Run Fast & Turn Left [Duke]

[Myth :]]

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Hayden Dawson sat on the back of a black Thoroughbred filly by the name of Nyekundu. She was sired by a well known purebred racing stallion some where north of South Africa. Hayden went on a safari late last year and picked up this filly as a result. She went undefeated, but lost a race due to a small sprain on her leg when she left the starting gate. As a three year old, Hayden admires her drive and ability to kick butt, Hayden style. She was dressed in her normal exercise riding gear, a tan pair of riding pants with black boots that went up nearly to her knees. Her hair was tied up in a tight bun and she wore a black helmet on top of her head. Hayden usually never buckled her seatbelt, nor did she wear a helmet but she knew she had to send the right message. Malory had never raced before, and Hayden could remember when her father trained her and how scared she had been. Racing was Hayden's addiction, she simply couldn't get enough of it and still can't. Her horse had the proper exercise tack, a large white bridle with a sweatband over the nose and a white saddle. She loved the contrast of the white bridle against the black horse's head.

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Hayden turned to one of her stable hands. Make sure those gates work, someone screwed them up and I can't fix the stupid things. I've got a student coming soon, so make it quick! She sighed with a hint of anger in her voice. Her horse sidestepped a few times before the stable hand gave her the thumbs-up sign telling her the gate was working. She hadn't exercised one of her horses in a good couple of days, and it was important to keep your wits about you when entering this industry. Her head groom grabbed the horse's white reins and loaded the two into the starting gate. Hayden put her goggles and on made sure the only thing on her mind was the race. It was hard, but she blocked out just about every single distraction. Let's run fast and turn left, race the wind and beat the sun! The platinum blond whispered into her mount's pricked ears. Ring! The doors flew open, sure to get out of the way of the determined horse and rider. She kept Nyekundu's pace simple and slow, pretending that their was a pack of other racehorses just ahead of them, Hayden picked up her black filly's pace. They came to first turn, brushing right past where most of the stands were. Hayden rarely used those stands, not many races were every held here but it made her feel like she was in a real race, so she kept them for that reason only. Hayden kicked into high gear, and Nyekundu burst into a rush of pure speed and endurance, as Hayden loosened her tight grip on the reins the filly crossed the imaginary finish line and tossed her elegant head up wards. They cantered over to where the starting gates had been, wondering if Malory had arrived yet or not.

[::Sam::]

Mallory stepped out of the cab she had

taken over here. She reached inder her purse and pulled out a

couple twenties, then paid the texi man. He drove away, and

she walked over towards the track. She was wearing tan riding

pants and a tank top. She hurried over to the track, and when

she arived she watched Hayden ride the horse. She saw them

fly around the track, almost like they were one being. It was

magical. Their connection was so strong, it was powerful.

Mallory almost felt like backing down, but she was no wimp, so

she stood strong and waited for Hayden. When they finished

their practice round, she jogged over to the starting gates where

Hayden was waiting. Hey. She called out to Hayden. She

grasped her hard hat and pulled it over her curls. She crosed her

legs, a relaxed position she almost always took up when she

was nervous. Her friends could tell when she was neverous

when she a) crossed her legs, or b) tugged on her hair. She was

doing both right now. What if she was terrible and Hayden fired

her? Where would she be then? On the streets with Capi? She

had to do well. a burst of determinatino surged through her

body. She would do well.

[Myth :]]

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Hayden slowed Nyekundu's pace from a slow gallop to a steady canter. She lowered herself into the saddle as she halted the filly near Malory was standing. Hayden took of her gloves, rubbing the sweat on her hands off on her riding pants. She removed her helmet and handed it over to one of the grooms to keep until she would need it again. Hey Malory! I was just warming up, I'll go get one of the stable hands to get the horse I thought you would get along with best. She said as she scanned the area for her head groom. Hey! Go get Berlin, would ya? She ordered and softly stroked her filly's soft, yet strong neck. The black haired groom led out a handsome chestnut colt . The groom handed Hayden the exercise tack, and told her to call him if anything else was needed. She dismounted her filly and tied the reins to the railing of the racetrack. This is What'ca Berlin, he's three years old and is the son of The Lost World, and half brother to Sudden Fame. Back in his day, his father was the pride of BAI and still is to this day. Berlin has been doing amazing lately, I'm planning on racing him real soon and I want you to ride him. He's a pile of dynomite on the track, he can sure kick butt. Hayden beamed and softly stroked her colt's soft forelock.

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She slid on the saddle pad and carefuly adjusted the stirrups on the saddle to were they would fit Malory nicely. She placed the bit in front of the colt's mouth and just like magic the colt took the bit without hesitation. Berlin was a horse Hayden trained since he was only a few weeks old, she halter broke him at a month or so and within weeks he was gentle enough to be loaded in and out of a trailer. As soon as she was tacked, she handed the reins to Malory. Knowing this was all new to her, Hayden planned on getting the basics down first before they moved faster than a slow walk. She mounted Nyekundu and motioned for Malory to get on Berlin. Alright, since this is all new to you I'll start with the basics. When racing, one thing you never want to happen is to be boxed in. When that happens, your are surronded on all sides by the other horses and only on lucky occasions is it possible to even manage to place above fourth. You never want to be too close to the rail, the horses hate it and it's tiring on the horse to try and get back in the lead again. Slow and steady does NOT win the race, but it pays to be somewhat slower at the start. Keep up with the pack, and as lonh as your head is in the game you'll be on the right track. On the homestretch, just loosen up on those reins and let Berlin do the trick.

[::Sam::]

Excitement pulsed through Mallory as she saw the colt she would ride. He was gorgeous. She blinked twice and felt like hitting herself in the face. Was this really happening to her? Wow. This was like a dream come true! She gently stroked the colt's neck, looking him over. He was tall, sculped, and...just amazing. She listened carefully to all of Hayden's instructions and nodded and uh-huhed at all of the right places. She hoped that she wouldn't be too terrible!

Mallory waited until they were at the track, then mounted the colt. She didn't dare ask him to move, she just awaited Hayden's instructions. She felt tall and amazing on top of such a valuable horse. She dearly hoped she didn't make a fool of herself. Mallory stroked the horse's neck, and looked at the track. Could she do it? Well, it WAS her first time out, hopefully Hayden could give her a break if she sucked.

[Myth :]]

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Berlin pricked his ears as the girl got up into the saddle. He pawed at the ground, and chewed at the bit for a while before settling back down again. Hayden reached for her helmet and placed it in her lap so she could put her gloves back on again. She placed the helmet under her arm. Alright, we'll start with the basics first. Now, racing isn't like any other kind of riding you've probably done. It's one hundred percent different, and it's a difficult sport but very rewarding still. She wanted Malory to make sure that there was always the possibility of a fall, no racehorse owner, nor jockey would want to see their masterpiece fall and have to put down. Malory may break some bones, bleed a bit and end up in the hospital but that was the side of this industry Hayden accepted. Let's move at a walk, just to see how Berlin responds to you. Sit up and make sure your feet a nice and sturdy in the stirrups.

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Hayden pressed her calves against Nyekundu's sides and the filly pressed on at a slow walk, her ears pricked.

[::Sam::]

Mallory closed her calves around her horse and felt him glide into a walk. She kept her reins firm, but not too tight. It felt weird for her stirrups to be so short, but she soon got used to it. Mallory pushed her curly hair behind her ears, and looked at her horse with her blue eyes.

OOC: ACK im so sorry NO MUSE

[Myth :]]

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Berlin tossed up his head, sniffing the air around him. Hayden reached over and sharply yanked at his reins, a reminded to keep himself under the control of his rider. Most of the time he didn't even act like a colt, but a new rider meant new things to learn and he'd have to adjust to his new rider's way of riding. Hayden smooched softly to let Nyekundu know it was time to trot, motioning for Berlin and Malory to do the same. She didn't want Berlin to follow her, but what Malory to learn how to ride him on her own. Each time you mounted a horse you taught him something, where you knew it or not. Hayden knew she'd never get far if she didn't get Berlin used to her and her riding style. Hayden turned Nyekundu around and halted the elegant black filly. Okay, I'm to let you and Berlin get used to one another. I want you to canter him around that first turn. He'll want to gallop, but don't let him. She instructed, sitting back in the saddle.

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Berlin pawed at the ground and inched forward, but awaited the instruction of his rider.

[::Sam::]

Mallory nodded and bit her bottom lip, determined to do it right. she squeezed her calves around the colt and urged him into a faster gait. She leaned forward slightly, but not too far, and held a snug grip on the reins, letting him know she wanted a swift canter, but nothing more. She sat deeper in the saddle and gripped with her upper leg, so as not to confuse him into going faster. she kept her eyes up, scaning the track ahead of them, making sure the path she had chosen was a good one.

[Myth :]]

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Hayden sat in the saddle and smiled, she could tell Malory had somewhat of a natural talent for this. She was picking up rather quickly, she guessed that Malory had seen a few races once before as she was holding herself and the reins in the correct manner. Good, you're doing very good. She said, keeping her eyes glued to the colt and his rider. Alright, once you get into that last turn you can just let Berlin do his thing.

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Berlin snorted and just as he had been trained to do, he kicked his pace to a canter. He felt the bit tugging in his mouth which was a clear sign his rider wanted him to keep his gait controlled. They were nearing the turn, which meant Berlin would need to slow just a bit to make the turn.

[::Sam::]

Mallory leaned forward, and pressed her weight slightly more into her reins, easing up on the turn. As they came aroundt he last turn, Mallory leaned forward and dropped more and more of the reins and urged him on with her seat, legs, hands, and voice. She pushed her hands farther up on his neck, grasping his mane for support.

[Myth :]]

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Hayden grinned, what she saw in this girl was some serious racing potential. Malory had a natural chemistry with horses, which was what all jockeys long for. As they came home the final stretch Hayden watched to see how she would handle Berlin. He was a bit of a difficult mount but from what she saw Hayden knew Malory was made for this colt. Good! You are really doing great, now show me what you're made of. She said as the colt and rider made their way down the track.

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Stride after stride, the handsome chestnut colt was nearing the finish line even more. Hayden knew Berlin was one of her faster colts, so he usually always impressed anyone who watched her exercise him. She had gotten phone calls from people wanting to see him and his brother Sudden Fame race, but she declined their offers. She grinned, she knew they were sure to win this next race. Berlin snorted and felt his rider relax. He thundered down the track with the photo finish and finish line in his mind. As they passed the finish line, he slowed down slightly and tossed up his proud head as if to congratulate himself.

[::Sam::]

Mallory sat farther up and was breathing hard. she made her way over to Hayden, her whole body shaking with exhaustion. How...was...it? she made out, wheezing. she definetely wasn't in shape for this, but that wouldn't be too big of a problem. she could always work out. She squeezed some more longer breaths in with her hyperventiling. She pat Berlin, praising him. He was an amazing horse, and she still couldn't really believe she had just raced a real racehorse on a real track.

[Myth :]]

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She noticed what an impact the trial run had taken on Malory, but with a few weeks of trainig and simple work-out she would be in keen condition to race three weeks from now. Hayden had paid the entry fee, and tommorow she planned on sending in the name of her jockey. Wow, I'm very impressed! With a few more weeks of daily runs around the track and some work-outs to get you in shape you'll be up to racing.

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Berlin pricked his ears and pranced over towards the black filly and Hayden.

[::Sam::]

Malloy's eyebrows shot up, and she pricked her ears. Her? Race? Wow. THank you so much. I won't let you down, I promise. She said, then tightened her grip on Berlin's reins, as if to tell him, no fooling around with the filly. she untangled her hands from his reins and his mane, and grinned at Hayden. She would owe her so much by the end of these three weeks. She checked her watch. It was getting slightly later, and she still wanted to put a good hour or two of training Capi in before she got fed.

[Myth :]]

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Hayden let the reins rest on the filly's withers and gave a bright smile. She knew this girl had something inside of her, a jockey willing to break out. I know you'll do great. Hayden said softly, she knew Malory had to know what they'd be doing the day of the race before race day. Race day is three weeks from Friday, so every day at this time we'll be on the track. Twice a week you'll have some workouts but you should try and get a few miles in a day. I also wouldn't drink anything other than water, and watch your diet. At 6:00 race day you'll need to be dressed and ready to go, I'll hand you your silks before we head off. The press will be swamping me with stuff and questions, I'm still suspended so that'll come out for sure. Just be yourself and act natural, there aren't a lot of female riders out there so just stand your ground. I know, it is a lot of swallow in one day.

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The colt pricked his ears and softly tossed up his head. Berlin snorted and finally settled himself down enough to not feel like acting out. Nyekundu chewed at the bit, but with a simple tug with the right rein the filly pricked her ears and settled.