a race of endurance

<sub>RACE ONE
Wildly Natural vs Pegasus Wings vs Foolish Lad

Amber looked out at the steeplechase course and grinned. It had been a good idea of Henna's, what they were going to do today. It would raise some friendly rivalry into the staff and make life more enjoyable. The steeplechase jumps, rarely used, had been put away for this. The track was two miles of beautiful turf, and what were the SOPS staff doing today? Simple. They were going to race each other on their turf mounts, no matter if they were sprinters or not, and they were going to get some conditioning into the horses as well as some friendly rivalry. And the steeplechase course was too beautiful not to use - it would be lots of fun to go and race on it, and Amber couldn't wait. She turned away from the course and strode back to the stables, getting ready to prepare her first mount of the day.

Half an hour later she led the gorgeous black four year old mare out of the barn. Tura shook her head and stomped her hooves. She was in high spirits that morning, and was definitely feeling her oats. She looked ahead and snorted excitedly at the two male horses there, pulling against the bridle, wanting to go and flirt with them. Amber smirked and turned Tura around, so that she couldn't see the two stallions, before vaulting into the saddle and calmly trotting her over. The two horses that awaited them were Foolish Lad and Pegasus Wings. Krystal and Henna smiled at Amber as she joined them, and then the banter began.

They were racing two miles, and there was some teasing to be done. You sure your filly can handle the boys Amber? She looks pretty dainty and distracted by them today commented Henna with a sly grin.
Look who's talking, Henna. You're aboard the horse that can't handle seven furlongs and will want to lead and sprint the whole way. At least my mount can last Amber shot back.
You guys are both incorrect. Laddy has the best stamina and the most experience here. He'll take this race easy added Krystal.
Tura is a closer too, Krystal. We'll be with you every furlong! claimed Amber.
And while you two are busy trailing behind, Asus will be burning up the turf. Face it, you stand no chance defended Henna. All three women glared and then smirked at each other. No more talking, let's see who's really the best declared Krystal, and the three women turned and cantered their horses onto the steeplechase course.

The three cantered up and down half of the stretch, slowly warming up, and when they were ready all three met at the wire. Amber smirked at everybody and sat astride her champion mare with confidence. Tura had the best record here, and could definitely handle the distance. But Laddy had impressive stamina, and Asus had speed. A good combination of both as well as rider wits would lead to victory. Amber steadied herself, and looked across at the other two riders, who were doing the same. Krystal looked at her, and Henna gave her a thumbs up. With a nod, Amber began to count down out loud, and then they were off.

As expected, Asus took the lead and attempted to power away with no regard to stamina. Laddy took a comfortable position at the back, and as Amber had promised Tura strode along at Laddy's side. Asus streamed about ten lengths, then fifteen, then twenty lengths ahead of them, yet Amber and Krystal held their mounts back and waited for the time to strike. It happened quickly; after the first mile, the huge gap began to lessen. Laddy and Tura were stride for stride as they ate away at what had been an impressive lead. Asus was fizzing fast, and Henna was unsure of what to do to rectify the situation. She glanced back uneasily, as Tura and Laddy were now no more than five lengths away and closing with four furlongs left to run.

Screw it Asus, give it your all! she finally yelled, and in a last ditch effort she gave Asus free rein. This was a rare occasion. To give Asus free rein meant to unleash the pegasus that he was named for. Asus at first froze in surprise, and then found something deep and powerful buried inside. He unleashed a sudden kick and put Tura and Laddy away. Tura looked surprised but picked up the pace, while Laddy was taken aback and fell a bit behind. However, their confusion did not last long. Asus could not keep his desperate sprint up; Tura caught up and blew on by, Laddy right behind. Asus desperately latched on to Laddy's stride, but couldn't keep up. Krystal was urging Laddy strongly after Tura, but the five year old stallion was tiring fast.

There were two furlongs left to go, and Tura was burning up the track. She put lengths and lengths between her and the rest of the field. Amber simply held on for the show. By the time they flashed under the wire, they were ten lengths in front and still pouring it on. Laddy finished a tiring second, seven lengths in front of a valiantly fighting Asus. All the women pulled their horses up. Tura was breathing hard but appeared okay. She skittered sideways, tossing her head, as her pace slowed. Laddy seemed a bit winded. He cantered slowly, and then dropped into an exhausted trot. Asus was in the worst condition of them all. The sprinter looked exhausted, as though he could never have imagined running so far so fast. But all three women knew that their mounts would be okay, with rest.

We'll get you next time growled Krystal, and Amber smirked.
Let's go get our next mounts stated Henna curtly, and the three riders turned their horses and walked them back to the stables, cooling them down and then preparing their next mounts for the next race.</sub>