Ready

There is no greater joy on earth than the feeling you get from running a horse at full gallop.

The fateful sun rose heavenward,

And steadily climbed the sky,

As people and horses prepared for courses,

Ready to do or die.

The racers were called out, one by one,

Proving their blood, sweat, and tears,

A little blonde lass sat out on the grass,

Ready to face her fears.

Cowboys raced, scores were called.

And time passed by so slow,

But the young girl waited as her horse, elated,

Was ready to begin the show.

At last her name came across the mic,

And she mounted with easy grace,

The crowd grew quiet, her heart went to riot,

Ready to start this race.

She entered the gates with a click and a turn,

Pulling hard on the reigns in her hand,

She patted her palm and told him to calm,

Ready to kick up the sand.

He tossed his head, a stomp and a snort,

She counted to one, two, then three,

"Let's go!" she said, and he lunged ahead,

Ready to run and be free.

The wind slashed hard against her face,

As the pair built up their speed,

There was no sound as they raced around,

He was ready, her Lightning Steed.

It was over in under ten seconds,

Over too quick, too fast,

Shaking, he stood, and she knew he was good,

Ready to win, at last.

The first place trophy was beautiful, but

Nothing compared to his flying mane,

Nothing can crush the high of their rush,

Finally, ready to race again!

Author's Note

This is my first (intended) narrative poem based on my experience in barrel racing horses. This is how I feel during the four corner, or arena, race - an event in our local horse shows. I've been riding horses for 10 years and racing them for 7. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did writing it!

Reviews

[Tate Morgan]

barrel racing the very thought of it is fun.Jerks you around a bit but it is fun to do and to watch.You learn to glue your a*s to the saddle.i for one always failed to get my saddle tight enough lol.I have been thrown run over stomped on and humbled what a thrill lol

[Katie Lynn]

Barrel racing is difficult but always worth the thrill lol. I too have been hurt several times by horses, especially thrown off, but working with them is the best way to teach someone responsibility and determination. I am thankful for the lessons I have learned through my experiences with those beautiful creatures.

[Muse]

Wish I could relate...want to...would love too. I read some of you horse lovers on here, and I get green with envy. Beautiful work.

[Katie Lynn]

Thank you. Just go steal someone's horse!

[Muse]

ha ha ha will do!

[Dr. Wood ?]

great...I love the story and the flow..I do think it sort of hiccups with 'FLYING' mane..it is a stumbling point...I would simply cut out the word flying..as expressive as it is it stops the flow and rhythm....Just my point of view..I could be wrong

[Katie Lynn]

Thank you for your input, I appreciate it. I will take a look and see what else I can do with it. Thanks!

[Dr. Wood ?]

no problem, we are here to help each other out, why else would we go through all the writing and posting if not to be reviewed...

[Katie Lynn]

So true

[Enid Blake]

I agree with what the doc said up above lol.
I enjoyed reading it, good rhythm and good story. I do think the 'flying' mane interrupts the rhythm a little...

[Mic]

All the time spent in prep for that wee moment in time. Not familiar with horses, but enjoy that moment with working dogs often.

Good sequence, flow, and love the rhyme. Enjoyable read.

Very well done!

[Katie Lynn]

Thank you, I appreciate you taking the time to review this.

[Wakeofahero]

Really great read!!!

[zainul]

I can see two happy horse experts here.
I love you both for you are really very fair.
Running a horse at full gallop give you joy.
The beauty of the flying mane -I enjoy.
I adore the horse who is always ready.
I greet you little blonde lass, lovely Katie.

[Katie Lynn]

Thank you :)

[zainul]

You are welcome :)