People: Kirsten Jade
Place: Akita Rose Stables Barn & Trails
Date: December 8 2013 (January Week Two)
Last Minute Entry
she just couldn't wait...
It was two days before ARS' silks will be back on the track. They had already sent their three horses to the track to prepare. Kirsten rubbed her hands together with anticipation. This is what she has been waiting for - it was time to get ARS back into the swing of things. They needed to get back on the map - the map of success.
She strode through the training barn just checking up on things - like she does every couple of hours or so. A loud whinny interrupted her thoughts and she smiled. She could recognize that whinny anywheres. "Tropez! Why aren't you outside in your paddock boy?" The big bay huffed out a puff of air and arched his neck towards her. She reached out and hugged him around the neck. "I missed you ya big goof." She smiled and stroked his neck.
Suddenly, she had an idea. "Trope ya wanna go out for a trail ride?" The stallion regarded her silently. She raised her eyebrows, this horse was never silent... A loud whinny sounded from his lips. There we go... She rolled her eyes and grabbed his lead shank that was hanging by his stall door. She was very much looking forward to some solitary time on the trails. It's been awhile. Plus, she has barely had the time to breath since her return to the stable four days ago. Yep, this will be a nice change of pace.
She hooked the lead shank on Tropez quickly and opened the stall door. She had better get out of here quickly before someone sees her. There was always so much to do around the farm and so many issues that needed to be resolved. "Let's go big boy". Tropez bobbed his head and let out another cry. "Shhhh!" Kirsten placed a finger in front of her lips and frowned at the horse. They made their way as quickly as possible to the large tack room. GM Halloweentown shook his mane and followed eagerly.
It didn't take any time at all for Kirsten to tack up the big stallion (with a tall foot stool to aid her) and lead him outside to the mounting block. She struggled up on his saddle. Kirsten could still not believe how much the stallion had grown in the year she was gone. He must be the second biggest horse in their barns (after Apollo Bear of course). Tropez even surpassed his sire in size. Guilt still plagued her for leaving when she did, poor Halloweentown missed out on his entire 3 year old season - he could have possibly even made it to the Triple Crown. She sighed. Well, what is done is done. There was nothing she could do about it now, except to give Tropez a great 4 year old season.
She urged Tropez into a trot and glanced over her shoulder. They had to hurry! She pointed the bay towards the hill by their practice track, the start of the trails wasn't too far behind it. She glanced over her shoulder once again, this time seeing two figures emerge near the track. "Go Trope!" She urged him into a slow gallop and before she knew it they were over the hill and on their way.
After a good fifteen minutes on the trails Kirsten could literally feel all her stresses just roll off her back. She gave Tropez another pat and leaned back in her saddle to enjoy the ride. She owed it to the big Night Stalker Stallion for her pleasure now. It was really a shame she wasn't racing Tropez this weekend - she couldn't wait to have him run on the track again. Why wasn't he running anyway? He was more than ready and raring to go. When they got back to the stable she was going to give Halloweentown a good long brushing. Then, she was