Chapter 5
The First Race
The next day, as Stunner had calmed down, the six companions were content to continue their regular daily routine. Stunner had been giving her parents the cold shoulder for almost a whole week after their quarrel. Anytime either mare or stallion tried to talk to their daughter, she would give them a glare that rivaled an angry mountain lion, and flicked her tail and walked off. She even went as far as disobeying them. For the whole week she had been practicing with a professional jockey, and running around the track with Oberon, Blaze, and Shadow. They always had a great time, and the only one who even came close to beating her was Oberon.
On one such day, Stunner was getting tacked up by her jockey when she spotted a new stallion approaching. He was led the other way toward the "Jumps of Nightmares" as Stunner called them. Soon enough, the four, mare and stallions were running alongside each other. Stunner noticed the new stallion and his jockey standing by the rail watching them. As the four ran past them, Oberon noticed the stallion staring intently at Stunner. He was solid sorrel with a white blaze and four white socks.
Stunner was filled with adrenaline. Today was her first race, the race where she would prove if she was worthy to be a racer. "Geez guys! You all are slow today. Looks like I'm gonna win this little old race. Again." she said. That blow to their pride had them going top speed now. Did it do any good? Nope.
After practice, Stunner was turned loose in the pasture. She searched for her friends and soon spotted them. As she began to walk towards them, she was stopped by the new stallion. "I watched you race today, and I must say that you are truly good at it. And you're lovely when you run." he said kindly yet seductively. "Um, thanks. Now if you'll excuse me." Stunner replied nervously. The sorrel male was about to reply when he heard, "There you are Stunner. We were wondering if you were coming." said Oberon with a forced smile. Stunner smiled also and nuzzled him. The new stallion stared at them jealously, but walked off.
Finally, the race was to begin. Stunner was calm, yet excited. She knew better than to get nervous and jumpy at these times, due to the fact that it hindered a racers abilities to win and run their best. The horses were pulled up to their gates, most jumpy and scared from lack of space. Stunner tuned it all out so she could concentrate on the task ahead. She noted the fact that her parents were standing on the sidelines watching. Stunner inwardly smirked. She would show her parents what she was made of, and prove them wrong about her future.
3...2...1...RING!!!
The horses burst forth from their tight enclosures, and sped down the track. Stunner kept to the middle, conserving her energy for when it counted. They passed the quarter mile marker. Two markers left. One left. It was time, for Stunner to make her move and pull a win. She let her adrenaline loose, and pulled to the very front. A whole neck length ahead of the first place mare and stallion. RING!!!
Stunner's sides heaved as she leaped over the finish line. Her heavy breathing didn't stop her from getting the congrats from her friends. Stunner looked to her parents, but they were nowhere to be found. 'Oh well. Tough luck for them.' she thought.
A few hours after the race, Stunner was put in her stall. She ate, drank, and fell asleep. Oberon rested his head on her back, and fell asleep as well. His mare had done well, yet she was very tired so he would be with her when she needed him. He thought of what he had heard his and Stunner's owners said. "My stallion seems to have some affection or attraction for that golden beauty of yours. What say you?" said Oberon's owner confidently. "I agree. Shall we arrange a breeding then, dear friend?" replied Stunner's owner pridefully. "Yes. What a racer the foal would be."
Oberon was definitely fine with that.