Chapter Forty-Two: Bridle

"Is this a joke?"

"Did I give that impression?"

"No, it's just... I've been working all day. I've already being getting in exercise while working on the project, in a way."

Gray propped his chin with his elbow on Jack's table, already finding himself exhausted with his jockey. After their reconciliation, Gray had suggested that he accompany Jack home and help write up a training regimen. Jack had enthusiastically agreed. What Jack did not expect, however, was that Gray intended for it to begin that very night.

"Yes, you've been getting exercise," Gray conceded. "It's also the completely wrong type. Heavy lifting? I need you strong and lean, not muscled. I'd rather see lighter weights with higher repetition."

"But this isn't even weights at all. Ab workouts?"

"A strong core is fundamental to keeping your form and posture steady. You've ridden enough by now to know that... I've given you workout regimens before, but now you're acting like this is all unfamiliar to you."

Jack picked up the notebook containing Gray's newly written recommendations for a second inspection. He slapped the page with the backside of his hand once confirming he hadn't misread anything. "Yeah, you've assigned me exercises, but this here is at least twice the amount you've given before."

"True, but I was going too easy. I wasn't sure how much more I could push you, so I compromised until you started getting ridiculous ideas like this bridge project."

"Were you going easy on me then or are you just being excessive now?"

Gray slumped forward even further and remarked dryly, "You know, I'm glad to hear you speak your mind, but you also said you were ready to do whatever it takes. I'm telling you now, this is what it takes."

"... Alright. Yes, sir," Jack sighed. A wisp of a smile then crossed his countenance. "You don't plan on sitting there watching me, are you?"

"Just long enough to make sure you're actually going to do it and that your form is clean. You'll hurt your neck or back if you do them wrong."

"Suit yourself," Jack relented.

The reinstated jockey would have to comply with far more in the coming days, during which training took up a much larger percentage of the average day than it had in the past. Though the time remaining was limited, Jack had finished up his role on the bridge project earlier than initially expected, so there was enough breathing room to prevent the impulse to panic.

Gray started Crutcher out with low-intensity exercises in conjunction with thorough grooming and health evaluations. After accurately assessing the horse's conditioning during that first week, it would be easier for Gray to build more complex exercises. Crutcher responded well during this time.

While Crutcher's return to training was guided gently, Jack was not extended the same grace. His conditioning program involved a full gamut of both cardiovascular and strength exercises; of these, Jack's least favorite of all were the running drills. These began with long jogs on the relatively flat terrain around his farm, but after the first week, there was a new exercise listed on his schedule as, "Four laps up to the bridge on Moon Mountain." It seemed like an innocuous way to test his leg strength over a demanding but short distance, but Jack didn't realize at the time where the other side of that lap ended.

"Wait... I thought you meant starting at the base of the trail up," Jack told Gray hesitantly the morning this exercise was to begin.

Gray had found his comfortable seat overlooking the bay on Jack's farm and was eating an apple for breakfast. "Nope. From here," he said casually between bites.

Jack was dressed for the occasion, but his posture and expression suggested he was less prepared emotionally. "Am I allowed to ask why? I understand why we're increasing the repetitions of things I was already doing before the bridge project, but runs are completely new. I'm fine with the jogs we started with, but this might just kill me."

"You were riding frequently for a long stretch of time, which made up for not running. But what is it they say... it takes twice as long to get back in shape as it takes to lose it? You weren't out of it too long, thankfully, but it was long enough that we need to take conditioning seriously. So here we are. Any more complaints?"

"... No, it's fine." After a breath, Jack shared proudly, "I actually used to be on my school's cross country team, you know."

"Is that so?"

"My dad forced me to get involved in a sport. I wasn't really interested in any contact sports, so I ended up running. Though if I'm being honest, I wasn't very good at it. Spent most of the time daydreaming instead of focusing on actually finishing quickly."

"Well, try to limit the daydreaming now. If you finish up within half an hour, dinner will be on me."

Jack nodded approval. "What are the exact rules for the finishing points?"

"On this end, touch this rock here," Gray said with a wave of his hand. "And on the other, touch one of the posts on your new bridge."

"Alright. When do I start?"

Gray glanced at his pocket watch and observed that the seconds hand had just crossed the minute mark.

"How about now?"

Jack's eyes widened as he bounced into action. Gray finished the last of his apple and then lounged comfortably in waiting, only stirring each time Jack returned to provide him with lap times and an updated projection for when he would finish at his current rate. It was a pleasant day to lie by the ocean, though Jack probably wasn't enjoying nature quite as much.

Gray was pleased to record Jack initially ahead of the pace, demonstrating that the jockey was taking the exercise seriously, but Jack's time trailed off each lap. After finishing his fourth loop, Jack crumbled to the ground by Gray's side out of exhaustion.

Though sad to finally be forced to abandon his cozy perch, Gray stood and dragged Jack back to his feet. "Come on, you've got to keep moving or you'll cramp."

"I know, I know," Jack tried to exhale. "How... how did I do?"

"You missed a free dinner by twenty-eight seconds," Gray informed as he walked alongside Jack to make sure his jockey didn't try sitting again. "But since you came close, I'll buy you a drink... assuming you don't keel over before that."

"I-I'm fine... just need some time." After a short break, Jack felt strong enough to add, "I'm sorry for complaining again. Conditioning is important. I don't know if you were able to tell, but I was pretty gassed during my first race. It really messed me up towards the end when I tried switching goggles. I ended up yanking the entire set a bit, which messed up my field of vision."

Gray stopped in his tracks. "Wait, you had issues with your goggles? Why are you just now mentioning this?"

"I practiced it afterwards to make sure it wouldn't happen again."

"Practiced while riding?"

"Well, I was in the saddle, but not after a long workout or anything like that."

"You just said yourself that part of the problem was exhaustion. And if the track is muddy or you're positioned further back, the kickback will be far worse than you remember, which means you'll be switching goggles even more." Gray motioned for Jack to follow him. "Come on, we're going to have to practice it."

"But I thought Crutcher was going to have a rest day today?"

"He is. That's why you're going to ride someone else."

"Cliffgard?"

"No. Distinction."

Jack's posture immediately flipped from that of exhaustion to that of fear. "Distinction? I thought he was supposed to be sent back to his owners by now."

"He was. Apparently there was some sort of legal hangup, so we've got him for a bit longer. You'd have to ask my dad for details... Look, Distinction is not the friendliest horse, but he's been broke. Just demonstrate confidence, and you'll be fine."

"And if I don't?"

"I'll be there to keep things under control." After imagining himself having to try wrangling Distinction, Gray added, "... Hopefully Cliff, too."

Jack needed a moment to consider his options. "... Sure, let's do it. If nothing else, it'll be a story."

"Let's hope it's not too interesting of one."

After allowing Jack to change clothes and pick up his goggles, Gray gave his jockey tips on how to best handle Distinction on the walk to the Green Ranch. Jack nodded his head in acknowledgement, but he still seemed a bit too tired to process any of it thoroughly.

Upon their arrival at the Green Ranch, they found Ann and Cliff surveying the pasture for weeds and acorns. The two likely would have continued working had it just been Gray, but Jack's presence was enough of an event for them to walk over and investigate the purpose of the visit.

After brief greetings, Gray quickly moved to the point. "Jack needs some practice on switching goggles while riding. Both Crutcher and Cliffgard are resting today, so we were hoping to ride Distinction."

Ann was taken aback. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"Jack's an experienced rider. And, umm, we were hoping Cliff could come with us. Just in case."

"Just in case," Ann muttered. "And where are you planning to do this?"

"The course on Jack's ranch should work fine. I don't want to take Distinction through town."

Ann looked to Cliff; when he seemed receptive to the idea, she shrugged, "Well, I won't stop you. I would come, too, but someone has to keep working."

"Sure, I know where to find Distinction," Cliff obliged. "Obviously we keep him stalled alone most of the time. I'll go get him saddled and everything."

"Are you sure it's safe?" Jack muttered, revealing that Gray's encouragement had not been enough to allay his concerns.

"I'll be there the whole time, so I don't think he'll act up. But I won't let you ride if I have any doubts." Cliff then looked to Gray. "I want to spend some time doing groundwork with Jack. Not only do I want Distinction to be comfortable with Jack, but it will give him a bit of time to adjust to the new surroundings. It could be a few hours."

"Well... then I'll trust you with it. Having two instructors with different styles might just complicate things, so I'm going to head out for a bit."

"That's fine. Maybe be back at Jack's in three hours?" Cliff recommended.

Gray gave his approval and then departed. He had limited opportunities to see Popuri in the previous week, so he was happy to have a legitimate reason to get away. He spent some time working with her in the greenhouse before having a long, relaxing lunch. When Gray finally returned to Jack's, he was welcomed to the sight of his jockey trotting Distinction around the pasture.

After Gray joined where Cliff stood watch, Jack pulled Distinction up alongside them. "How do I look?" he asked with a bright grin.

Gray found himself returning the smile. "Like a natural."

As they brought Distinction out of the pasture and onto the course, Jack continued to ramble, "It feels like I've tamed some sort of mystical beast. Or like I'm about to ride into battle with my legendary steed." Cliff made no reaction, while Gray only half-listened to his jockey's excited discourse and nodded his head. He was brought back to attention, however, after Jack positioned his stack of goggles and declared, "Alright, I think I'm ready to practice this."

"Wait!" Gray halted. "Before you go anywhere, try your technique here first."

Jack obeyed and lowered the first set to his neck.

"Okay, that right there. You're doing it wrong," Gray critiqued.

"I am? I thought I pulled it off cleanly."

"You did. It's your hand still on the reins. You're cocking your wrist, as if that's going to help you keep a better grip when you take the other hand off. Do you know what that does?"

"It'll mess up the bit placement," Jack answered.

"Right. And you'll do it worse when you're actually riding. Do you think the horse will like that? Distinction especially?"

"No."

"Alright. Try it again."

Jack removed the next set as instructed.

"Better. You had me worried I'd be forced to make you wear those wrist braces again."

Jack chuckled, "The thought of that is enough to scare me into amelioration... Am I good to go now?"

"As you were," Gray allowed with a weak salute. "Try removing a set about every furlong."

Gray and Cliff retreated further away as Distinction took off in a veil of dust.

They watched Jack in silence for some time before Cliff muttered without prompt, "He's improved."

"It looks like it, but it's a bit hard to tell from here."

"No, I don't mean the goggles. He seems more... fluid, all around. I didn't really say anything, but when we had that practice at the track, Jack seemed a little stiff in how he handled Crutcher, even before and after we raced. Like he knew the rules you taught him, but only at a surface level... too scared of something or someone to really commit this actions. I-I don't want to sound rude. He wasn't bad, and like I said, he's better now. You've taught him well."

"You were literally just working with him. I don't deserve all the credit."

Cliff shrugged, "Maybe not. But it's more than just riding lessons, though... I was eating dinner with Cain and Greg the other night when Jack dropped by. He didn't go into details, but he had a lot of good things to say about you. As a friend... not just a trainer. And when people are in a happier place, it shows up in all parts of life... including how they interact with a horse."

Gray was too embarrassed to immediately respond. Instead, seeing that Distinction was nearing the final turn, Gray leapt over to an empty metal bucket that was situated by the door to Jack's chicken coop.

"Then hopefully he won't mind me doing this," Gray said as he scooped up a clod of dirt from the course and then started walking in the direction of the oncoming stallion. From a safe distance to the side, he flung a cloud of dirt into his jockey's face as he charged by. He could see Jack cough and shake his head before quickly removing another set of goggles. Shortly thereafter, the jockey finished removing his last two pairs before wheeling back around to Cliff. He and Gray arrived at approximately the same time.

"Did I manage to mess you up?" Gray asked with a thin smile.

"You surprised me, that's for sure. I guess I should have seen it coming when I noticed you walking up with a bucket, but the whole riding thing leaves me a bit disorientated with my surroundings... Anyways, I had a brief hiccup on the second set, but I think I know why. After that, it all went smoothly. Even when I got smacked with the dirt."

"That's good. It wasn't really a fair shot," Cliff deemed quietly.

"Ehh, it's fine. It helped replicate the real thing... That said, Gray, you might want to check around every corner whenever you leave the house in the morning, or you might find yourself receiving a pile of dirt to the face."

Gray smirked. "I'd like to see you try." He then replaced the bucket where he found it. "Anyways, since it seems to have gone well, I won't make you do it again, but don't forget what you've learned going forward."

Jack and Gray thanked Cliff for his assistance and even convinced him to allow them to buy his dinner. After that, it was back to routine. Now confident that Crutcher was capable of more strenuous training, Gray steadily increased the distance and intensity of the exercises to ensure Crutcher could finish the seven furlongs without falling off the pace. Crutcher's rate of improvement was not as steep as Gray would have hoped, but it was at least on an upward trajectory. The same applied to the jockey. Jack clearly struggled with the longer distances, but in response, his determination developed in equal measure. He no longer bemoaned his assignments but instead asked Gray to find more ways he could prepare.

Their efforts were not in vain. In the last days leading up to the race, Jack and Crutcher finally worked their way back up to the speeds they clocked prior to the bridge project. Too few days remained to confirm if their performance could repeated consistently, but despite the unknown variables, Gray was able to make peace with their achievements. Given the difficulty of the situation, it would have been unreasonable to expect for more.

The last day before the race was an easy one for Crutcher. As Gray wished to avoid exhausting the horse directly before the main event, the extent of the colt's exercise was taking a final walk around the track shortly before sunset. This was intended to verify that Crutcher was properly stretched, healthy, and comfortable with his footing on the track. Gray's presence for this was debatably superfluous, but he knew Jack would want to share the final night with him. When Jack completed the leisurely lap, he joined Gray in the paddock.

Jack looked to Gray after dismounting and starting the untacing process. "So, how are our times, anyways? You didn't mention them the last couple of days, and I keep forgetting to ask."

Gray shook his head. "I don't want you going in overly confident or pessimistic, so let's just say you'll be competitive if you give it all you've got."

"Well, I see your point. Not like there's much that can be done about it this late in the game."

After finishing with untacking Crutcher, Jack slipped his hands into the deep pockets of a jacket he had hung from a hook on the wall of the stall. "I've got a little treat," he said as he pulled out two bottles of orange soda. He handed one to Gray after popping off the lid.

"Not sure I've seen this before," Gray noted as he checked the brand.

"I'm not surprised. It's one of my favorites, but it's a bit expensive to get ordered in from the city."

The two walked to the rail facing the track and leaned over it for support. Gray quickly took a gulp of the tempting beverage but stopped Jack before he could do the same. "Wait... you shouldn't be drinking something like this so close to weigh-in," Gray warned.

Jack's bottle stopped halfway to his mouth. He only continued on with a shake of his head after Gray broke out into a smile.

"You know, you're not as funny as you think," Jack answered after finishing his sip. He tried to keep a straight face, but he broke character at the end with a good-natured chuckle.

The orange sun was low in the sky, and the open field they faced offered a great view of the sunset. The area would be swathed by scores of spectators the next day, but the remarkably peaceful ambience on that night was punctuated only by the rustling of fallen leaves as they were carried by the breeze.

Jack cleared his throat as he neared the bottom of his bottle. "Whatever happens tomorrow, Gray… I want you to know that I'm glad we did this. It's been hard and it's been long, but I'd also say it's been more fulfilling than I ever expected when I asked you if you'd be my trainer. I've learned a lot about racing, but also about you, and even myself. I want to go and give the town something to be proud of, but we've already accomplished something worthwhile."

Gray agreed with the sentiment, but he was unable to find the words to express himself. As he tried to think of another subject to broach, he was quickly reminded of a legitimate reason to end the conversation.

"Shoot," Gray mumbled as he pulled out his pocket watch and checked the time. "I almost forgot that I agreed to have dinner with Harris in about ten minutes, so I've got to get going."

"Hey, don't worry about it. I still have some chores to finish after I take Crutcher home, so I can't stay long, either."

Gray nodded and started towards the town square. He halted suddenly, however, and added, "Oh, and Jack... I have one last piece of advice."

"What's that?"

"Leave nothing on the table, but don't forget to have fun out there. That's... that's all I really ask."

"I promise I will," Jack agreed with a kindly smile.

Gray nodded again and began to trudge up the hill. As he did, he noticed what appeared to be rain clouds forming in the direction of the coast. The forecast had suggested there was a slight chance of overnight rain, but Gray hadn't thought too much about it until then. He considered returning to the paddock to warn his jockey, but he stopped himself upon recognizing that he would be able to give more accurate advice on how to handle the conditions after assessing the situation the next morning. Besides, he trusted Jack to know what to do.

It was a good thing they had practiced for mud.