[Simonpet]

Okay. Thanks. I didn't understand. When I finish the next part of training, I'll post it. Right now, it is a draft.

[Simonpet]

Training day 4
It took a long time before Target got used to her saddle. She became very grumpy and often snapped at me if I tried to go near her. I tried reasoning with her, but it didn't work out. I couldn't understand her! She has taken to her head collar, but her saddle was unacceptable to her. Finally, I couldn't put it off. I had to ride her eventually.

The day I made my decision, I make myself a breakfast of egg, and Target a breakfast of boiled chicken. Afterwords, I get out my riding gear, slightly dusty as I had never used it. Thankfully, it still fits me. I put it on and stretch, painfully aware of the injury to my shoulder. I flex it, thinking it was a bad sign for it to be open. As I open the door, I scan for Target. I don't see her anywhere...until she nearly bowls me over with an enthusiastic pounce. "Gosh, do you need to be so big?" I grumble to myself. It appeared that Target had finally gotten over her frustration about the saddle, and was just as excited as me to become a real racer! I thank my lucky stars she had finally gotten used to the saddle. I toss Target the chicken, and while she is eating, I climb onto her. Target replies with a bark as quiet as she can make it, and a shifting of her weight. I am not prepared for the sliding that accompanies my Echobi's movement. I grab for the saddle, just before I tip over. When Target finishes her breakfast, she stands up, anticipating my need. I say, "Giddyup?" Target turns her head around to face me with an expression that clearly says, What is this rubbish you are saying? I laugh at her bemused expression, and dig my heels in a bit. Not enough to hurt her, but enough for her to feel it. She jumps slightly at the touch, and finally starts walking. A bit too slow for my taste. This time I dig my heels in. Hard. Target takes off like a cannonball, and I attempt to grab onto her straps, trying to cling for dear life. Well, maybe not for dear life, but it sure feels like it! I fail miserably, and fall off. I slide into the dirt, and get a mouthful of mud. Tasty. Not. Target stops when she feels my weight disappear, and gallops back to me. "With your speed," I say as I stand up. "We'll win every race." Target starts jumping around, and the earth starts to shake, almost making me fall again. As usual, it is very eerie how Target appears to understand almost every word I say. I climb on again, Target lowering herself to make it easier, and starts as soon as I get settled.

Some days and many falls and bruises later, I can now hold onto Target when she is riding at all speeds. Target has gotten leaner due to the exercise, and I swear I can see her muscles becoming bigger by the day. It had been a good day, and I gave Target a rack of lamb as her treat, before brushing her and heading off to bed. It had been a good two weeks.

Target has now been ridden

[Simonpet]

I listen to the fireworks above me as I lie in bed. I know that it is the end of a good year. Target has grown from the shy and unapproachable two-year-old, to an almost mature three year old. She is sleeping now, stomach full after her treat I gave her for the New Year. I am sure that she is almost ready to start racing, as every day now, I ride with her and on her. She responds more to commands, and will start, slow, turn and jump with a touch of my heels or a tug on the reins. She has become a muscular Echobi, lean and fit after about a year worth of riding. I smile to myself, and go to sleep, thinking about the year to come.

Target is now three years old

[Simonpet]

Bump