[Bonus Prompt 3] Superstar

Katrina was nervous to push the mare past what she felt her limits were. Foxy could walk for as long as she asked her to. The chestnut plum would even gallop if she spurred her on. Galloping was easier on the joints than simpler actions like trotting which welcomed more impact and any time the mare tried to do it, she would whinny and drop down to a walk or speed up to a gallop. Later, her joints would be slightly inflamed and the handler would give her a small amount of paste to help ease the discomfort.

The feline sighs, shifting in the saddle and reaching forward to stroke the side of the loshenka’s neck. “What do you think, Foxy? Do you think you’re ready to give this another shot?”

The mare neighs, bobbing her head up and down.

Katrina exhales softly and taking the reins up, she eases the mare into her usual, slow walk around the arena. “You can do this, Foxy. I believe in you and I won’t give up. Not as long as you keep trying.”

Whether Foxy can understand the words or just the tone, a determination enters her purple eyes as they make the turn around the edge of the arena. As they enter the straightaway and the mare feels the gentle pressure from Katrina’s knees, she kicks up her speed into a trot. This time, the discomfort is minimal and instead of easing back into her walk or advancing into a gallop, she continues at her current gait.

“Yes! You’ve got it!” Katrina keeps her at that pace for an entire lap around the arena then pulls gently on the reins to slow her down. They were just getting started and she didn’t want to injure the mare when they had finally overcome the final hurdle. This was it. The final culmination of everything they strived for from the moment the trailer door opened was here. No more abscess, healthy, active, and confident. The mare was free of the ailments that plagued her and ready to live her life to the fullest.

Katrina guides her to the stairs and dismounts from the saddle. “You did it, Foxy! There’s nothing in this world that’s going to stop you.” The feline rests her forehead against the mare’s neck, giving her a gentle scratch. “I’m so proud of you.”

Foxy neighs happily and gently bumps her head against Katrina’s, causing her handler to giggle.

For this team, the sky was the limit.