this means war

EUPHORIA'S WARRIOR WORKS FOR THE PREAKNESS STAKES WITH LUSITANIA'S SOLDIER AND LUCKY SILVER

Warrior had placed second in the Kentucky Derby to Eternal Phantom. It wasn't surprising as the filly was exceptional, but of course Warrior was furious about it. And his rider was too, if she was honest. The Preakness Stakes had the same field again, and it was likely the race would play out similarly again. Except this time, Stella and Warrior had to come out on top. Stella wanted this more than anything. She and Warrior had really worked hard this year and they'd done well, but she wanted a Triple Crown race win or two to show for it.

Warrior strode onto the dirt track, arrogance practically oozing from every pore on his body. Lucky Silver and Lusitania's Soldier followed, with Blaze and Marissa aboard. The three horses displayed their desire to gallop by attempting to take the bit, by kicking up the heels and by blatantly going faster than they were supposed to. Today though, they wouldn't be galloping. Warrior may have completely recovered from his run in the Kentucky Derby, but he needed to conserve energy for the Preakness Stakes. That was why today, they would go for a long trot, a short canter, and then another long trot followed by a walk on the hot walking machine.

Stella Marissa said suddenly. Stella glanced around at her, slightly surprised. A grin spread across her friend, co worker and boss's face. We don't have to work them on the track today. Let's take them to the beach? She suggested, white teeth shining between her dark pink lips. Marissa's tone told her that it was her decision, so Stella took a few moments to consider it. A beach work would definitely be more fun. Star Thoroughbreds was located on a large block of land with a pine forest and the beach. They could take the horses along the pine trail at a trot, then have a quick canter along the beach, and trot all the way home. It was perfect. A grin spread across Stella's face too, and she noticed Blaze was also grinning.

Let's do it. Stella replied, turning Warrior around and pointing him through the gap to leave the track. The colt was confused at first, but then seemed to realise the plan and after a minute's fuss, he set off after Soldier and Lucky. They headed down the grassy lane between the pastures, heading for the trees at the back of the property. The colts all sighed with pleasure, their walks almost at trotting speed as they eagerly headed for the forest trail. When they reached the end of the grazing fields, the treeline was about thirty metres away, and they broke into trot.

The morning was already warm, so when the three thoroughbreds and three riders reached the cool shade of the tall trees, they let out a collective sigh of relief. Stella took the reins in one hand, careful not to allow any slack, and gave Warrior's neck an affectionate rub. The colt snorted his appreciation, and Stella smiled adoringly. Warrior was definitely one of her favourite horses, if not her actual favourite. His record this year was a reflection of her efforts with him. Under her, he had won four times, come second three times, and third once, all in big races. Sarah, who had ridden him last year before falling pregnant, was really happy with how Stella was going with Warrior. Understandably, she'd been worried about how her usual mounts would go for different riders.

They had nearly reached the beach now. The air had turned slightly salty and Stella could hear the waves. Let's canter! Marissa called from the front of the group. Then she and Lusitania's Soldier accelerated away from them, then followed by Blaze and Lucky Silver. Warrior excitedly bounded forward, going wide around his stablemates and accelerating into a very fast canter, despite the heavy sand. They headed on down towards the water for the harder sand, and Warrior was there first. He tugged on the bit, raring to go, but Stella firmly kept him in canter.

The three thoroughbreds enjoyed the cooling splash of sea water on their bodies as they cantered through the shallows, and the riders enjoyed the cool breeze that came in off the ocean, as well as the occasional splash in the face or any other exposed skin. Stella was tempted to slow the colt down and turn him into the waves, but of course they weren't wearing the tack they reserved for beach rides. So she continued to canter him along, eventually glancing back to see how far they'd come. Unfortunately, it was time to turn back. Stella leaned back slightly, putting a bit of pressure on the colt to slow down. He reluctantly dropped back to trot, and the other two colts slowed to trot behind him.

Marissa and Blaze were grinning, and Stella quickly realised that she was too, without even knowing it. Together they turned back in the direction of home, setting off at a canter again. In no time at all, they were back at the trail and trotting for home. Stella couldn't stop smiling. The Preakness Stakes was just two days away, and they'd just had a really good fun workout with no galloping involved. Warrior felt pleasantly calm, and Stella knew the trail/beach workout had been just what he needed to release pent up energy. He'd be be ready to go out and win on Preakness day, no doubt about it. Stella just needed to ride as best she could and let him do the rest.

finished