I had to get away…I had no choice; They were after me.
I increased speed as the other twelve horses galloped behind me. I considered ending it all…you know…ending my life as quickly as possible. I knew it wouldn't help though.
This wasn't my fault.
Maybe it was…had I caused this to happen?
Maybe I had. Good thing if I did. My name is Sadie, and I'm a bright bay Kiger Mustang mare.
The story began when I was four and a half years old. I had joined a new herd, but I was unwanted. The only reason I stayed was because I felt safe.
Until now…
They are gaining on me. I accelerate again. I have never felt myself gallop so fast in all my life-and I don't intend to stop until they leave me alone!
I'm guessing you all know that Mustangs can gallop for up to six hours? I'm intending to gallop all day, that will show them!
But then, something happened…
I stumbled and fell, rolling across the dirt floor. I struggled to get up. The herd had reached me, and the lead stallion stood beside me, threateningly. He had one fore-hoof raised, ready to strike me in the head. I shook with fear. Why were they doing this?
"Goodbye Sadie," The red roan stallion said, in a mock-friendly voice.
I closed my eyes tightly, gritting my teeth. I knew it was over for me…
All of a sudden, I heard the pounding of hooves behind me, I rolled over to see who was galloping.
A horse jumped over my body and landed beside Red, the lead stallion.
The horse was another stallion; a chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail.
He reared up and struck Red with his front hooves, neighing and squealing angrily.
Red actually looked terrified for once.
He whinnied loudly, signalling for the herd to retreat. He turned and galloped away at the back of the herd.
They were gone at last.
"You alright?" The chestnut stallion asked, gently nudging my back with his nose.
I stood up feebly.
"Yeah. Thanks," I replied.
The stallion smiled at me warmly. He has lovely hazel eyes and a single white sock on his right foreleg. He also had a whorl of white hairs on his forehead, under his forelock that was only just visible.
"That's okay," he replied. "Why were they chasing you anyway?"
I shook my head with a blank expression. "I don't know. They just don't like me."
I lowered my head sadly and a tear rolled from my closed eye.
The stallion stepped forwards and rested his head on my neck.
The stallion I have barely known for two minutes, and whose name I don't know, is resting his head on my neck. Bliss!
"I'm Rhubarb by the way. Sad isn't it?" He laughed.
"No! I'm Sadie." I replied.
Rhubarb was a great name for him-he had reddish fur and he was sweet! It was the perfect name.
He lifted his head off my neck and I calmed down.
"If you're okay now Sadie, I'll have to leave you alone now." He said apologetically.
Two mares that I didn't know stepped forward. They obviously didn't have herds either.
The offered to look after me.
"We'll meet again Sadie." Rhubabr smiled again and nodded his head, before turning around and galloping away. It was the beginning of a new life-and a new me!