[BONUS PROMPT 2] That's the Spot

After training with Freak for a few weeks, Frida was getting to know him better but still sensed that he was hiding something. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was something in the way he looked at her that gave her a strange feeling. Unbeknownst to her, the stallion carried a constant fear of being forced to do something he didn't want to do or something that would hurt him. He had suffered for years before being taken in by the sanctuary, enduring miles of trails without anyone showing concern for him. Regardless of how well he was being treated, he was constantly wary of those around him. While Frida couldn't know exactly what was on her horse's mind, she couldn't help but notice that something beyond physical pain was bothering him.

 

The handler, Frida, decided to contact Sagebrush Sanctuary to learn more about the trail-riding company where Freak came from. Lisa, their contact person, informed Frida that the company was located in a forested mountain range and the horses always followed the same forest trail. She apologized for not having more information about Freak’s past, but Frida had already formulated a plan and thanked her. Later that day, after administering the stallion's daily medication, Frida prepared him for riding with a bridle and bareback saddle. She had been waiting for him to become more comfortable before riding him, but now she felt ready. Svea joined them with her horse as they walked down from the cliff toward the beach.

 

“You really think the beach is a good first place to ride him?” Svea asked with a worried look. 

 

“Yes, actually I do.” Frida smirked, “This horse has only ever done the same routine all his life. The most excited I’ve seen him is when he first arrived and he seemed to love the experience. Also, Freak has never seen the ocean so if he likes new stuff this will be a hit.”

 

Svea was not convinced but always stuck with her best friend. Besides, someone would need to be there to call an ambulance if something went wrong. Arriving at the shore, Frida first walked her horse around for a while. His ears perked forward as he put his hooves into the soft and deep sand. Keeping his balance wasn’t easy at first, but after a few steps, he found it. He smelled the air and gently mumbled to his horse friend, who nickered supportingly in reply.

 

Using some large rocks as mounting blocks, the girls got onto their horses and started riding slowly along the water. Freak held his head high, and his ears moved back and forth as he listened to both the riders and the ocean. After a couple of minutes, he seemed to have calmed down a little. With a smile, Svea suggested a gallop along the beach. Frida looked nervous and was about to decline, but before she could speak, her friend had already begun.

 

Frida felt her stallion tensing up beneath her, eager to follow. She gave the cue and held onto his neck rope as Freak suddenly thundered towards their friends. Upon reaching them, both horses sped up and raced towards the path back home. They turned their horses onto the cliff-side path, slowing down to a trot before reaching a walk. The girls laughed as the sweaty horses panted and walked with their heads low.

 

“Woah, that was great!” Frida said with a shaky laugh. 

 

“Yeah, I think you found what he likes doing!” Svea said and added, “Also, the sand and water are super good for training his strength and stability. Let me know if you want to go for a longer ride sometime!”

 

“I definitely will!”