questions. "What sport do you do?"

"I'm a barrel racer, but I haven't been to many events. My owner couldn't afford them, well my previous owner that is."

"Ah don't worry about that, you'll get over your old owner soon enough you'll see. Barrel racing huh, looks like Star's got some competition." Turner replied. Comet laughed at Turners last comment.

"Yeah right, no one can't beat Star, no matter how strange she is."

"Comet! Be nice!" Sandy scolded him.

"Sorry dear, anyway I'm a racer and Sandy here is a jumper. Have you ever heard of three day eventing?"

"Um, no I haven't."

"Well, she's the best there is," Sandy nudged his muzzle at her mates comment.

"Lets not forget the number one steeplechase racer here," Turner said sarcastically. "Thats right, undefeated and still goin'" Benny chuckled.

"So, who's Star? I'd like to meet another barrel racer."

"She's the white quarter horse over in the corner there." Turner explained, point his muzzle in the direction. Benny turned and saw her. She was the most beautiful mare he'd ever seen. Benny frowned when he noticed she was alone, while the pack of the ten remaining horses stood far from her.

"Why is she all alone?"

"Well, she just doesn't like other horses company, I guess." Benny looked at Turner and noticed he was kind of upset. "Everytime someone tries to talk to her she either ignores you if your lucky, or she will tear you apart."

"She cant be that bad," Benny chuckled.

"Oh yah?" Comet laughed. "Look at this here scar on my shoulder, that was from me tryin' to give a friendly hello."

"I'm gonna go talk to her. She seems so lonely."

"Look Ben, take my advice when I say she doesn't want anyones company." Turner chuckled.