bonus prompt

Maciej gently opened the back of the horse box, lowering it down to the ground. I held a carrot in my hand as a hopeful peace offering as I stepped up into the box. Pulling open the second divider, I noticed he was looking at me over his shoulder. His eyes were a light shade of blue, gazing curiously into mine. His ears were resting neutrally, and if I didn’t know his story, I would’ve been convinced he was a gentle soul.

As nervous as I was, I had to be confident because one wrong move and it could end in an injury. I slowly moved into the empty side of the box, his eyes followed me carefully. “Hey boy,” I said whilst lifting the carrot above the divider, “You like carrots?”

I was clumsily risking my life here, having forgotten about his food aggression, but it was too late now. If anything bad was to happen, now would be the time.

His nostrils widened as he inched closer to sniff the carrot. He let out a small nicker and gently took the carrot from my hand. I looked back at Luna and Maciej and smiled, happy with the tiny progress and shocked with his friendliness. When I turned back, his face was directly in front of mine; ears forward and eyes wide. I stumbled back, letting out a small laugh, “Looking for more carrots?” He nickered again. He seemed to have personality which I definitely wasn’t expecting.

“Okay, let’s try to get you out of here hmm? I’m sure you’d much prefer the big field you have waiting for you,” I mumbled as I removed the wall separating us. “Now let me just… good man!” I had managed to untie the knot, and now had the lead rope in my hands. The trailer was rather large, and he was rather lean, so we managed a slow turn inside the box and a clean exit.

As we stood outside the horse box, he was curiously gazing around the property, eyes and ears alert.

“He’s a big ole boy, got some good muscle on him too,” Maciej said, looking him up and down, “He definitely has the physique for racing, it’s a shame his behaviour let him down.”

Luna nodded, “Definitely a shame. He seems like a sweet boy, maybe just misunderstood.”

He looked over at me, bringing his head down to mine. I slowly placed my hand on his neck, all of us watching him lean into it. I smiled, I think i’m already obsessed with him. Here’s to hoping the rest of this journey sails smoothly.