Sorry, I know its been a while but I've been caught up in my new story but I didn't want to abandon this story so no worries I am still updating it xD
Chapter 9: He's a Racer
I cantered swiftly through the trails with Nicki on my back. For nearly two weeks now I have been ridden every day by her and Scott and finally I could get through the workouts without any anger towards the riders. It was only a couple days ago that Nicki had began to trust me enough to take me through the trails. I have to admit, being a big bad thoroughbred, I was deathly afraid of these woods at first but now its just sticks and leaves.
"Come on buddy," I felt her squeeze my sides and I quickened my pace. Soon enough I was in my full gallop going along a hay field near the ranch. In no time I was across the entire field and she was tugging on the reins to slow me down. Still full of fire, it had taken a long time for me to be able to slow myself. We settled into trot and she would not let me canter until we finished the woods trip and were home. I knew she was only trying to think of me, but I wanted to keep running.
We returned home to meet Scott working with Riley at the track. Nicki lead me with the reins upon my back along the fence and to where Scott stood. I could hear Riley's hoofbeats coming from behind me on the other side of the fence. He turned my head slightly to see him sprint by. Show off. As soon as he noticed me I could see him throw his head forward trying to look tougher.
"Hey Scott."
"Nicki? How'd you get back so fast? We don't have any shortcuts." A shot of guilt transferred from Nicki's body to mine.
"Oh, um, I galloped him a little. I didn't mean to overdue it, he's just so darn fast."
"Really? Well bring him in let's see how fast he is."
"What? Are you sure he isn't too tired? We galloped over a mile around that field."
"He has never looked more in shape, get him out here." He chuckled.
Still unsure, Nicki led me around towards the gate and I walked inside and stepped onto the track. The ground was much softer in here than it was out there. Riley was walking this way with his jockey. He sneered as soon as his jockey brought him right next to me.
"I don't know why they are wasting their time with that beast. Stupid thing tried to kill me the last time I tried to get on him." I didn't like this man, his mood seemed the same as the evil man who I had once lived with. The same man who had let my mother and father suffer in front of me and then drop dead. I could feel Nicki did not like this man either.
"Um, I don't know if you haven't noticed but, oh yeah I'm riding this supposed beast that you could not handle."
"Just wait, you'll get injured soon enough."
"Jeff, knock it off!" Scott came in to defend Nicki, apparently he did not like him either.
"Just given some advice there Scott, no need to get all defensive."
He walked away on Riley and thankfully they disappeared off the track.
"Sorry about him Nicki, he is Steve's cousin so of course he gets a job here. He is one of the crappiest rider's I have ever had to deal with and I'll tell you what, he is lucky that horse is as good as he is cause every other horse he has ridden has lost in every race."
"It's ok, what am I doing now?"
"Ok, I want you to take him down there to the start, don't worry about the gate right now just take him in front of it, and when your ready let him run."
"Um, ok."
I walked away from him and I noticed a large machine that I had to walk near. She stopped me before the giant object and faced me away from it. It scared me a little to have it behind me so I kept one eye on it with my head slightly turned. From my back Nicki raised her hand to Scott and he replied the same way. She tightened her grip on my reins and in no time I was up at the gallop again.
I soared down the runway and soon enough I was on the first turn. She pulled lightly on my left rein but I didn't need it. I was familiar with racetracks from watching Riley and a few races held here while in my paddock. I was at a full out sprint until I hit the halfway mark. My fatigue had finally caught up with me and I didn't think I could take it anymore. I still galloped but it was nowhere near what I had done earlier. By the time I had reached the second turn I was almost cantering.
"It's ok buddy, slow down." She pulled on the reins. I loved how she understood me so well. I remember stories of racehorses that have been run to their death by jockey's who didn't give a crap about the horse and only about the winnings. I walked the rest of the way while Scott jogged towards us.
"Looks Scott I'm sorry I slowed down but he's completely wiped out." Nicki defended me from my back.
"That absolutely fine! Did you see how fast that first stretch was! That horse has some kick!" He patted my neck with a lot of force, in a good way. His happiness lightened my mood. I loved praise, I wished I hadn't wasted so much time by being angry at the humans. So much love and kindness I have been missing out on all because of one sick human.
"Come on Nicki, let's wash him down."
Nicki dismounted from my back and lead me alongside Scott out of the track. Neither human said a word for a long time. They just smiled while looking at me.
"You know Nicki, I have to thank you."
"For what?"
"About a month ago, I hated this stupid horse." Scott was laughing, something I did not see him do often.
"Anyone could've helped Ace. I didn't do anything."
"See thats the thing, that's why I hated him so much. Me, the ranches greatest trainer could not tame his stinkin' horse. Then you came and... He has a reason to live again."
They shared words of kindness with eachother as they rinsed my body with cold water. It felt cold as it ran through my fur. I shook the water at both Nicki and Scott. I whinnied with laughter as they shreaked and scurried away. I loved these humans, and that was not ever going to change.
