Watch out Racing World here I COME!

[racingbelle]

I kept my eyes on the road as I drove my red pick-up truck with a four horse trailer connected to it. Here it is! Maplewood Stables! I had heard about this place and thought it would be a nice place to work. That is if the stable owner was hiring. Well, I still needed a place to crash and a barn to put my horses in. As I parked, I watched as a woman worked her horse in the outside arena. Thud..rattle...clang. Lightning was trying to tear down the trailer...again. He was such an impatient two year old, at least when it comes to trailer rides.

Kick. Kick. I threw myself against the trailer as it stopped. Hurry up! Come on! Let me see what's going on! I flared my nostrils trying to get the faintest idea of where I was. Hush now young one. She'll get us out in a minute. Belle said to me impatiently. I could tell she was as tired of the dark, cramped trailer as I was but she didn't show it..yet. I can't Belle! I want to run! I said to her. You always want to run Lightning. I could hear her chuckle in the darkness. You want to get out as much as I do! So stop pretending that you don't. I reached over trying to give her a playful nip. But I missed in the darkness. Then I heard the most wonderful sound in the world! The truck door slamming! I whinnied loudly as I heard the latches of the trailer unhook. I was the last to be loaded so now I would be the first to be unloaded!

I turned off the engine and opened the door. I quickly stepped out into the bright sunshine, inhaling the fresh air. I heard Lightning kick the trailer again for the forth time. Stop it Lightning I'm coming!
I said to him quickly. I reached in the back of the truck to grab his red lead rope. With a few strides of my long legs I reached the back of the trailer. Lightning whinnied loudly as I unlatched the trailer. It's OK boy I'm coming. I know you don't like trailer rides. As I swung open the door Lightning gave another kick to the trailer, whose insides looked as if a herd of wild mustangs had been in it instead of two tamed horses. I unsnapped the safety line from the bay stallion's red halter and snapped on the lead rope. Be back for you in a minute Belle. I said to the black mare as I backed Lightning down the ramp. She only snorted and pretended to look bored. Silly girl. I said to her. Come on boy let's go see if we can find the owner of this ranch. As I got closer to the woman and her horse I could see it was a mare. Oh no! I groaned. You better behave yourself boy. Hello ma'am. I'm looking for the owner of this ranch do you know where I can find him or her? The chestnut mare that she was working seemed to be an Arab. Your horse she's beautiful! Um I wouldn't come too close my horse here is a stallion.

[Nevvy]

Hooves hit the ground at a lope as Rachael rode her smoothly in the ring, the chestnut Arab picking up her gait a little quicker as she dashed across the ring before slowing down as they went into a figure eight. They had not really worked in a while, and although the mare was more of a pleasure horse than a show horse, she liked to keep her working rather than just trail riding. Slowing to a jog, the brunette looked up to see a trailer coming their way but she did not stop Juliet. They needed to keep going at the moment. Juliet started to slow down but Rachael caught her and squeezed her legs, making kissing noises. It took a few strides before she picked it up again, snorting, knowing she did not get away with anything. She stopped suddenly and let out a neigh toward the other horses before going into another jog, flaxen mane and tail bouncing up and down as she lifted her tail, her neck poised as she started to show off. Amber eyes looked over at the stallion and owner that were coming toward her. For the stop she took her into a quick lope before coming to a stop, her hindquarters going underneath her before progressing into a walk. Rachael loved her mare, but sometimes her smart-alecky ways were a little annoying. Turning toward the two, she looked over them before clicking her tongue at Juliet. But instead Juliet went into a little prance, wanting to show off for the stallion. Flirt. Rae muttered, stopping her and dismounting.

That’d be me. I’m Rachael Hardren, owner of Evergreen Ranch. What can I do for you? Feeling a nudge, she added, And this is the stable brat, Remember Juliet. She’s harmless unless you’re holding treats. Juliet looked over at the stallion, tilting her head a little, keeping her tail up in the standard Arabian fashion. You are? Juliet whickered toward the stallion, ears perked, watching him with interest.

[/blockquote]

[racingbelle]

That’d be me. I’m Rachael Hardren, owner of Evergreen Ranch. What can I do for you? Her horse gave her a nudge. And this is the stable brat, Remember Juliet. She’s harmless unless you’re holding treats. Just then Lightning decided that he would introduce himself. He charged up to the fence dragging me with him. Lightning you silly horse stop!

You are? The attractive mare asked me with a hint of flityness. I am Secret Lightning, future two year old champion. You are apparently Remember Juliet. I'll just call you Juliet. That is what everyone calls you right? I swished my tail lazily. She was a gorgeous chestnut mare. Maybe an Arab. Whatever she was she was a mare. The first I've seen besides Belle. I felt my owner pull at my lead rope. I just tossed my head rebelliantly. What do you train in. I train in the racing area. Juliet was a pretty mare, a really pretty mare...

Lightning! You nag stop it! I told you to behave yourself! Sorry, he isn't always like this..not even around mares. I don't know what's gotten into him. Silly horse. I laughed a patted him affectionately. Anyway, I'm Stevie Harper. This is Lightning. Secret Lightning. I also have another horse in the trailer. Her name is Belle. Southern Belle. I was wondering if you were hiring around here. I've done everything. Groom, exercise girl, jockey, you name it I've probably done it. The only thing is I need to board my horses and myself somewhere.. do you have any room? Even if it's a loft. I've done that before too. But before we start working out the details, do you have somewhere that I could put my horses for a while? This guy has had enough of the trailer and so has Belle. Belle nickered and I could hear her pawing inside of the trailer. There goes that new mat I put in. I mumbled half to myself. I wanted to get the horses out in the open where they could strech their legs and have a little fun while I worked out the details with Rachel. So how about it... Ms. Hardren.

[Nevvy]

The questions barraged her. Another person wanting a job? She did not know how many more she could employ. But she would do it anyway. Why? Because everyone needed a break. Pushing the brunette hair behind her ear, she looked up to the sky, willing the power of money to fall down on her. Of course! Horses come first. The mare, Belle, can be put over there in the mare and gelding barn. The stallion barn is over there for him. They both have runs so they can be let out there or they can be let out in their respective pastures for more room. The stalls are pretty roomy. I’ll show you where you can put your tack and such later on. Looking toward the house, she knew there were plenty of rooms. Of course, you can stay here as long as you want. However if you could chip in for groceries we can share. Or you can buy your own. We’ll work out those logistics later. When it comes to the job, I only really need grooms and stablehands. I do not have many horses here at the moment. Maybe later on down the road we can talk about something else.

The mare looked over at the stallion. A future champion, eh? Don’t count one’s chicks before they hatched or that really weird saying right? I am more of a pleasure horse, my show days are behind me. Instead I get to be the beautiful queen here.

[/i] Rachael turned toward the gate to put her own mare in the barn, the mare looked over at the stallion. Aww and we were getting along so well! Hope you miss me, I will miss you. Hope we get to see each other again soon. She waved her tail toward him. Evil! Rachael whispered as she started to prance again, being pulled down to a walk by Rae. Looking over at Stevie apologetically, she sighed. I’m sorry about this one. Juliet did not care, looking over at the stallion with something of a half smile it seemed. Closing the gate behind them, Rachael made certain not to get too close to the stallion. So just get ‘em settled and then you can meet me in the mare and gelding barn to talk about everything else.[/size][/blockquote]

[racingbelle]

Of course! Horses come first. The mare, Belle, can be put over there in the mare and gelding barn. The stallion barn is over there for him. They both have runs so they can be let out there or they can be let out in their respective pastures for more room. The stalls are pretty roomy. I’ll show you where you can put your tack and such later on. She looked toward the house as if wondering if she had enough room for me. Of course, you can stay here as long as you want. However if you could chip in for groceries we can share. Or you can buy your own. We’ll work out those logistics later. When it comes to the job, I only really need grooms and stablehands. I do not have many horses here at the moment. Maybe later on down the road we can talk about something else. Thanks I said and then I understood. She look like she was a bit short of money right now. Hmm I know how to fix this. I was going to us one of my old bosses tricks. You know what you don't have to pay me. I'll consider boarding for all of us pay. Sure I'll chip in with the groceries. Lightning started slowly inching his way closer to the fence. Hey no you don't! I gave him a sharp tug. Stop that you little brat. Two year olds what can you say.

I tossed my head again and took a step back to stand beside my owner. I am more of a pleasure horse, my show days are behind me. Instead I get to be the beautiful queen here.[/i] Her owner started to turn her toward one of the barns. Aww and we were getting along so well! Hope you miss me, I will miss you. Hope we get to see each other again soon. Aww don't go.. she waved her tail a me. I practically melted. She was such a pretty mare.. Evil her owner whispered as Juliet started to prance. Here was my chance... I reared yanking my lead rope out of my owners hands. Juliet what do you say can we go for a run?! I started to gallop in wide circles around them.

It's ok I'm sure... Lightning! Lightning towered above me as he reached for the sky. Then he bolted going in wide circles around us. He was saying something to the mare I was sure. Lightning stop it come back! Oh I'm so sorry. He has never done this before and he won't do it again I hope. Oh Lightning. He's going to hurt himself..with that lead rope!

[Nevvy]

Juliet looked over at the stallion a. Right away she felt guilty because she had never done this to hnd all of a sudden he was gone. What was he gonna do? Going toward the side, she shoved Rachael and she stumbled, catching herself on the fencepost. The mare had to think about it for a quick second as he ran around and around and around as if he had endless energy. She saw her chance and pulled as Rae tried straightening herself out and got away from the lack of strength on the reins. She had never done this before, but then again this stallion proved to show an adventure. You prove to give an adventure young stud, where is it you wish to travel? I can show you many places She asked, her voice melodic, galloping away quickly, ears perked, glancing behind her to see if he was going to keep up.

Rachael looked as she felt no more reins in her hand and saw the hindquarters of the chestnut mare behind her.

[/b]Juliet![/b] She yelled, her eyes widening. She had never done this before. Of course she was very jumpy and energetic, but come on now! Why had she done that?! Get back here Juliet! She knew that she would come back within time but that did not mean she wanted her to go. There were wild cats and bears out there.[/size][/blockquote]

[racingbelle]

Lightning! Juliet! Come back! I let out one more desperate cry as the two horses headed off into the woods. Oh gosh I'm so sorry! I'll get Belle...we can ride out..your do have another horse right? Lightning has never done this before. This is all my fault I'm so sorry. My fear turned to anger as I realized what I could have done. That stupid stud! I shouldn't have unloaded him! I should have put a shank on him, he wouldn't have taken off like that with a shank. This is all my fault! I was out of breath. They couldn't..have gone..far. Not with Juliet tacked and Lightning has a lead rope on. They have to get snagged somewhere, but that was the dangerous part. If we didn't find them soon Lightning's instincts will take over and he will breed her.

They last shouts from our owners were barely heard over the pounding of our hooves. You prove to give an adventure young stud, where is it you wish to travel? I can show you many places. Indeed you can. Let's go somewhere the humans won't find us...for a while. I shouted and went a bit faster so I could put my nose out front. I could do this forever. Running with a mare and just running plain by itself.

[Nevvy]

Juliet looked behind her and guilt shot her through her heart. Her owner was hurt by her actions, and she understood why. They always stood beside each other, they always listened to each other. They were each other’s best friends. Why did she do this? Because a colt asked her to? She sighed before slowing down, looking toward the woods before looking back at the stable. Her heart yearned for the freedom for a while, but her heart was guilty for what she was putting her owner through. Turning back toward the woods, she looked at it. Up in the mountains, it would take a while for the humans to get there. Follow me and I shall take you for an adventure. She felt the saddle rubbing against her and the stirrups beating against her sides, but she tried to forget about it. The reins were limp against her neck and she forgot about them, however the bit was incessant. Stopping for a second she nipped at the girth before moving on, disappearing into the woods as she dodged around trees before coming to the base of the mountain.

Rachael looked back at the mare and stallion running away. Juliet knew these lands, and she knew where to go. Sighing, she looked over at Stevie. No, I don’t have another horse yet. And she knows where to hide. She kicked a pebble that was next to her out of frustration. And she thought she knew her mare, and then out comes this!? What was she going to do now? She was worried that she was going to be hurt. She watched the mare as she disappeared, and knew she was headed off to the mountains, her favorite place to hide. You can take your mare and ride out toward the mountains, that’s where she’s probably going. Do you have a cell phone, I’ll give you my number just in case you need help if something is to happen. She stated, still looking at the forest.

[racingbelle]

Juliet! Don't worry about them! I feel guilty too but when do us horses have any fun? They'll understand. I know they will. Now come on take us to the mountains. My hooves feel into rhythm with hers as we approached the base of the mountain.

No, I don’t have another horse yet. And she knows where to hide. She kicked a pebble in frustration. Tears were silently streaming down my cheeks as I fought to control them. You can take your mare and ride out toward the mountains, that’s where she’s probably going. Do you have a cell phone, I’ll give you my number just in case you need help if something is to happen. I've caused so much trouble. I'll leave after I've caught your mare if you want. I sighed. Stupid stud. Stupid me. Mrs. Hardren. My horse Belle can carry two. It will be slow going but you know where their most likely to go. We can catch them easily, for I think they'll be ready to give up by then. We have plenty of daylight left so it shouldn't take long. Besides I don't know these areas. I'm bound to get as lost as my stallion without your mare. I'll get Belle and tack her up. You can tell me your decision then.

I ran back to the truck quickly and grabbed the blue lead rope in the back. Come on Belle. We're going for a trail ride. Lightning has done something stupid again. I told her the whole story and all of my worries as I tacked her up. I did this all the time. Belle and Lightning were my only family up here and Belle my best friend. I was worried about Lightning as a mother for her child. I knew how Rachel was feeling right now. I mounted up quickly and rode Belle to where Rae was standing. So what do you say? You coming?

[Nevvy]

RACHAEL HARDREN
I watched as she ran back to the truck before looking back at the woods where they disappeared. Juliet, what have you done? She muttered to herself, kicking at a small pebble and watching it bounce a couple times before landing in a puff of dust. In what felt like hours but I knew was just a few minutes I heard hooves. Looking over that way, I saw Stevie on whom I assumed was Belle. It was about time that she got another horse, but Juliet was enough. Maybe this time one that was not so…energetic, to put it nicely. Silently I climbed behind Stevie. Just ride through the woods until we get to the mountains. I said, relaxing my body so the ride would be a little bit more smooth.

REMEMBER JULIET
I looked behind me to see him still following me and kept climbing. Soon there would be a cave up ahead which she knew it would take a while for our owners to reach. I felt the reins hit my leg and brought my head up again, knowing danger lurked within the loop. The saddle was starting to slip to the side from the sweat that was starting to gather on my coat. Finally making it toward a flat piece of rock that led into the cave, I looked across the horizon, where a few drops of rain was starting to fall from the sky. I looked across to my home, and Lightning’s new home. Glancing back to see if he was there, I walked into the cave and out of the rain that was starting to fall quicker. Looks like we’ll be here for a while… I said, looking to see through the haze of rain that was falling and slapping against the rock.

[/blockquote]

[racingbelle]

"Well here's Belle. My first horse." I said as Rachel mounted up. Belle snorted nervously. In all the rush I had forgotten that she didn't like anyone but me in the saddle. I leaned forward and whispered to the mare. " Easy girl. I know, I know but we owe her this much. Don't worry, I'm going to kill that stud when we find him!" I knew I couldn't do that and Belle did too but Lightning was in the dog house on this one. Belle turned her head and looked at me as if to say "Not before I do." I laughed softly and kneaded my hands on her neck giving her the signal to walk. The black mare went into a slow plodding walk. "Belle! You know what I mean! You silly horse." I scolded. Ugh! Why did the mare choose now to be a pain?! She tossed her head and went into a bumpy trot. "I'm sorry for Belle's behavior Ms. Hardren but Belle has chosen now to show that she's a complete brat. You see", I pulled Belle back to a walk. Belle swished her tail in protest but stayed in a prancing walk. "she doesn't like any one me in the saddle. She's kind of a one horse girl. The men who tried to break her were rough and she wouldn't tolerate it. I came along and broke her my way. Ever since she hasn't let anyone in the saddle but me. I mean she's good when I'm on her back too but she still doesn't like it. " We were somewhere in the middle of the woods. I let out a loud shrill whistle that I used to call the horses. "Lightning I called out right after the whistle. Belle pricked her ears and stopped. I listened carefully, hopefully for the pounding of Lightning's hooves. "Well that didn't work. I've sort of trained them to come to the sound. Everyday when I came to the stables I would let out that whistle. Where ever they were on the property they would whinny and make a fuss. If they were in the pasture they would run to the gate. Am I talking too much? I um...do that when I'm nervous. Where to now if Lightning was in hearing range he would have come no matter what. Unless... unless your mare's in heat?" Oh please say that she was not in heat or else I would be in such big trouble. Lightning! Oh Lightning, why did you have to go and do such a thing?!

I was a little out of breath and in a light sweat as we scrambled up the mountain. I could tell that Juliet was nervous and that made me nervous too. I started to really think about what we had done. Alright I admit it, I didn't really think it through. Well I was thinking about how pretty Juliet was and how fun it would be to take a romp with her. Now it wasn't so fun after all. I watched as Juliet's rump disappeared into the cave. "Don't worry Juliet if we get in trouble for this, which we probably will, I'll somehow make the blame come onto me. This is my fault. Yeah I guess we will be here for a while but that's what we wanted right?" I went to the edge of the cave entrance and started to scrape the edge of my halter. I then felt it come over my ears and then drop to cave floor. Ahh better. I shook my head, flipping my mane back and forth. I walked over to Juliet and started to groom her, starting from the tip of the neck then going down. When I reached the saddle horn I stopped. Hmm maybe I could get this thing off. I lipped at the buckle. And then I tugged on the girth. Wow! It worked, the girth became looser. I started to do it again and again until the end of the girth was free. Only the part that was in the hole remained. Hmm... how could I get it out? I pulled downward but that didn't help. Then I pulled up and it came free. I nosed the rest of the girth through the buckle again and pushed the saddle off of her. It hit the cave floor with a thunk and I was satisfied. "There is that better?" I asked her and then turned my attention back to grooming her.

[Nevvy]

Rae glanced around as she rode behind Stevie, listening to what she had to say. She knew about temperamental, her own mare was showing her wonderful side right now. As the rain started to come down, she started to curse Juliet, the stallion, herself, anything there was to blame now. But right now she was stuck and she did not want Juliet hurt. She would not be nearly as upset if she was just wearing a halter and lead line. But oh no she had to be wearing a saddle and bridle. Going up the mountain would mean heightened dangers for her. Her heart pumped the adrenaline that kept her going and not freak with panic. Little Juliet was going to be so punished today. The rain started to come down hard and she felt as it hit her back and cool her right off. She shook her already soaked hair out of the way impatiently, noticing how they could hardly see a few feet in front of them. Of course, just their luck. She heard what Stevie was saying and understood exactly. She was hoping the mare wasn’t in heat either. She didn’t track it because she had never had any stallions on her property so saw no reason to really watch it unless they were going somewhere for a while or she knew there was one coming. Well this just changed her opinion of thinking about her being in heat. Maybe it was time to track it.

The Arabian chestnut mare glanced around, a little concerned that Lightning would not be able to make it up. But her fears were disproved when he joined her in the cave. Yes it was just what they wanted, to be here by themselves. The rain was coming down in sheets and she sighed. She knew their owners would now have a difficult time finding them up here through all this. She sorta wished it weren’t raining, but only because the sights were beautiful from this vantage point. She looked over at the stallion and right away her flirtatious behavior came back, although she wanted to try and stem it right now. All of a sudden she felt him grooming her, and in an instant she relaxed. Her lids closed halfway and she sighed contently. Even though he was young, he knew how to treat a mare. All of a sudden something was missing and her back felt lighter. Then she figured it out, the saddle was gone. It had landed on the ground. She shook her back. Thank you so much. Her voice came out in something of a whisper as she turned to stand next to him, letting their sides touch as she nuzzled his neck. Unfortunately she was in heat. She lifted her tail in the Arabian fashion and nudged him again. Now, is there anything that I can do for you? She asked, her voice still soft. Being in heat made her feel very flirtatious, especially for Lightning.

(Yeah, had to add more drama)

[/blockquote]

[racingbelle]

Belle suddenly shied and nearly threw me out of the saddle. "BELLE! What's wrong! Oh no somethings really wrong! She never shies with me!" Then she reared then went into a series of bucks, making me fly out of the saddle. I saw a flash of tan in a tree. "Raechel! We gotta go now! BELLE!"

"Your welcome. It's no problem. Maybe you can do something for me..." I said slyly. I forgot about everything and the stud side of me was coming out. I knew she was in heat. I felt it. Maybe, just maybe...

[Nevvy]

I looked over at him, a small smile on my face. Anything, Lightning. Just ask and you shall receive. I replied softly, giving him a flirty smile and flicking my tail at him before rubbing my head against his neck.

This was when a saddle was always great. With the first buck I felt myself being lifted off the horse, through the air and into the ground. I landed with a little ‘oomph’. I was dazed, but right away I started making sure that I did not break anything. I was lucky this time. There were so many trees around here, I could not believe that I did not hit one of them. I slowly got up, wincing at the slight pain in my back. That would be sore by tonight, I knew it. I heard her urgency and nodded. Yes, we had to get going. But now it was going to take forever. Hey, no need to be negative. I needed to be positive.

[/blockquote]

[racingbelle]

"Juliet, do you wanna...you know?" I had done it before and wanted to again. I nibbled her cheek softly and smiled slyly.

Suddenly the mountian lion jumped and caught Belle's hindquarters. She flung it away and dislodged the couger with it. I could see blood trinkling from the scratches. "Oh my gosh! Belle! Rae, R=run! I picked up a rock and flung it at the couger. Things were going badly and it was because of my stupid stud he was so dead! Belle ran toward me and I threw another rock at the couger. WE WERE GONNA DIE!!!!!