Two nights after this, Napoleon and I were trailered again to the track. I was happy...I'd get to gallop again! The only thing I couldn't understand is why it had to be at night. But I did not worry about that. As long as I got to run, I was happy. After the last time, the field felt far too small for my liking.
I was quickly tacked up and mounted, and I danced for joy all over the place. Let me go! Alec steered me onto the track, and made me walk a little. Finally, the pressure on my mouth was released and I exploded into motion. Faster and faster I went until I was a black streak in the black night. I ran so fast that I couldn't hear anything my rider said, nor did I care. My heart pounded in my chest as I reached out long legs to dig into the track. We had done a circuit when I pricked my ears. A grey shadow appeared, but I recognized Napoleon trying to gallop alongside me. I passed him in a flash, for the fella was old and unfit. But I slowed up immediately. I was going far too fast to break too suddenly, but I dropped back down to a canter and spun around to meet Napoleon. I picked up a slow gallop back and went to him. I stopped and touched noses with the grey gelding. Good heavens! He was wheezing with the effort of his galloping! I snorted in amusement. Napoleon imagined himself a much younger version of himself and held his head high and shook his mane. He huffed back at me, and turned around and lumbered into a trot to the opening of the track. If I could have smiled like a human, I would have. Three jumps and I was beside him! I nipped him playfully, but Napoleon acted like a wise old fella who had no time to play. Oh yeah? What are you doing out here then?
We trotted back to Henry and Jake...the grey gelding took three steps to my every one, I noted in amusement...and the boy let me take charge. By the time we got back to the men, old Napoleon was exhausted, but very pleased with himself. Alec jumped off and they all laughed at the silly old boy, but treated him kindly. Henry tossed my cooler on me, and Jake put another one on Napoleon. We were both walked until cool. I snorted again in my horsey smile as I saw Napoleon trying to imitate me. He even tried to rear, but the old legs weren't that strong anymore. I did wonder what he once looked like as a young iron grey. I think I'd have liked to have known him then.
Many suns rose and fell, and Alec and I worked hard. I went to the track often to run, but I also liked my lazy days swishing my tail in the sun. Napoleon went with me for our night runs, but he didn't join me again on the track. I guess once was enough for him.
One day, a man came to see Alec and Henry when I was out in the paddock grazing. Alec sat on the fence and whistled for me. I came running down to see him, but when I saw the man, I was immediately nervous, and turned and trotted back to other side. Again Alec called, and I returned again, keeping my eye on this new man. The boy grabbed my halter and I had a good look at the fellow. I sniffed as he talked, and then I remembered. He was the same one I had heard when I was taken off the boat to come to this place. I just had never seen him before because of course I had the sweater over my eyes. But I remembered he had sounded friendly then, and I liked him now. I whuffed quietly as the three of them talked. They started to get excited about something, but I had no idea what about. I was just happy to stand next to the boy. I started to get bored with all the talk and soon tuned out. Finally the man left and I was able to graze in peace.
