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Post by Cavallo on Jul 23, 2012 20:16:57 GMT -5
The Beginning.
Day One
Nick led the bay stud colt, The Innocent Skier was tacked and ready. Round and around they went in the walker. Nick talked soothingly and Ian plodded along ears flicking as he listened to Nick's voice. Nick rested a hand on his neck and gauged how the tension was easing from his body. He gave Ian an admiring eye. He was a beautiful horse. Nick rubbed the star on his face and he seemed to relax against his hand. Ian was not an overly affectionate horse and Nick took his relaxation as a sign that he was at ease and trusting of him.
These kinds of horses that were a mystery were the most fun to work with. Nick saw the intelligence in his eyes. He had seen Ian run and when he ran he ran with purpose...he was actually surprised he hadn't taken a win yet...lots of seconds and thirds, but no wins. Hmm.
Nick gave the colt a thoughtful look. He had decided to enter the Jet Ski and Little Miss Innocent son into the Breeder's Cup Marathon. The reporter's rumor mill was for once based on truth. He thought about the work ahead and knew that this was going to take work, but Ian was well rested and he knew they would have a chance....every entrant did.
That's what Nick loved about racing. Ian gave a toss of his head and Nick sensed that he was ready for a good breeze. There was no rush on their end, one of the blessings about being a smaller stable was that it definitely freed Nick up to train the horses they did have.
Kyle Landing came meandering up and watched his brother bond with The Innocent Skier. He smiled, come race day it would be him up on the back of the brilliant bay. Nick looked up to see his brother and smiled waving him over. You're just in time! Ian here was telling me how he was ready for a run.
Kyle laughed and stared at Ian. He was so hard to read. That's why the time to start reading him was now. The sooner the better. Kyle nodded and walked over as he took the lead from Nick. Mind if I walk him a bit before I breeze him?
If there was one thing Nick prided in his staff it was their sensitivity to the horses. He smiled and inside he was warmed that Kyle had sensed Ian's distance and was eager to bring the colt in...into relationships.
By all means. I'm going to go grab Michael and make sure he's working with Alluring Assault. I'll be back to watch ya'll breeze.
Kyle nodded and continued walking with the colt. Ian who had relaxed with Nick watched Kyle with a keen eye...as if measuring up the worth of this man. You're an intelligent one you are... Kyle spoke soft and low while he kneaded his neck muscles with his knuckles. For 10 minutes they walked and with each passing moment, Kyle had felt Ian's defenses go down as he relaxed once again.
That's my boy...now...what do you say to a run? He looked to read the colt and sensed his readiness to move on...he trusted him. Kyle couldn't contain a boyish smile as he led the colt out of the loop and towards the turf.
Ian's eyes were aglow with anticipation. Suddenly, Ian's auds flicked to the sound of approaching footsteps. Kyle turned to see Nick returning.
Well, how'd it go? Ian loosened up and ready to run? Nick held a palm out to the colt, who sniffed his familiar scent and tossed his head.
Well...I will take that as a yes. Nick chuckled and turned to Kyle. Here...let me give you a leg up.
Nick cupped his hands and Kyle placed a foot in the foothold and hoisted himself up onto the saddle. Ian sidestepped slightly, but Nick was then holding the bridle as he waited for Kyle to get situated. Take him for 4 furlongs, go easy though because tomorrow we're going to work on his technique and tactics.
Kyle nodded and nudged Ian into a light canter...Ian seemed right at home. His spirit was edgy, aware and eager and he seemed only ready to follow Kyle's game plan. Kyle was amazed at how trusting and forgiving most horses were...all it took was to take the time to listen to them and build up trust....already this was turning out to be a beautiful relationship.
Kyle felt Ian, sensed his receptiveness and eagerness to up the pace... this horse was amazing and it wasn't just be cause of his bloodlines... though he knew that in the "Breeder's Cup" this would be a factor, he wasn't worried. His dam was a GHF Hall of Famer and his sire Jet Ski was a Dawn Treader Cup winner, BC Place and also the sire of G1 Fleet Goddess. Kyle wasn't worried about the pedigree of this colt.
He asked Ian for more after the second furlong and he was all to eager to comply. The turf flew and Kyle crouched closer to his neck as he whispered confidence into his mount. Of all things and places, victory first started with the mindset and the self-concept. Build up your horse...let them know you believe in them...picture them winning and that horse will run it's heart out for you.
The end was in sight and Ian responded to Kyle as natural as breathing. Nick watched on the rail as the two individuals became one mighty entity. A smile slowly crossed his features as he watched Kyle rein in the colt. They had prep work yes....but today most of the foundation had already been laid...now they just had to build. Nick looked at his stop watch. Four furlongs is 0:35:59. Yes, they had amazing foundation to build upon...and everyone knew that the foundation was the most important part.
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