emotion

[S u N f r O s T ~]

ACTUALLY STARTED WRITING NOVEMBER 21, 2012
MERCURIAL MAGIC AND VALENCIA ANDREWS

So we had placed out of the top three in our past two races. So what? Did that mean Merc was a bad horse or that I was not talented as a rider? Of course not. It just meant that we had more work to do. Our time at the top would come. Merc was the horse gifted to me by God and I would do right by him and get him to glory as soon as I could. Merc was the hot headed, arrogant bay stallion who reflected my personality. We bit when we didn't like something, we were arrogant in the presence of all - and, most importantly, we overflowed with emotion. Emotion was what made us as passionate and willing as we were. Mercurial Magic was my big horse. He was my first horse. He would be my best horse even if it took a while to get where we wanted to go.

Essentially two months would pass before we raced again in the Autumn Cup Grade Five Dirt. It would be tough competition and a lot to ask, but we both wanted that win that would cement our partnership. I loved racing and I knew Merc loved it too. Why else would he tug at the reins like he did now, begging for speed? You could well argue that it was because he was a hot headed brat who didn't like listening, but I knew better. Merc was just expressing his desire to run. I knew him well enough. The question was, did he know me? And the answer was no. For if he did know me, we would be doing a lot better, and that winners circle would have seen a lot of Merc. As it was, we weren't quite there yet and I wanted to be there so badly. Hence the work.

Whenever I worked it was under the critical eye of Amber. My boss was constantly evaluating my skills, or maybe she was just stalking me? Whatever the case, her presence did not affect my riding whatsoever. I would be perfect one day, and if Amber didn't know that then she was stupid. It would take time. But I would get there, and that was what counted. If she fired me now, she'd be losing talent. I was as confident in myself as Merc was arrogant and that was part of the reason why we got along. I expected nothing less than the best from Merc and he expected the same from me.

Merc pulled like a train as we transitioned from the trot to the canter. He didn't understand the importance of warming up but quite frankly I didn't care. He would just have to get over it, and within a furlong the troublemaker did, after throwing a half hearted buck my way. The miler dirt horse wasn't one to hold excessively long tantrums. It didn't fit his nature. We coasted for a mile and then some and then I knew it was time to go. The extra distance beyond a mile had been just to taunt Merc and he responded to my challenge by not reacting as I initially thought he would. Instead of playing the role of pissed-off racehorse, he was deadly calm and awaited my command to run. It was different and I couldn't help smirking and giving the bay an appreciative slap on the neck as we rode through our tenth furlong at the canter.

I released the horse and like a jet plane we were sprinting forward. Merc liked to be at the front where the action and speed was and I totally understood that. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else other than where I should be - at the top. Merc and I got along like that. We were mirror images of ourselves and I smirked at that and coaxed Merc further along. The bay colt flattened out more, obliging, pace not dropping as she gracefully curved around the final turn, tail streaming and hooves beating, muscles quivering with raw power and need.

The stretch was our domain. It would be our kingdom to victory. Merc let it all go and I did too, whooping in the colt's pricked ears as we sprinted past the line in a blur of speed. I didn't even slow the colt there, waiting to be beyond the first turn before beginning that process. The speed sang to both of us and I felt as though I was pumped with emotion. Merc and I were the wild couple, the wild card. We were not to be underestimated and certainly not to be left behind in a race. I glanced over at the rail and smirked at the pleased gleam of Amber's eyes. We were good to go - as I knew we would be.