there.is.hope

we can do it if we put our mind to it

The moment you were born and I looked in your eyes I knew you had it in you to be a champion. Just with a bit of help you would be one of the best, well at least in our eyes.

As I make my way to the barn this morning I knew something wasn't right. Something wasn't wrong, it was just any odd feeling. I had enter Spencer in the Derby. The Kentucky Derby, one of the biggest races out there, but we knew he had it in him to run well.

The sun was barely up as I peered into the barn. Walking down the row of stalls I heard shuffling of hooves, and was startled as I heard a soft nicker. Still half asleep, I looked wide eye down the rows of stalls to see Spencer with his head hang over the door, looking towards me with a delightful look on his face.

I smiled, and rubbed his forehead. Silly boy... I mumbled as he began to chew on my sleeve. He soft nose nudged me in the arm as I reached for his halter and lead rope. I slipped the halter over his head and clipped the lead on it. Opening the stall door I lead him out, walking him in a circle. As he walked, muscle rippled under his grey coat. I led him towards the cross-ties and started to tack him up.

His dapple gray coat gleamed in the sunlight was we walked towards the track. As we came closer to the track, Spencer started to pull more on the lead, anxious to get out there and run. He jumped forward and started to walk faster before realizing what he was doing. He glanced back at me with 'Oops' look on his face. I just shook my head.

As we made it to the track, I slowed him to a stop and pulled my self up in the saddle. I urged him forward on the track and got my self ready. I could feel that the colt was excited, and full of energy. I guess he knew what he was up against.

Ready boy? I said as I urged him into a trot. His excitedly jumped forward into a very fancy, strong trot. Easy... I mumbled. His hooves light hit the dirt as we made our way around half the track. Then I urged him into a canter. It was a smooth, easy canter. Very graceful. It felt amazing being on top such a strong horse with so much speed.

I urged him into a light gallop. Just start out slow and steady, I thought was I pulled the reins a bit just to slow him a tad down. After a furlongs or two I urged him into a bit faster gallop. Not to fast because I wanted to save the best for last.

He pulled forward, trying to get more rein to go faster. When I didn't allow him to go faster he pinned his ears back. You will get to go faster I said... After a total of 8 furlongs or galloping I smiled. Okay boy it time to give it your all! I whispered in his ear and gave him the cue. He shoot off like the devil was on his tail.

He pushed forth, going faster and faster. I knew he had to be going his fastest even. I pulled the reins a bit for him to slow down but he didn't listen at all. After another furlong, two total, I pulled him down to a canter.

After galloping the last two furlongs like he did I thought he was be soaked for sweat, but no he wasn't. Just a light layer of sweat glazed over him. Just added bit of shine to his coat. I knew he gave it his all. He didn't slow down when I asked him either, he just came going. Now I knew he had it in him to do well.

He would prove to the crowd that a grade two horse had what it take to be a winner. I really wanted him to win the Derby. He would be my first Derby winner. I sighed as I pulled him down to a trot than a walk. I sat down in the saddle and rubbed his shoulder. That was a good boy Spec I cooed. His gave a happy whinny and tossed his head. As we walked off the track he held his head high and proud like he was a winner. Like he know he could do it. He had the heart, and speed along with a great pedigree to back him up.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, we hea ded back towards the stables. I planned on giving Spencer a good bath after untacking him and let him out in the paddock for a bit. I did my part, now all I do it hope everything goes good.