Training... Day 13!
Even though Joey was still not really well enough to be ridden, he had to be. The practice charge was tomorrow and he needed to be fit.
Yesterday James insisted he rest the whole day, to try and recover more quickly. That was exactly what happened as today his cough was almost non-existent. He slept almost all day after the morning feed and awoke for his afternoon feed and then again for his evening feed.
Early morning though this morning Joey wasn't ready to be ridden. His stiff joints and new found weight didn't do well with him. He was built for speed and stamina. A fat horse had none of that. How was he supposed to beat Topthorn and Blenheim tomorrow?
"Morning Joey. Very early again my boy. We need to get you working. We have a big day tomorrow and the days to follow. So let's get to it shall we?" James said in a tired voice.
Joey let out an over exaggerated sigh and James chuckled. Tack was put on again, and it was a long time he had been without it. He never missed the tack. He never missed the metal bit in his mouth, all the straps around his face, and most of all he never missed the saddle at all, but it was work now... He had to bare with it.
James mounted apon his back and rode down to the Plain again. Joey suddenly forgot everything else and remembered what fun he had last time he was here. Hopefully it would be like that again. James had asked a Private to ride with them today. He obviously accept the offer to ride with his Captain. James lined Joey up next to the Private's chestnut stallion. This stallion had no markings except the tiniest of stars on his forehead. That horses name was Harry.
"Right you know what to do Private Collins!" James called and the two of them drew their swords. Joey could feel James' excitement again and was raring to go where as Harry was more jumping around nervously.
"CHARGE!" James yelled and both Harry and Joey leapt forward. Joey had to admit Harry was a quick horse. He was sleek and slim and very streamlined. Joey would not stand being beaten. Not after all he had work for, for two weeks.
Harry started pulling forward away from Joey, and he watched until he was a whole average sized horse away from him. James tightened his grip on Joey's reigns and squeezed his sides lightly and Joey flew into action. His head was flying around. James was leaning forward in the saddle, dead in line with Private Collins. They exchanged a look and then James flew off a head of him.
"Come on Joey!" James shouted and it spurred Joey on faster and faster until his aching muscled tightened and burned. This was a brilliant feeling on he would cherish, and one that he would certainly keep it in mind for the charge against the German's.
James was feeling free and relaxed. He was happy he was spending all this time with Joey. He felt he could tell anything to him. James took a quick glance behind him and the look on Private Collins' face made him laugh. James could hear Joey's ragged tired breaths and called to him.
"Almost there Joey. Almost there. We can do this Joey!"
His head again seemed to go down and he flew across the remainder of the Plain towards that ring. Joey's strides became longer and faster and suddenly,
'Ping'
Went through their ears again and James pulled Joey to a halt and turned him round to face the warn out Harry. Private Collins wore a smile and James grinned.
"Thanks Private Collins... Harry was defiantly a match for Joey. I'm glad you accepted my offer." James said and Collins chuckled.
"Well it was an opportunity I would not want to miss. I mean you asked me. I would never in my life turn down an offer." he rambled and James playfully rolled his eyes.
He gave Joey a well deserved pat. Joey was panting and sweating. He had never felt so unfit for a long while. The two men were chatting apon their horses backs. Joey and Harry walked shoulder to shoulder all the way back to the yard and stable building. James and Private Collins laughed and joked all the way back. It was a strange sight that a Captain and a Private were so close.
James was friendly to everyone. He hardly had a bad bone in his body.
"Good day Private Collins, and again I thank you for training with me today. It's much appreciated."
"A pleasure Captain. Thank you." Private Collins nodded riding Harry over to his post.
OoOoOo
The last few hours of today were spent lunging again. Getting his fitness up to a T. Round and round in endless circles. Walking, trotting, catering, and lots more. James even taught Joey to follow him. Joey would just walk behind him everywhere. He wasn't even attached to a rope. Joey just wanted to be near James now. They were to be shipped off to France in two days. He wanted to see James as much as possible.
"There's a lad Joey. Follow..." James called and Joey did indeed follow. James dug in his pocket and Joey immediately trotted up behind him, almost sending him to the floor, face first...
"Yes this is for you Joey." James said holding out a full round, red, juicy looking apple. Joey's eyes lit up and his ears pricked forward. James had a smile on his face, he took a bite of the apple and then let Joey eat the rest. Crunching into the apple happily Joey stood chewing on it and James chuckled, giving him a well deserved pat.
"Come on lad, let's get you inside and fed. We have a very, very early start tomorrow for the finally practice charge."
Joey walked behind James closely. Everyone looked at James. Joey was merely following with out being attached to him. He would occasionally click his tongue to get Joey's attention or if Joey was falling behind it would tell him to catch up.
OoOoOo
James walked him into the stable and Joey went straight to the water bucket, and he drank heavily. James left him to drinking his water and got his food ready. When he reappeared with his bucket, James smiled.
"This is the last bucket of feed filled with that ghastly medicine boy. Means you must be better by now. Here you go. I'll leave you to it and I'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning." he said putting his blanket on and then left Joey's stall locking it behind him.
"Good night."
OoOoOo
Joey lay down and rolled around trying to make himself a, how would you put it? A nest sort of thing. Once he was comfy he let his eyes drop shut. He couldn't wait for tomorrow, adrenaline rush, excitement everything.
He was really excited and happy. Tomorrow will be a good day, Joey could just tell.
AN: haha :) I named the horse Harry because, thats my horses name haha, he's a babe, he would make a brilliant Cavalry horse in my opinion haha :) I hope you enjoy it! Only a couple more chapters before the incredibly annoying and sad bit! God I hate sad bites haha x Please review! Thanks :) All Welcome
~Destrier~ x
