The next night, we were on our way to the track again. I was eager to let loose again, and when Alec took me off the trailer, I pranced excitedly. The man from yesterday came again, and I learned his name was Joe. Joe had brought a friend too, a serious sounding man. His name apparently was Jim. They both looked at me as I bubbled around, but I calmed once Henry brought Napoleon alongside me.
They tacked me up quickly, and Alec got on, but I was already upset about everyone watching me. They were all excited and nervous, which ramped me up. The new man Jim tried to help, but I bared my teeth and tried to bite him. Henry got him out of the way of my teeth. Too bad for him. Someone moved too quickly for my liking, and I rose up high on my hind legs, slashing my front hooves in the air. I felt soft flesh under one hoof, and Alec jerked me to one side. I landed again, and smelled blood. I looked and saw Henry bleeding from his arm. I had gotten him! I wheeled, and rose in the air again. Again, the boy turned me so I had to land, and he asked me to go forward onto the track. I was still nervous with all the people watching, but I switched my focus to the track. I was going to run!
I pranced on the spot, unsure at first. The men all leaned on the rail, watching my every move. The boy sat me quietly, and I felt his fingers in my mane. He gave no cue, but I knew he was ready. I bolted from an almost standstill, and gladly reached my legs farther and farther so I went so fast. I felt so good...I needed to run off the stress and nerves. I went faster than I had ever gone before. Once again, I was a wild stallion of the desert, my herd streaming behind me. I feared no man or beast...none would ever catch me! I ran long and hard. The boy had his hands wrapped my thick mane and I gave no thought to him. I just ran and ran and ran. At last I started to tire. My ears flicked back to the boy. His weight was heavier than usual and he no longer tried to guide me. I was puzzled. What happened to him? I slowed further. I came down the track close to where the men on the rail were standing. I had no idea how many times I passed them, but they were running onto the track, trying to block my way. I dropped down to a trot, not wanting to run someone over. Henry ran to me and grabbed my reins. I propped and tried to rear but he prevented me. The boy was very still on my back. I thought he was sleeping, but that was strange. Jake and Jim tried to come near me, but I warned them away with a good kick. Henry kept calling the boy's name, but he didn't stir. I wouldn't let the other men near me, but the boy seemed stuck.
Finally Henry took a knife from his pocket and sawed at my mane where Alec had it wrapped in his hands. He caught Alec as he fell from me and passed him off to the men. He then led me away, untacked me, tossed my cooler on, and tied me next to Napoleon. He checked on the boy, but saw the men taking care of him, and came back to load us horses back on the trailer. I was a bit worried, for the boy was not moving. Finally, I pricked my ears...I could hear him talking. He was alright! He shakily walked by my trailer window and I poked my nose out catch his scent. He calmly called to me and he seemed fine. I guess I somehow ran so fast I sucked the air out of his lungs. I pawed and Napoleon looked at me curiously. I felt proud that I was able to do such a thing, but at the same time, I didn't want to accidentally hurt him.
We didn't go back to the track. I worried because I thought it was because our incident the last time, but the boy didn't seem upset at me. He rode me every day, and we galloped as best we could in the paddock. He also took extra care about my feeding and grooming, and my coat shone like silk. He worked me twice a day, and I felt very fit. Henry also pitched in taking care of me, and I learned to trust him as well. Of course I still enjoyed my free time with Napoleon, but I sensed that Henry and Alec were waiting for something. Something exciting that had to do with me, but what it was, I didn't know. I knew if I waited long enough though, I'd find out.
